Overview

• In May 2025, the average vegetarian thali cost fell to ₹26.2 and the non-vegetarian thali to ₹52.6, marking a 6% year-on-year decline with non-veg meals also down 2% month-on-month.
• Tomato prices plunged 29% year-on-year to ₹23 per kg in May, while onion and potato rates dropped 15% and 16% respectively due to high base effects and improved harvests.
• Broiler chicken prices eased 6% year-on-year as oversupply and reduced demand over bird flu concerns weighed on costs in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
• Vegetable oil prices climbed 19% and LPG cylinder rates rose 6% year-on-year, partially offsetting savings from cheaper produce and poultry.
• Crisil Intelligence projects vegetable costs will firm up with seasonal variations and rice prices will rise as exports expand by an anticipated 20–25%.