Thalinomics refers to the study of the economics of a full meal or 'thali'. It is used to assess the impact of economic changes and policy decisions on the average cost of a plate of food in India.
2. How much did the cost of a vegetarian meal increase in April?
The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian meal in India surged by 8% year-on-year in April, a rate that accelerated from the 7% increases observed in February and March.
3. What were the key drivers behind the increase in the cost of vegetarian meals?
Significant price gains in essential ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and potatoes were the primary drivers. These items saw year-on-year price increases of 41%, 40%, and 38% respectively.
4. How did the cost of non-vegetarian meals change?
The expenditure on a non-vegetarian meal reached a four-month high of ₹56.3. However, there was a year-on-year decrease of 4% in April, primarily due to a 12% drop in broiler prices from last year's high base.
5. What factors influenced the fluctuation in broiler prices?
Broiler prices, which make up about half of a non-vegetarian meal's cost, increased by 4% from March due to higher demand and rising input costs.
6. Were there any items that saw a decrease in prices?
Yes, the prices of cumin, chilli, and vegetable oil saw decreases year-on-year by 40%, 31%, and 10% respectively, which helped temper the pace of overall price gains in vegetarian thali costs.
7. What is the significance of these changes in meal costs?
These changes are significant as they serve as indicators of food inflation trends, which are crucial for economic analysis and policymaking. They reflect the economic pressures faced by average households and can influence decisions on monetary policy and food security strategies.
8. When is the official retail inflation data expected to be released?
The official retail inflation data, which will provide further insights into overall inflation trends including food prices, is expected to be released on May 14.
SRIRAM's
Share:
Get a call back
Fill the below form to get free counselling for UPSC Civil Services exam preparation
