This spike in tomato prices, along with significant increases in the cost of onions and potatoes, has led to a 10% year-on-year rise in the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali, according to a report by Crisil.

“The present heatwave has taken a toll on vegetable supplies, with prices of potatoes, tomatoes, and onions rising. This trend is likely to continue for another month or two,” said Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist at Bank of Baroda.

A recent report by Crisil has shed light on the escalating intensity and recurrence of weather disturbances, contributing to volatile vegetable prices and rising retail inflation for over a year now.