India's Veg Thali Cost Up 4% in July, Still 14% Below 2023

Tomato prices drove the monthly move. They surged 31% in July after market arrivals fell 27%, highlighting a seasonal supply squeeze typical of the monsoon. Potato prices rose 2% month-on-month, while onion added 5%. Despite the recent jump, all three staples remain well below year-ago levels. Tomato averaged ₹42 per kg, down 36% from ₹66 last July. Potato fell 30% year-on-year and onion 36%.

Other food items pulled in opposite directions. Pulses prices dropped 14% year-on-year, and rice eased 4%, reflecting comfortable stocks and improved output. Vegetable oil, however, climbed 20% from a year ago, and LPG cylinder prices rose 6%, limiting the overall relief for household budgets.

For non-vegetarian meals, broiler chicken was the swing factor. Its price fell an estimated 12% year-on-year and 9% month-on-month, Crisil said, as weaker demand during the monsoon and the Shravan fasting period reduced consumption. Broiler chicken accounts for roughly half the cost of a non-veg thali.