Cooking at home got more expensive in September. A home-cooked vegetarian thali cost 10 per cent more than a year earlier, according to CRISIL’s latest Roti Rice Rate report, released on Thursday, October 8, 2026. A sharp rise in onion prices did most of the damage, with higher costs for edible oil, rice and LPG adding to the bill.
The report offers a plate-level view of household inflation at a time when many families are already planning festive spending.
The Numbers Behind the Plate
CRISIL said the cost of preparing a vegetarian thali rose to Rs 30.8 in September from Rs 28.1 a year earlier. A non-vegetarian thali rose 6 per cent to Rs 59.5 from Rs 56.
Compared with August, the vegetarian thali became 4 per cent costlier, while the non-vegetarian version rose 3 per cent. A report by Gujarat Samachar noted that the vegetarian figure is the highest in the 17 months covered by CRISIL’s data series, which starts in May 2025.
The Roti Rice Rate index tracks the cost of ingredients for a standard meal, including roti, rice, dal, vegetables, curd and salad, based on average prices across the country.
Onion Leads the Rise
Onion was the biggest contributor to the increase. CRISIL said its price surged 89 per cent year on year to Rs 53 per kg in September from Rs 28 a year ago. On a monthly basis, onion rose 34 per cent.
The agency linked the jump to tight rabi stocks after a 5 to 6 per cent fall in production. Supplies are also expected to stay constrained in the near term because June rainfall was 40 per cent below the long-period average, which delayed kharif transplanting and pushed back fresh arrivals.
Oil, Rice and LPG Add to the Bill
Vegetable oil prices were 12 per cent higher year on year, even though the basic customs duty on palm oil was reduced. CRISIL attributed the rise to geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over the impact of El Niño on global palm oil production.
LPG prices were 10 per cent higher amid global supply disruptions, while rice rose 8 per cent. CRISIL expects paddy production to fall 5 to 6 per cent because of lower acreage and weaker yields.
The Wire quoted a CRISIL analyst as saying the cut in the basic customs duty on crude palm oil from 10 per cent to 5 per cent in late September could lower landed costs by about 5 per cent, but robust festive demand is likely to keep prices elevated.
Why the Non-Veg Plate Rose Less
The non-vegetarian thali rose by a smaller margin because broiler chicken prices, which account for about half of its cost, increased only 2 per cent year on year. CRISIL linked broiler prices to lower chick placements, monsoon-related supply disruptions and higher maize prices. Broilers also rose 2 per cent compared with August, which contributed to the month-on-month increase.
Why It Matters for Households
A thali that costs a few rupees more may sound minor, but the index reflects everyday cooking costs that households cannot easily avoid. Gujarat Samachar noted that the 10 per cent rise is nearly double the 5.95 per cent food inflation shown in official data for August, though the two measures are built differently.
For families, onion is a daily staple, and cooking oil, rice and LPG are used in nearly every meal. Increases across all four items at once leave less room to substitute or cut back.
What to Expect in October
CRISIL said onion prices are likely to show a sharper year-on-year increase in the first half of October, with festive demand adding to supply pressure. It expects prices to ease gradually toward the end of the month as fresh kharif arrivals enter the market. Seasonal depletion of inventories in October is also likely to keep prices elevated in the near term.
Some early signs of relief have appeared. Whalesbook reported that retail onion prices have begun to ease in 126 cities as kharif supplies arrive from states including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. That report does not come from CRISIL, and prices may vary across markets.
Rice remains a risk to watch because of the expected fall in paddy production, and edible oil prices will depend on global supply and festive demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the veg thali cost in September 2026?
CRISIL put the cost at Rs 30.8, up from Rs 28.1 a year earlier.
What was the cost of a non-vegetarian thali?
Rs 59.5, up 6 per cent from Rs 56 a year ago.
Which ingredient pushed up costs the most?
Onion, which surged 89 per cent year on year to Rs 53 per kg.
Why was the non-veg thali increase smaller?
Broiler chicken prices, about half of its cost, rose only 2 per cent year on year.
Will onion prices come down?
CRISIL expects further pressure in early October and a gradual easing toward month-end as fresh kharif supplies arrive.
What is the Roti Rice Rate report?
It is CRISIL’s monthly index of the cost of preparing a standard home-cooked thali.
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