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Veg Thali Cost Stable, Non-Veg Cheaper as Chicken Prices Fall in March

The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali remained unchanged in March 2026 compared to the previous year, as lower prices for onions, potatoes, and pulses balanced out increases for tomatoes, edible oil, and fuel. Meanwhile, the non-vegetarian thali became 1% cheaper, primarily due to a 2% annual decline in broiler chicken prices. Key drivers included a 33% surge in tomato prices from delayed crop transplanting and a 25% drop in onion prices due to a supply surplus. Geopolitical tensions are keeping edible oil and LPG costs elevated, limiting further declines in overall meal preparation costs.

Key Points: Veg & Non-Veg Thali Costs: March 2026 Price Analysis

  • Veg thali cost flat year-on-year
  • Non-veg thali fell 1% on lower chicken prices
  • Tomato prices surged 33%, onions fell 25%
  • Global conflicts pushed up edible oil, LPG costs
3 min read

Cost of veg thali stays stable in March, non-veg thali turns cheaper

March 2026 saw stable veg thali costs but cheaper non-veg thalis. See how onion, tomato, and global oil prices impacted your home-cooked meal.

"The West Asia conflict has driven up crude oil prices, which have, in turn, lifted edible oil prices - Pushan Sharma"

New Delhi, April 6

The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali remained stable in March this year, compared to the same month last year, while that of a non-vegetarian thali fell 1 per cent as chicken prices declined during the month, according to a report released by Crisil Intelligence on Monday.

The cost of cooking a vegetarian thali at home remained flat in March as lower prices of onions, potatoes and pulses offset the increase in tomato, edible oil, and fuel costs. The cost of a non-veg thali fell due to an estimated 2 per cent on-year decline in broiler prices, which accounted for around 50 per cent of the cost, on a high base, the report states.

Tomato prices rose due to delayed transplanting in key regions, while onion prices fell because of a supply surplus, and weak demand weighed on potato prices, the report stated.

Tomato prices rose 33 per cent on-year to Rs 28 per kg in March 2026 (from Rs 21 per kg in March 2025), driven by delayed transplantation in key producing regions, such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, which have adversely impacted crop development, yield, and timely arrivals.

Onion prices fell 25 per cent on-year due to excess supply from overlapping late kharif arrivals and rabi harvest, coupled with weak exports, leading to distress sales given the limited shelf life of late kharif onions. Pulse prices declined 6 per cent on-year on account of higher opening stocks in the current fiscal, relieving the pressure on prices.

Vegetable oil prices rose 6 per cent on-year due to the ongoing global supply disruption. The price of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders rose 14 per cent on-year amid global supply disruption, limiting the decline in the overall cost of thalis, the report further states.

Crisil Intelligence Director Pushan Sharma said: "The West Asia conflict has driven up crude oil prices, which have, in turn, lifted edible oil prices amid increasing demand from the biofuel segment. Global prices of palm and sunflower oil increased during the month, transmitting to domestic markets as well. At the same time, importers have turned cautious due to high prices, reducing their procurement and weighing on ending stocks."

"In the near term, geopolitical uncertainties are expected to keep vegetable oil prices high," he added.

Onion prices are expected to remain under pressure in the near term due to high arrivals and sluggish export demand. However, with an estimated decline of around 10 per cent in production and reported damage to the summer crop (crucial for lean-season supply), onion prices are expected to gradually recover in the coming months. A resurgence in exports or support from the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (NAFED) could further support prices, the report further stated.

The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east, and west India. The monthly change reflects the impact on the common man's expenditure. The data also reveals the ingredients such as cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil and cooking gas, that are driving the change in the cost of the thali.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a non-vegetarian, I welcome the 1% drop, but let's be real, it's hardly noticeable at the market. Chicken prices fluctuate weekly. The real issue is the 14% hike in gas cylinder prices. That hits every kitchen, veg or non-veg.
S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. It shows how interconnected everything is—geopolitics in West Asia affecting our cooking oil prices here in India. The focus should be on improving domestic supply chains and storage for onions and tomatoes to prevent these wild swings.
A
Aman W
Tomato at Rs 28/kg is still high for many families, especially in smaller towns. The 33% rise is significant. The report mentions delayed transplanting—this is where better agricultural planning and early warnings for farmers are needed. Jai Kisan.
K
Kavya N
Good to see pulses becoming cheaper. As a vegetarian household, dal is our protein staple. Hope this trend continues. The overall stability is a positive sign, but my monthly grocery bill still feels heavier than last year.
V
Vikram M
While the data is helpful, I have a respectful criticism. The "average cost" calculated for all regions might not reflect ground reality in specific states. Prices in the South vs. North can be very different for vegetables like tomatoes. A more regional breakdown would be useful.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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