vegetables Due to increase in prices, home cooked food, both veg and non-veg, became expensive in October. A report by rating agency Crisil on Wednesday said that the price of veg thali increased by 20 percent to Rs 33.3 per plate as compared to October last year. While its price was more than Rs 31.3 in September, the main reason for expensive food in September was the increased prices of vegetables. According to the monthly ‘Roti Rice Rate’ report, onion prices rose by 46 per cent year-on-year in October, while potato prices rose by 51 per cent. The main reason for this huge increase in the prices of potato and onion was rain, due to which the arrivals reduced and the crop was also affected in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Tomato prices increased more than double
The report also said tomato prices have doubled to Rs 64 per kg from Rs 29 per kg in the same period a year ago as rains have affected arrivals. Tomato prices are likely to stabilize from November with supplies starting from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The report said vegetable prices account for 40 per cent of the total thali cost and hence fluctuations have affected the total cost.
Price of pulses also increased by 11 percent
It said prices of pulses comprising 11 per cent weight in veg thali increased by 11 per cent this month due to reduction in opening stock, reduction in stock pipeline and festive demand. The report said prices are expected to decline from December due to new arrivals. The 11 percent year-on-year decline in fuel costs has certainly helped curb the steep rise in food costs.
Slow increase in cost of non-veg thali
In the case of non-veg thali, broiler prices have declined by 9 per cent, accounting for half the cost of the thali, the CRISIL report said. This decline significantly contributed to slowing down the rise in cost of non-veg thali. It said that the price of home-made non-veg thali stood at Rs 61.6 in October, whereas it was Rs 59.3 in the same period a month ago and Rs 58.6 in the same period a year ago. The report said that the price of vegetables also accounted for 22 percent of the cost of the non-vegetarian thali.
