The report calculates the average cost of preparing a thali based on prevailing input prices across north, south, east, and west India. According to Sharma, the West Asia conflict has driven up crude oil prices, which has, in turn, lifted edible oil prices amid increasing demand from the biofuel segment. Sharma said, "In the near term, geopolitical uncertainties are expected to keep vegetable oil prices high. Onion prices are expected to remain under pressure in the near term due to high arrivals and sluggish export demand." However, with an estimated 10% decline in production and reported damage to the summer crop (which is crucial for lean-season supply), onion prices are expected to recover gradually in the coming months.

Source: Mint April 06, 2026 15:53 UTC