People who regularly consume eggs, chicken, fish and other non-vegetarian foods had to spend more in June as prices continued to rise faster than overall inflation. The latest inflation data shows that protein-rich food items became significantly more expensive, adding pressure to monthly household budgets.
Although India’s overall retail inflation remained close to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 4% target, the cost of meat, fish and eggs increased at a much faster pace. As a result, families that rely on these foods are feeling the impact more than others.
Meat, Fish and Egg Prices Rise Sharply in June
According to an analysis of inflation data by Moneycontrol, the meat, fish, and eggs category recorded a 1.35% month-on-month increase in June. This was the biggest monthly rise in the last five months, following a 3% jump recorded in January.
Meanwhile, overall food inflation also moved higher. It increased to 5.22% year-on-year in June from 4.66% in May. At the same time, inflation in the meat, fish, and eggs category climbed to 8.79%, up from 8.48% in the previous month.
The figures highlight that protein-rich foods are becoming more expensive at a faster rate than many other food items.
Egg Prices Witness the Biggest Monthly Increase
Among all major non-vegetarian food items, eggs recorded the sharpest monthly increase.
Egg prices rose 3.71% in June, compared to a 2.6% rise in May. Therefore, consumers who depend on eggs as an affordable source of protein saw a noticeable increase in their grocery expenses.
On a yearly basis, egg inflation also edged higher to 6.45%.
Beef, Chicken and Seafood Become More Expensive
Beef and buffalo meat recorded another strong increase during June. Prices rose 3.41% over the previous month, making it one of the fastest-rising food categories.
Fish and prawns also became more expensive, with prices increasing 2.9% during the month. This marked the biggest monthly jump for seafood prices in nearly one-and-a-half years.
On an annual basis, beef and buffalo meat remained the fastest-inflating category, with prices rising 12.3% compared to the same period last year. This was higher than the 9.79% annual increase recorded in May.
Chicken prices also continued to rise, registering 10.83% annual inflation, while fish and prawns became 7.7% costlier than a year ago.
Goat Meat and Mutton Also Register Higher Inflation
Goat meat and mutton were not spared from the broader price rise.
Inflation in this category accelerated to 7.25%, adding further pressure on consumers who regularly purchase red meat.
As a result, nearly every major non-vegetarian food category witnessed higher prices during June.
Pork Remains the Only Exception
Unlike other meat products, pork prices moved in the opposite direction.
Pork prices declined 0.62% during June, making it the only major non-vegetarian category to record a monthly fall.
Annual inflation in pork also eased to 1.21%, making it the lone exception in an otherwise broad-based increase in non-vegetarian food prices.
Rising Protein Costs Add Pressure on Household Budgets
The steady rise in prices of eggs, chicken, seafood and other meat products is increasing food expenses for many households. Even though overall inflation remains under control, the sharp increase in protein-rich foods shows that essential dietary items continue to become more expensive.
If this trend continues in the coming months, consumers may have to spend more on everyday groceries despite stable headline inflation.