Veg and non-veg thali prices drop by up to 10%:Cheaper potatoes and onions bring down cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals

The cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis in India has dropped, driven largely by falling prices of key vegetables like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. According to CRISIL’s monthly Food Plate Cost Indicator, the price of a domestic vegetarian thali fell 10% year-on-year to ₹28.17 in September 2025, down from ₹31.30 in September 2024. On a monthly basis, the cost decreased by 3% compared to August, when a veg thali was priced at ₹29.10. Non-veg thalis also cheaper The price of a non-vegetarian thali declined 6% year-on-year to ₹56 in September, compared to ₹59.30 in the same month last year. However, on a monthly basis, the cost of a non-veg thali rose by 3% from August, when it was ₹54.60, according to the Rice Roti Rate (RRR) report. Changes in Veg and Non-Veg Thali Prices Over the Past One Year Monthly Change: Yearly Change: (Source: Crisil) Why veg thali prices fell CRISIL’s report attributes the drop in veg thali prices to lower costs of potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. Onion prices fell 46% thanks to a strong rabi crop and increased market availability, while potato prices dropped 31% as large stocks were released from cold storage. Tomato prices fell 8% due to abundant supply. Together, potatoes and tomatoes account for 24% of a veg thali’s cost. Pulses also became 16% cheaper. However, rising costs of vegetable oil (up 21%) and LPG cylinders (up 6%) prevented the thali from becoming even more affordable. Non-veg thali sees slower decline The fall in non-veg thali prices has been slower, as broiler chicken prices fell only 1% year-on-year amid reduced production and supply constraints. Chicken contributes 50% of the non-veg thali’s cost, but declining vegetable and pulse prices helped reduce the overall thali cost by 6% annually. How thali prices are calculated Also Read: India’s retail inflation rises to 2.07% in August: CPI inflation increases 1st time in last 10 months; food items get costlier India’s retail inflation has increased for the first time in last 10 months to 2.07% in August 2025. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation inched up in both the rural and urban segments to 1.69% and 2.47%, respectively, in the month under consideration. Read full story.