The average cost of a vegetarian thali in India rose 10 per cent in June compared with the previous year, driven by a sharp increase in vegetable prices, according to a report by Crisil Market Intelligence and Analysis.

The “Roti Rice Rate” report found the price of a veg thali — typically consisting of roti, rice, dal, curd, salad and vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and potatoes — climbed to ₹29.4 per plate in June from ₹26.7 a year earlier. It was higher than May 2024, when the average price was ₹27.8.

The report attributed the rise in vegetarian thali prices to a significant jump in the cost of key vegetables. Tomato prices surged 30 per cent, potato prices spiked 59 per cent and onion prices rose 46 per cent year-on-year.

Lower rabi acreage led to a decline in onion arrivals, while unseasonal rainfall in March impacted potato yields, the report said. Additionally, virus infestation in summer tomato crops due to high temperatures in key growing regions reduced arrivals by 35 per cent.

The report also noted a 13 per cent increase in rice prices due to lower acreage and subdued arrivals. Pulse prices rose 22 per cent on the back of a dry spell during crucial kharif months.

In contrast to the rising cost of vegetarian meals, non-vegetarian thali prices declined slightly. This thali, which typically replaces dal with chicken, saw its average price fall to ₹58 in June compared with ₹60.5 a year ago. However, it remained higher than the ₹55.9 recorded in May 2024.

The report attributed the decline in non-vegetarian thali prices to a 14 per cent year-on-year decrease in broiler chicken prices, driven by oversupply and lower feed costs compared to the previous year.