Thali prices stay high in November as food inflation bites

Thali prices up in November

Prices of a vegetable thali were 7 percent higher in November compared with the previous year, as vegetable, oil and pulses continued to weigh on the cost of home-cooked food, according to data released by Crisil on December 5.

A vegetarian thali cost Rs 32.7 in November compared with Rs 30.5 during the same period last year.

“Veg thali cost rose due to increase in the prices of tomato and potato, which collectively account for ~26% of the thali cost,” Crisil said, as it noted that tomato prices were up 35 percent over a year, while potato increased 50 percent.

Pulses prices were also 10 percent higher due to lower opening and pipeline stocks.

“Vegetable oil prices rose 13 percent on-year due to import duty hike, coupled with the festive and wedding season demand,” Crisil said.

Non-vegetarian meal prices were up just 2 percent up from the previous year, as broiler, which accounts for half of the cost of a thali, remained in check.

Some respite

Data shows some respite over the next few months.

“On-month, the cost of veg thali declined 2 percent in November, while that of non-veg thali remained flat,” it said.

Tomato prices were down 17 percent in November over the previous month.

November inflation is likely to be high—over 5 percent—after it crossed 6 percent in the previous month.