Home-Cooked Vegetarian Thali Cost Stable, Non-Veg Thali Price Falls 3% in February

In February 2026, the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali in India remained stable year-on-year, as declines in onion, potato, pulse, and edible oil prices offset a 43% rise in tomato prices due to reduced market arrivals from delayed transplantation. The non-vegetarian thali cost fell by about 3%, mainly driven by a 7% drop in broiler chicken prices. Vegetable prices are expected to soften soon, though tomato prices may stay elevated until mid-April amid supply constraints and geopolitical concerns affecting related exports.