Home-cooked food became expensive in December due to rising prices of tomatoes, potatoes, reports show

A recent CRISIL report showed that the cost of home-cooked meals in India saw a significant increase in December, mainly due to rising prices of kitchen essentials. The report’s findings are based on the “Roti, Rice, Rate” index, which tracks the common man’s expenditure on food. The average cost of preparing a vegetarian thali rose 6% year-on-year to Rs 31.6 per plate in December, although it declined from Rs 32.7 in November, the data showed. In contrast, the price of non-vegetarian thali increased by 12% year-on-year and 3% month-on-month to Rs 63.3.
The report attributed this to a 24% rise in tomato prices, which reached Rs 47 per kg in December, and a 50% rise in potato prices to Rs 36 per kg. Additionally, a 16% year-on-year increase in the cost of vegetable oil, mainly due to increased import duties, contributed to the increase in food expenses. However, an 11% year-on-year decline in LPG fuel rates helped mitigate the impact of higher costs. The report also said that a 20% increase in broiler prices was the primary driver of the increase in non-vegetarian thali prices.
On a month-on-month basis, the report found that costs declined by 3% due to a 12% decline in tomato prices, a 12% decline in onion prices and a 2% decline in potato prices. Vegetarian thali between November and December. However, broiler prices increased by 11% due to cold weather, festive demand and increased feed costs, resulting in a 3% increase in the cost of non-vegetarian plates.
Finally, the report highlights the challenges Indian households face in managing their food expenditure amid rising prices of essential commodities. As prices of key commodities continue to fluctuate, it remains to be seen how households will adapt to these changes.