Home-Cooked Thali Costs Ease in January as Vegetable and Pulse Prices Fall

Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Thali Costs Decline Year-on-Year​

The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali declined in January compared to the same month last year, driven by lower prices of key vegetables and pulses.

According to a report by Crisil Intelligence, the cost of a vegetarian thali fell by 1 percent year-on-year in January, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali dropped by 7 percent. The moderation reflects easing prices of essential ingredients, although select items recorded increases that limited the overall relief.

Onion, Potato and Pulse Prices Drive Relief​

The reduction in vegetarian thali costs was primarily supported by a sharp fall in onion, potato and pulse prices.

Onion prices declined by 27 percent year-on-year, aided by higher stock availability and subdued exports. Potato prices fell by 23 percent due to a high base effect, as lower yields in the previous season had pushed prices up. The correction this year contributed to easing costs.

Pulse prices also softened, decreasing by 14 percent compared to the previous year as stock levels improved in the current fiscal year. Higher imports of Bengal gram, yellow pea and black gram supported this trend. Import of Bengal gram rose nine times year-on-year in fiscal 2025, while yellow pea imports increased by 85 percent and black gram imports grew by 31 percent. These imports have been permitted until March 2026 despite minor duties being imposed.

Pushan Sharma, Director at Crisil Intelligence, said that the decline in vegetarian thali cost was led by softer onion and pulse prices due to improved stock levels, along with a high base effect in potatoes.

Tomato Prices Surge, Offset Part of Gains​

While several ingredients became cheaper, tomato prices moved sharply higher.

Tomato prices surged 50 percent year-on-year to ₹46 per kg in January 2026, compared to ₹31 per kg in January 2025. The spike was attributed to a 39 percent decline in arrivals during the month, although the increase came off a low base last year.

The rise in tomato prices partially offset the relief from cheaper onions, potatoes and pulses.

Higher Input Costs Limit Overall Decline​

In addition to tomatoes, other input costs also increased.

Vegetable oil prices rose 4 percent year-on-year due to tighter global soybean oil supply, which pushed up domestic prices. The cost of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders increased 6 percent year-on-year, further limiting the overall reduction in thali preparation costs.

Despite these pressures, the overall cost of preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis remained lower in January compared to a year ago, reflecting the impact of easing prices in key staples.