Cost of preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis at home declined by 5 per cent in February compared to the corresponding figure for January this year. Arrival of fresh rabi crops is expected to keep vegetable prices subdued, offering continued relief for vegetarian thali costs. Temperature conditions in March that have been above normal can impact the shelf life and quality of onions, which need to be stored for the next six months, as well as the quantity andquality of wheat — the most significant crop of the rabi season. The average cost of preparing a thali at home is calculated based on input prices prevailing in north, south, east and west India. The monthly change reflects the impact on the common man’s expenditure. The data also reveals the ingredients (cereals, pulses, broilers, vegetables, spices, edible oil and cooking gas) driving the change in the cost of the thali. Inflation based on the Consumer Price Index fell to a 5-month low of 4.31% in January as prices of vegetables and pulses eased during the month, bringing respite to household budgets, according to figures released by the Ministry of Statistics. The easing of inflation reflects a steadily declining trend after having touched a 14-month high of 6.21% in October. CPI inflation had declined to 5.48% in November and 5.22% in December.