Bathinda: A delayed southwest monsoon in Punjab and Haryana could keep prices of key food items elevated in the coming months, Crisil Intelligence said on Wednesday, even as the cost of preparing a home-cooked meal rose further in June.In its monthly ‘Roti Rice Rate’ report, Crisil said the average cost of a vegetarian thali increased 5% year-on-year to Rs 28.4 in June, while a non-vegetarian thali became 6% costlier at Rs 58.2.The increase was driven mainly by a 31% jump in tomato prices, along with higher LPG and edible oil prices, it said. The rise in the cost of the non-vegetarian thali was also supported by higher broiler chicken prices, it added.Crisil warned that the subdued monsoon could affect kharif crops, including paddy, vegetables and pulses. Between June 1 and July 7, rainfall in northwest India, including Punjab and Haryana, remained 19% below the long-period average, although monsoon activity strengthened over the past week and is expected to cover the entire country within the next few days.According to Pushan Sharma, director, Crisil Intelligence, a prolonged rainfall deficit during critical crop-growth stages could affect paddy yields and tighten supplies. Lower opening stocks of urad and moong, coupled with weather-related yield losses, are also expected to keep pulse prices firm.The report said onion prices are likely to remain firm because of lower rabi stocks and delayed kharif arrivals. Tomato prices are expected to stay elevated through July and August owing to delayed planting and lean seasonal supplies, while any further monsoon disruption could keep prices under pressure. Potato prices are also expected to edge up gradually as cold-storage stocks are released into the market.
