New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- The monthly grocery bill is becoming harder to manage for households in South India, where food prices are rising considerably faster than the national average. From onions and garlic to ginger and lemons, sharp increases in the prices of everyday kitchen essentials are adding to household expenses, with food inflation crossing 10% in all five southern states in October.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on 12 November, Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest food inflation among large states at 13.23% in October 2026. Tamil Nadu followed at 12.37%, Karnataka at 12.16%, Telangana at 11.66% and Kerala at 10.92%.

All five st...