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Vegetarian thali prices dropped 9% and non-vegetarian thali 4% in January 2023 due to cheaper tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. Annual non-veg thali prices rose 17% due to higher broiler costs.
The price of a vegetarian thali increased by 2% in January on an annual basis. (Representative/AP File)
In a welcome development for consumers grappling with inflation, the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali decreased by 9% in January 2023 compared to December 2022. The price of a non-vegetarian thali also experienced a decline, falling by 4% during the same period. These findings were reported on Thursday by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analytics.
The arrival of the new Rabi crop has led to a significant decrease in tomato prices, which have fallen by 34% compared to the previous month. This reduction, along with a 16% drop in potato prices and a 21% decline in onion prices since December, has contributed to a decrease in the overall cost of a thali.
The Crisil report stated that the price of a non-vegetarian thali declined at a slow pace. This was attributed to an estimated 1% increase in broiler prices in January 2023 compared to December 2022.
However, the price of a vegetarian thali increased by 2% in January on an annual basis, while that of a non-vegetarian thali increased by 17%.
The rise in the price of a non-vegetarian thali was attributed to an estimated 33% year-on-year increase in broiler (chicken) prices, which constitute approximately 50% of the cost of a non-vegetarian thali. This price surge is attributed to the low base of the previous year when prices declined due to increased production.
Due to a low base the previous year, potato prices have experienced a significant increase. In January 2023, potatoes reached Rs 31 per kg, compared to Rs 23 per kg in January 2022.
In addition to these increases, the price of pulses and cooking oil has also risen year-on-year. However, a decline in the price of LPG, down 11% year-on-year, has partially offset these increases.