Home-cooked Meals Become More Expensive in June Amidst Rising Vegetable, LPG, and Chicken Prices

Rising Costs Impact Household Budgets

Cooking meals at home became significantly more expensive for average Indian families in June 2026. Price hikes in essential commodities like vegetables, LPG, and broiler chicken pushed the average cost of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis to a five-month high, directly straining household budgets, particularly for the middle and lower-income groups.

Vegetarian Thali Sees Significant Price Jump

According to the Roti-Rice Rate (RRR) report released by CRISIL Intelligence, the average cost of a vegetarian thali rose to 28.4 rupees per plate in June 2026. This marks an approximate 4% increase from May 2026, when it stood at 27.4 rupees per plate. Compared to June of the previous year, the price of a vegetarian thali has increased by about 5%.

Non-Vegetarian Thali Also Records Price Hike

Similarly, the cost of a non-vegetarian thali saw a notable increase, reaching an average of 58.2 rupees per plate in June, up from 56.5 rupees in May. This represents a nearly 3% rise. In comparison to June last year, the price of a non-vegetarian thali has jumped by approximately 6%, indicating a rise in the cost of protein sources.

Vegetable Prices Drive Up Costs

A major contributor to the increased cost of vegetarian thalis was the surge in vegetable prices. In June, tomato prices increased by nearly 31% compared to the same period last year, with retail prices reaching approximately 42 rupees per kilogram. Supply disruptions due to affected crop yields during the summer season led to this price escalation.

In addition to tomatoes, rising onion prices further burdened household budgets. Although a slight decrease in potato prices offered some relief, the overall impact of escalating prices for key vegetables like tomatoes and onions could not be offset, leading to a higher overall cost for thalis. Prices of other vegetables also saw general fluctuations, contributing to the overall increase in vegetable costs.

Fuel and Edible Oil Costs Add to the Burden

Vegetables were not the sole reason for the rise in kitchen expenses; increased prices of fuel and edible oils also played a significant role. In June 2026, both edible oil and LPG cylinder prices saw an approximate 10% annual increase compared to the previous year. The escalating costs of these essential cooking fuels directly impacted the total cost of meals, making home cooking more expensive.

Broiler Chicken Prices Soar

The primary reason behind the increased cost of non-vegetarian thalis was the surge in broiler chicken prices. According to CRISIL's report, broiler chicken prices recorded a nearly 7% year-on-year increase in June. Higher temperatures during the summer season affected poultry farming and production, leading to limited chicken supply in the market and consequently, price hikes. As a popular and affordable source of protein, this increase in chicken prices is a significant concern for non-vegetarian consumers.

Inflation Likely to Continue in July

Data from June 2026 suggests that the pressure of food inflation is likely to remain a significant concern for household budgets through July 2026. Key factors influencing thali prices in the coming period include monsoon conditions, vegetable arrivals in the market, transportation costs, and the demand-supply balance. Experts believe that if the monsoon season remains normal and the vegetable supply chain operates smoothly, some relief in prices may be seen in the coming months.

However, until prices of fuel, edible oil, and protein-based food items stabilize, the pressure on kitchen expenses is highly likely to persist. The rising prices of essential food items have the most severe and direct impact on middle and lower-income families. They are forced to cut back or adjust their monthly budgets due to the increased cost of essential goods like vegetables, lentils, oil, gas, and chicken, which are part of their daily needs.

This situation can also adversely affect financial planning and savings. The figures from June 2026 indicate that the cost of the domestic thali is under continuous inflationary pressure. The direction of prices in the coming period will largely depend on monsoon performance, production levels, and supply chain management.