 "In August 2024, thali costs plummeted, driven by massive price drops in key ingredients like tomatoes and fuel, offering hope amid inflation.")
In August 2024, the cost of preparing a vegetarian thali at home decreased by 8 percent year-on-year, while non-vegetarian thali prices dropped by 12 percent. This decline was mainly due to significant price cuts in essential ingredients like tomatoes, which fell by 51 percent, and a drop in the cost of vegetable oil and spices. Lower LPG prices also contributed to the overall reduction in thali expenses. Month-on-month, the vegetarian thali cost dipped 4 percent, and the non-vegetarian thali decreased by 3 percent. This price relief comes as a positive change for many households in India amidst ongoing concerns about food inflation.
The cost of preparing a traditional thali at home has seen a significant decline in August 2024, according to Crisil’s latest research. The price of vegetarian thalis dropped by 8 percent compared to last year, while non-vegetarian thalis experienced an even sharper decline of 12 percent. This reduction can be largely attributed to lower prices of essential food items, especially tomatoes, vegetable oil, and spices.
One of the main contributors to this price drop is the dramatic decrease in tomato prices, which fell by an impressive 51 percent year-on-year, sliding from Rs 102 to Rs 50 per kilogram in August 2024. This is due to increased fresh supplies from various regions. Additionally, the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders have also decreased, providing further relief on cooking costs. For instance, the price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi decreased by 27 percent, from Rs 1,103 in August 2023 to Rs 803 in March 2024.
Moreover, the costs of other ingredients like vegetable oil, chilli, and cumin have also fallen, contributing to the overall decrease in thali costs. Meanwhile, non-veg thali prices also dropped significantly, thanks to a 13 percent reduction in the price of broilers, which constitute a large portion of the non-veg meal price.
In terms of monthly comparisons, there was a 4 percent decline in veg thali costs and a 3 percent decrease for non-veg thalis from July to August 2024, primarily driven by a further drop in tomato prices. However, a slight increase in potato and onion prices limited the extent of these reductions.
This drop in food costs is a positive sign for Indian households struggling with food inflation, making home-cooked meals more affordable amidst rising living expenses.
Tags: thali prices, food inflation, vegetarian thali, non-veg thali, Crisil research, home cooking costs, food essentials.
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What is a veg thali?
A veg thali is a traditional Indian meal that typically includes a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a platter. -
Why did the cost of veg thali drop in August?
The cost of veg thali dropped by 8% in August mainly because tomato prices went down. -
How do tomato prices affect the cost of veg thali?
Tomatoes are a common ingredient in many vegetarian dishes, so when their prices fall, it helps reduce overall meal costs. -
Is this drop in cost good news for consumers?
Yes, a drop in the cost of veg thali is good news for consumers because it means they can enjoy their meals at lower prices. - What does Crisil say about this cost change?
Crisil, a research company, reported that the decrease in tomato prices is the main reason for the lower cost of veg thali in August.
