Cooking at home became more expensive in June as rising prices of tomatoes, edible oil, LPG cylinders and chicken pushed up the cost of preparing daily meals, according to the latest Roti Rice Price Report (RRR) released by Crisil Intelligence.
The average cost of vegetarian thalis rose by 5% year-on-year in June, while non-vegetarian thalis became 6% more expensive compared to the same month last year. On a monthly basis, the cost has increased by 4% for vegetarian thali and 3% for non-vegetarian thali.
Tomatoes emerged as the biggest reason behind this increase, while rising prices of cooking oil and LPG increased the burden on families.
What is the price index for roti rice?
The Rice Roti Rate (RRR), prepared by Crisil Intelligence, tracks the monthly cost of preparing a home-cooked thali based on the prevailing retail prices of commonly used ingredients across India.
Vegetarian thali includes cereals, pulses, vegetables, spices, edible oil and LPG, while non-vegetarian thali factor in the additional cost of broilers.
How much does a home-cooked meal cost now?
The average cost of vegetarian thali has increased to $27.4 in June of $26.1 year ago and from $26.7 in May
The average cost of non-vegetarian thali has increased to $58.2 in June of $54.9 a year ago and $56.5 in May.
While monthly fluctuations are common, the recent increase mirrors the decline seen during the first months of 2026.
Why are home cooked meals becoming more expensive?
Many foodstuffs became more expensive at the same time, but tomatoes had the biggest impact of all.
Tomatoes jumped 31% year over year
Tomato prices increased by 31% compared to last year $42 per kilogram.
According to Crisil, unusually high temperatures in February and March delayed and curtailed the planting of summer crops, reducing supplies and raising prices.
Tomatoes also had the largest monthly increase, up 17% compared to May.
Onion prices remained stable
Onion prices rose 2% year-on-year as more expensive stored onion stocks entered the market.
On a monthly basis, onion prices increased by 8%, adding to the overall increase in meal costs.
Cooking oil and LPG are becoming more expensive
The prices of vegetable oils and liquefied gas cylinders increased by 10% compared to last year.
CRISIL attributed this increase to supply disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia, which affected global energy markets and edible oil prices.
Chicken has also become more expensive
The cost of broiler chicken, which directly impacts non-vegetarian foods, rose by an estimated 7% year-on-year.
This increase is due to tight supplies after extreme summer heat led to increased bird mortality, slowed weight gain and discouraged laying of fresh chicks.
What prevented prices from rising further?
The increase in meal costs would have been more severe had potato prices not fallen so dramatically.
Potato prices fell by 14% year-on-year after the arrival of new quantities of pork, partly offsetting the rise in the prices of tomatoes, onions and cooking oil.
However, potato prices are 5% higher than in May, reflecting seasonal changes in supplies.
How have thali prices changed over the past year?
The cost of vegetarian thali fluctuated between $26.7 f $29.1 over the past year, while non-vegetarian thali largely remained in the market $53.5- $Range 58.3
After declining during the first half of 2026, both categories recorded increases in June as vegetable prices rebounded.
Will food prices remain high?
Crisil expects many food items to remain expensive in the coming months.
- Pulses: Prices are likely to remain steady due to lower opening stocks of urad and moong, coupled with weather-related yield losses in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- Tomatoes: Prices are expected to remain high through July and August due to delayed fall planting and weak seasonal supplies, although slower price arrivals from southern states may limit further rises.
- Onions: Prices may remain stable in the medium term due to tight supplies and the delayed arrival of the kharif crop.
- Potatoes: Prices are expected to rise gradually as cold storage stocks come to market.
