»Food Price Trends In April Veg Costlier Non Veg Cheaper
Food Price Trends In April: Veg Costlier, Non-Veg Cheaper
According to the latest Crisil report, April witnessed notable shifts in the cost of home-cooked meals, particularly in the prices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis. The report, part of Crisil's monthly "Roti Rice Rate" analysis, revealed contrasting trends between the two meal types.
According to the latest Crisil report, April witnessed notable shifts in the cost of home-cooked meals, particularly in the prices of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis. The report, part of Crisil’s monthly “Roti Rice Rate” analysis, revealed contrasting trends between the two meal types.
Vegetarian thali prices experienced a significant uptick, primarily driven by soaring onion, tomato, and potato prices. The average cost of a veg thali, including roti, vegetables, rice, dal, curd, and salad, surged by nearly 8% compared to the previous year, reaching Rs 27.4 per plate in April. This increase was also marginally higher than March 2024 figures, indicating sustained inflationary pressures.
The report attributed the price hike in vegetarian thalis to specific commodity price increases, including a 4% rise in onion prices, a substantial 40% surge in tomato prices, and a notable 38% increase in potato prices. Additionally, rice and pulses experienced price hikes of 14% and 20%, respectively. However, declines in the prices of cumin, chili, and vegetable oil, by 40%, 31%, and 10% respectively, mitigated further increases in overall thali costs.
In contrast, non-vegetarian thali prices exhibited mixed trends. While the cost of these meals decreased to Rs 56.3 in April compared to the previous year, driven by lower broiler prices, it saw a slight increase compared to March 2024 figures. The replacement of dal with chicken in non-veg thalis contributed to this price decline. A 12% decline in broiler prices was identified as the primary reason for the year-on-year decrease in non-veg thali costs. However, a 3% increase in prices compared to March was attributed to a 4% rise in broiler prices, influenced by heightened demand and input costs.
The Crisil report underscores the nuanced dynamics shaping food prices, with vegetable inflation impacting vegetarian meals more significantly while poultry price fluctuations affect non-vegetarian options. These trends highlight the complex interplay of supply, demand, and commodity market dynamics influencing household food budgets.