Onion, tomato, and vegetable price hike: Impact on Indian thali prices | Crisil report | Biz News

The recent surge in onion and tomato prices has led to a significant rise in restaurant thali prices by 13 per cent across India, with similar effects on home cooking. Discover how this price hike is impacting daily meals across the nation.

Home-cooked meals become dearer in September as onion, potato prices shoot up: Report (Pic: Depositphotos)

Mumbai: The prices of onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables have seen a sharp price hike, impacting both home-cooked meals and restaurant thalis across India. According to a report by Crisil, vegetarian thali prices at restaurants increased by 13 per cent, rising from Rs. 28.1 in September 2023 to Rs. 31.3 last month, with prices climbing even further since August 2023.

Vegetables like onions, potatoes, and tomatoes play a critical role in preparing almost all Indian dishes. As these ingredients form 37% of the cost of making a vegetarian thali, any increase in their prices has a direct impact on restaurant costs. The prices of onion, potato, and tomato rose by 53%, 50%, and 18% on a year-on-year basis in September, driven by lower arrivals and weather conditions like heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, further straining supplies.

Aside from vegetables, rice, lentils, and dal also significantly influence vegetarian thali prices, which is why many diners have noticed the increased costs. Non-vegetarian thalis have remained relatively unaffected, with only a 2% price change. This is largely because broilers make up the bulk of non-veg thalis, keeping them steady despite the rise in rice and lentil prices.

Higher Costs Affect Both Eating Out and Cooking at Home

It’s not just restaurant-goers who are feeling the pinch. Households are also facing rising costs when preparing meals at home. A survey by LocalCircles revealed that 16% of households felt the impact of rising onion, potato, and tomato prices, and a further 31% expected to be affected if prices exceeded Rs. 50 per kilogram.

With the cost of essential ingredients on the rise, many Indians are opting for home-cooked meals over dining out, but the soaring vegetable prices are making even that an expensive option. The price of pulses has also seen a 14 per cent production drop, further pushing up costs.

The price hike in everyday vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes continues to challenge Indian households, affecting not just restaurant prices but also the affordability of daily meals.

Next Article