When Broilers Break the Bank: Non-Veg Thali Costs Hit a 12% High
The cost of preparing a home-cooked vegetarian thali rose by 3% year-on-year in December 2024, while the cost of a non-vegetarian thali surged by 12%, according to a report by rating agency Crisil.
Non-vegetarian Thali Costs Soar
The sharp increase in the cost of a non-vegetarian thali was primarily driven by a 20% rise in broiler chicken prices, which account for 50% of the total cost of a non-vegetarian meal. Crisil attributed the spike to a low production base from last year, which had seen higher supply levels.
Vegetarian Thali Costs Up Due to Potatoes and Tomatoes
For vegetarian thalis, the price hike was linked to a 24% rise in tomato prices and a 50% jump in potato prices. Tomatoes were priced at ₹47 per kilogram in December 2024, up from ₹38 per kilogram a year earlier. Similarly, potato prices rose to ₹36 per kilogram from ₹24 per kilogram due to a 6% decline in production compared to the previous year. Additionally, the cost of vegetable oil increased by 16%, driven by higher demand during the festive season and a rise in import duties.
Partial Relief from LPG Price Drop
An 11% decline in LPG prices, which fell to ₹803 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi from ₹903 last year, provided some relief.
Monthly Trends Show Mixed Movement
Monthly, the cost of a vegetarian thali decreased by 3% in December, aided by a 12% drop in tomato prices due to fresh supplies from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Potato and onion prices also fell by 2% and 12%, respectively.
In contrast, the cost of a non-vegetarian thali rose by 3%, driven by an 11% monthly increase in broiler prices. The higher prices were attributed to reduced production caused by a cold wave in northern India, increased demand during the festive and wedding seasons, and elevated feed costs.
Understanding Thali Costs
A vegetarian thali typically includes roti, rice, dal, curd, salad, and vegetables like onion, tomato, and potato. The non-vegetarian version replaces dal with broiler chicken. Crisil calculates the average thali cost based on input prices across north, south, east, and west India, offering insights into how changing prices impact household expenses.
