New Delhi: The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali rose 10% year-on-year in September, while a non-vegetarian thali became 6% more expensive.According to CRISIL Intelligence, as reported by Hindustan Times, higher onion, edible oil, rice and LPG prices have raised the cost of home-cooked food. The cost of a vegetarian thali increased to Rs 30.8 in September from Rs 28.1 a year earlier, while the non-vegetarian thali rose to Rs 59.5 from Rs 56. Onion prices were the biggest contributor to the rising thali costs. CRISIL linked the onion price surge to a tight rabi stock and a decline of 5-6% in production, with June rainfall 40% below the long-term average delaying kharif transplantation and the arrival of fresh supplies in the market. The festive season’s demand is likely to add pressure in the first half of October. Crisil Intelligence director Pushan Sharma was quoted as having said, “The near-term outlook remains firm, as seasonal supply constraints are likely to keep food costs under pressure. Onion prices could remain elevated in the first half of October owing to delayed kharif arrivals, before easing gradually towards the end of October as fresh kharif arrivals improve market availability.” Seasonal demand and late kharif arrival could also raise tomato prices, while higher-priced cold-storage stocks may increase potato prices. Tur, particularly among pulses, remains a key area of concern during weather-related production risks. Tur imports attract zero duty, while Bengal gram imports face a 10% duty. Rice and edible oil are also expected to keep food costs high, while CRISIL expects paddy production to decline 5-6% because of lower acreage and weaker yields. Vegetable oil prices are up 12% despite a reduction in the basic customs duty on crude palm oil, while LPG prices are 10% higher amid global disruptions.Sharma added, “While the reduction in the basic customs duty on crude palm oil from 10% to 5% in late September is expected to lower landed costs by around 5%, robust festive-season demand is likely to keep prices elevated.” Lower chick placements, monsoon-related supply disruptions and higher maize prices affected broiler supplies. However, non-vegetarian thali saw a relatively smaller increase because broiler prices, which account for half its cost, increased by only 2% year-on-year.Sharma further added, “Overall, while fresh crop arrivals should provide some relief later in the season, tight inventories, weather-related risks and firm global commodity prices are likely to keep thali costs elevated in the near term.”