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Veg Thali Cost Flat, Non-Veg Down 3% as Tomato Prices Soar 43%

The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali remained unchanged year-on-year in February 2026, while a non-vegetarian thali became 3% cheaper, according to a Crisil Intelligence report. A sharp 43% annual surge in tomato prices, caused by reduced crop arrivals, offset declines in onion, potato, and pulse prices to keep the veg thali cost stable. The decline in the non-veg thali was primarily driven by a 7% drop in broiler prices. On a month-on-month basis, both thali types became cheaper in February, aided by falling prices of key vegetables.

Key Points: Veg Thali Cost Stable, Non-Veg Cheaper in Feb: Crisil

  • Veg thali cost flat year-on-year
  • Non-veg thali cost fell 3%
  • Tomato prices surged 43% due to lower supply
  • Broiler prices dropped 7%, aiding non-veg thali
2 min read

Veg thali cost remained flat, non-veg declined 3% in February: Crisil report

Crisil report shows home-cooked veg thali cost flat, non-veg down 3% year-on-year in Feb 2026, driven by soaring tomato prices.

"Tomato prices rose 43 per cent year-on-year - Crisil 'Roti Rice Rate' report"

New Delhi, March 6

The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali was flat year-on-year in February 2026, while a non-vegetarian thali declined 3 per cent, according to the 'Roti Rice Rate' report of Crisil Intelligence.

Despite a decline in the prices of onion, potato and pulses, the cost of a veg thali remained stable as tomato prices rose sharply, Crisil analysis found.

Tomato prices rose 43 per cent year-on-year to Rs 33 per kg in February 2026 (from Rs 23 a kg in February 2025) as mandi arrivals between November 2025 and January 2026 fell 32 per cent year-on-year due to delayed transplantation affecting crop yield and tightening supplies.

Onion prices fell 24 per cent year-on-year due to an influx of late kharif onions, while limited shelf life forced immediate market disposal amid subdued exports.

Potato prices fell 13 per cent year-on-year as the crop has entered peak harvest phase coinciding with continued liquidation of cold storage stock from the previous rabi season.

Pulse prices declined 9 per cent year-on-year on account of higher opening stocks in the current fiscal. Tur inventories for the July-June marketing year are estimated to be 20 per cent higher, while Bengal gram stocks for the January-December marketing year are 10 per cent higher this season, exerting downward pressure on prices.

Vegetable oil prices rose 4 per cent year-on-year due to tighter supply of soybean oil in the global market, leading to higher domestic oil prices. However, a 6 per cent year-on-year increase in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders limited the decline in the overall cost of thalis.

The cost of a non-veg thali fell due to an estimated 7 per cent year-on-year decline in broiler prices, which account for 50 per cent of the cost, on a high base. Lower prices of onion, potato and pulses also contributed to the decline while elevated tomato prices limited the fall. Month-on-month, however, the cost of veg and nonveg thalis declined 5 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, in February.

Tomato, potato and onion prices dipped 29 per cent, 6 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, supporting the decline, due to higher arrivals.

The cost of a non-veg thali fell at a slower pace because of an estimated 2 per cent month-on-month rise in broiler prices due to higher feed costs, strong seasonal demand and firm supply, Crisil said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some positive news! The 3% drop in non-veg thali is welcome, especially with chicken prices down. Hope this trend continues. 🍗 But the LPG cylinder price increase is quietly eating into any savings we might get.
S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. It shows how interconnected global and local factors are—soybean oil supply affecting our thali cost. The 43% tomato price hike due to delayed transplantation is a classic example of how climate and farming cycles hit the common person's kitchen.
A
Aman W
Onion and potato prices are down, which is great. But one vegetable (tomato) can single-handedly keep the overall cost flat. This report proves we need better supply chain management and storage facilities. Jai Kisan, but also need better planning.
K
Karthik V
As someone who tracks this monthly, the month-on-month decline of 5% in veg thali is the real story for February. Hopefully, tomato arrivals improve and we see more relief. The "Roti Rice Rate" report is actually quite useful for family budget planning.
N
Nisha Z
Respectfully, these "thali cost" metrics sometimes feel disconnected from reality. The cost may be flat, but the quality or quantity of items in that theoretical thali? Not discussed. And pulses down 9%? I didn't see that at my local sabzi mandi last week.

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

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