Rising Costs of Non-Vegetarian Meals in India
In January 2025, the cost of non-vegetarian meals in India saw a significant increase due to soaring chicken prices. Along with chicken, the prices of other essential food items like potatoes and pulses also rose. This has impacted the overall cost of home-cooked meals across the country.
The Statistics of Meal Pricing
Non-Vegetarian Thali Costs
- The average cost of a home-cooked non-vegetarian thali, which includes rice, chicken, and vegetables, shot up by 17% compared to January 2024. From Rs 52 last year, it climbed to Rs 60.6 this January.
- Although the price increased compared to last year, there was a slight decrease of 4% from December 2024, where the cost was Rs 63.3.
Factors Behind the Price Surge
- A major contributor to the rise in non-vegetarian thali costs is the increase in broiler chicken prices, which reportedly went up by 33% compared to the previous year. This type of chicken accounts for about half of the total cost of a non-veg thali.
- The surge in these prices can be traced back to the low prices in the previous year caused by an oversupply of chicken. Additionally, the rising costs of chicken feed further exacerbated the price increase.
Comparison with Vegetarian Thali Costs
- The average price of a vegetarian thali saw a smaller increase, costing Rs 28.7 in January, which is 9% lower than December’s Rs 31.6. Year-on-year, this represents a slight increase of 2% from Rs 28 last January.
- The cost of vegetarian thalis decreased because of falls in the prices of key vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
Vegetable Prices in January
Price Changes
- The prices of tomatoes plummeted by 34%, aided by fresh arrivals from the ongoing rabi season.
- Potatoes also became cheaper, with prices falling by 16%, and onion prices dipped by 21% compared to the previous month.
Impact on the Thali Costs
- The decrease in vegetable prices provided relief to the overall cost of the vegetarian thali, helping offset some costs resulting from rising prices elsewhere.
Other Contributing Factors
Pulses and Oil Prices
- The cost of pulses grew by 7% in January compared to last year due to a reported 7% drop in production the previous season, leading to lower stock available for the current cycle.
- Additionally, the price of vegetable oils jumped by 17% owing to increased import duties, raising the costs of imported oils significantly.
Relief From Fuel Costs
- Thankfully, there was some relief for families cooking at home, as LPG fuel costs decreased by 11% compared to last year. This, coupled with slight declines in rice and tomato prices, helped ease some culinary expenses.
Trends in Food Inflation
As food inflation gradually declines, the prices of food items associated with winter crops have started to stabilize. In December, food inflation was recorded at 8.4%, down from 9% in November and 9.5% in October. Nevertheless, inflation has remained a concern, persisting above 5% for a variety of food items such as cereals, meat, eggs, oils, fruits, and vegetables.
Average Cooking Costs Across India
The average cost of preparing a thali at home considers various regional prices across North, South, East, and West India. This monthly analysis has a direct impact on household budgets and expenditure, reflecting how the price changes in essential ingredients such as cereals, pulses, chicken, vegetables, and cooking oil affect the typical Indian family.
This data is essential in understanding the growing financial burden on households and helps highlight the challenges faced by many in affording basic meals. As food prices continue to fluctuate, it’s important for consumers to stay informed and adapt their purchasing and cooking habits accordingly.
In summary, while there have been notable increases in the prices of non-vegetarian meals due to chicken and other food items, the overall trend is towards slight fluctuations in costs, influenced by various market conditions. As the month progresses, families budgeting for meals can find some solace in decreasing vegetable prices and fuel costs.