Home-cooked vegetarian thali cost rose 10% in September

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices remained 10% higher than a year earlier amid disruptions in global supplies. Rice prices also increased 8%, reflecting expectations of a 5–6% decline in paddy production because of reduced acreage and weaker crop yields.

Non-vegetarian meals affected

The relatively smaller increase in non-vegetarian thali costs was attributed to a moderate rise in broiler chicken prices, which account for approximately half the cost of such meals. Broiler prices increased only 2% year-on-year despite lower chick placements, monsoon-related supply disruptions and higher maize prices.

On a monthly basis, broiler prices also rose 2% in September amid lower production, contributing to the increase in non-vegetarian meal costs. However, the limited rise in poultry prices prevented a sharper increase in the overall cost of these meals.

Further pressure expected

Crisil cautioned that onion prices could remain elevated during the first half of October as seasonal festive demand adds to existing supply constraints. Prices are expected to moderate gradually towards the end of the month as fresh kharif arrivals improve market availability.

The report indicated that depleted seasonal inventories, delayed crop arrivals and continued uncertainty in global commodity markets could keep household food costs under pressure in the near term.