Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food costs decreased in January

13-Feb-2026 02:37 PM

New Delhi. A leading rating agency has stated that the cost of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food decreased slightly in January 2026 compared to December 2025 and January 2026 due to a fall in the prices of potatoes, onions, and pulses.

The average cost of a vegetarian food thali fell to ₹28.50 in January 2026, a decrease of 2 percent compared to December and 1 percent compared to January 2025. Similarly, the cost of a non-vegetarian food thali decreased by 7 percent compared to January 2025 and 3 percent compared to December 2025, reaching ₹56.40 in January 2026.

The decrease in the cost of vegetarian food thali was primarily due to the slightly cheaper prices of pulses, potatoes, and onions, but the high price of tomatoes prevented a significant reduction in overall costs. Due to limited arrivals and strong demand in the markets, tomato prices jumped 50 percent to ₹46 per kg (average price), compared to ₹31 per kg in January 2025. However, this remained 9 percent lower than in December.

Pulses prices declined 14 percent in January 2026 compared to January 2025. Due to heavy imports from abroad, the supply and availability of pulses in the domestic sector increased.

During the financial year 2024-25, imports of yellow peas increased by 85 percent, imports of black gram by 31 percent, and imports of desi gram by 9 times.

Significant stocks of imported pulses remained available for later imports. Imports are relatively low in the financial year 2025-26, but supply conditions remain comfortable due to previous high stocks.