Home-Cooked Meals Turn Costlier as Onion, Oil, LPG and Chicken Prices Rise

The cost of preparing meals at home has increased, putting additional pressure on household budgets. According to the figures cited from CRISIL Intelligence, the cost of a vegetarian meal rose by 4%, while a non-vegetarian meal became 9% more expensive. Higher prices of onions, edible oil, cooking gas and chicken contributed significantly to the increase. Onion prices have been affected by weather-related disruptions and supply conditions, while vegetable oil and LPG prices have also remained elevated. CRISIL’s Roti Rice Rate tracks the average cost of preparing home-cooked thalis using prices of key food and cooking inputs across India.

Onion prices were reported to have increased sharply, while vegetable oil and LPG cylinder prices also added to the burden on consumers. At the same time, broiler chicken prices rose, making non-vegetarian meals more expensive. However, falling potato and tomato prices provided some relief to households. CRISIL’s recent analysis has also highlighted how weather conditions, supply disruptions and higher input costs can influence the price of home-cooked meals.