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Household food expenses are likely to remain under pressure in the near term as higher prices of tomato, vegetable oil and cooking gas continue to offset relief from lower potato prices, according to Crisil Intelligence's latest Roti Rice Rate report.
Tomato prices increased 31 per cent year-on-year after delayed and lower summer crop planting caused by high temperatures in February and March. Vegetable oil and LPG prices rose 10 per cent year-on-year each, driven by supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
Onion prices edged up as higher-priced stored rabi stocks entered the market. The increase in food costs was partly offset by a 14 per cent decline in potato prices following fresh rabi arrivals.
Broiler Prices Add To Non-Vegetarian Thali Costs
For non-vegetarian meals, broiler prices rose 7 per cent year-on-year as extreme summer heat affected poultry supply by increasing bird mortality, reducing weight gain and discouraging fresh chick placements. Broilers account for approximately 50 per cent of the cost of a non-vegetarian thali.
On a month-on-month basis, the cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis rose 4 per cent and 3 per cent respectively in June, as tomato, onion and potato prices moved higher compared with May. Continued seasonal crop arrivals and improved vegetable supplies could help moderate some pressure on household budgets in the coming months, the report noted.
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