Thali Prices Remain Stable in February
The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali in India remained unchanged in February 2026, according to the latest Roti Rice Rate report by Crisil. In contrast, the price for a non-vegetarian thali fell by approximately 3%. The report attributes these price dynamics to a mix of declining prices for certain key vegetables and poultry, as well as increasing tomato costs, which impacted meal expenses across households.
Pushan Sharma, director at Crisil Intelligence, commented, “The stability in vegetarian thali prices can be linked to a decline in onion, potato, and pulse costs that offset the significant increase in tomato prices this year.” These findings highlight the fluctuating nature of food prices that affect household budgets.
Context of Price Fluctuations
This month’s report reflects broader trends in the agricultural sector, as prices vary significantly across different regions due to local supply issues and seasonal harvests. The monthly report measures the average cost of preparing a thali by reviewing input prices for various ingredients across India, making it a valuable resource for understanding food expenses at the household level.
Factors Influencing Vegetarian Thali Costs
Vegetable Pricing Dynamics
Despite a dramatic surge in tomato prices, which rose by 43% year-on-year to roughly ₹33 per kg this February, the overall cost of a vegetarian thali held steady. The surprising resilience in thali prices is primarily attributed to a 24% downturn in onion prices, thanks to a late influx of kharif crops into the market.
The decline in onion prices aided in stabilizing meal costs, as household cooks often rely heavily on this essential ingredient. Potato prices also saw a decrease of about 13%, aligning with the crop’s peak harvesting phase. Experts suggest that this seasonal abundance allowed prices to normalize after previous spikes.
Impact of Pulses and Other Ingredients
Pulses, another staple in vegetarian diets, experienced a notable reduction of around 9% in prices due to healthier inventory levels from the previous fiscal year. A surplus of tur and Bengal gram stocks has further contributed to reducing pressure on retail prices, enhancing affordability for consumers.
However, the recent increase in vegetable oil prices—up by about 4% year-on-year—due to global supply constraints is a concern. Furthermore, a 6% rise in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder prices has somewhat offset the savings achieved from lower vegetable and pulse costs.
Non-Vegetarian Thali Price Trends
Reducing Poultry Costs
The cost of non-vegetarian thalis showed a decline largely owing to a 7% drop in prices for broiler chicken, which constitutes nearly half of the typical meal’s total cost. This price reduction significantly benefits families that rely on chicken as a primary protein source.
Lower prices for essential ingredients, such as onions and potatoes, have also supported the overall reduction in non-veg thali costs, though the rising prices of tomatoes did temper the extent of this decline.
Monthly Variations
On a month-to-month basis, the overall price of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis also showed a downward trend in February. The vegetarian thali cost fell by about 5%, while the non-vegetarian thali reduced by roughly 1%. This decline was attributed to an increase in market arrivals of staple ingredients, easing previous shortages.
Specifically, tomato prices fell around 29%, while potato and onion prices declined by approximately 6% and 4%, respectively. These trends illustrate that seasonal changes in supply can quickly alter household costs.
Future Outlook for Pricing
Looking forward, industry experts believe the prices of various vegetables may continue to soften in the near future. However, inflated tomato prices are projected to persist at higher levels until mid-April, with expectations of future increases as new crop cycles transition.
Potato prices are likely to remain stable during the peak arrival window of March and April. Meanwhile, the onion market could face downward pressure in the coming months unless exports begin to pick up significantly, which could help stabilize the domestic market.
Conclusion
This detailed examination reveals how agricultural conditions and global supply dynamics significantly influence everyday meal costs for families across India. The Crisil report not only outlines crucial data concerning the prices of staple foods but also serves as a reminder of the volatility of agricultural markets and their direct effects on household expenditures.
As consumers navigate the complexities of these changes, policymakers and agricultural stakeholders must remain vigilant to ensure food affordability for the general population. Continuous monitoring of price trends will be essential for consumers and industry participants alike as they plan for subsequent months.