Tea prices were mixed at Sale Number 32 of Kolkata auctions this week. According to J Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd, tea auctioneers, the average CTC price at Rs 147.09 a kg was higher than last week’s Rs 143.75. The average orthodox price was marginally lower at Rs 221.14 (Rs 221.38). This week, the total offerings (packages) at three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 4,28,626 compared with 3,94,132 in the corresponding sale last year. At Kolkata, the offerings comprised CTC/dust 1,52,776 (1,58,397), orthodox 44,583 (22,137) and Darjeeling 9,382 (8,762). The offerings at two other centres handling mainly CTC/dust were: Guwahati 1,37,813 (1,26,139) and Siliguri 84,702 (78,697).

CTC

Liquoring Assam CTC teas sold at irregularly lower rates while the remainder was lower following quality. Good Dooars met with better demand . Tata Global was active. Hindustan Unilever operated selectively for the mediums. Western India operated actively for the liquoring teas. There were fair enquiries from other internal and local sections. There was improved interest from the exporters mainly on the larger brokens and some fannings.

Orthodox

Tippy whole leaf varieties sold well at attractive price levels. There was some continental enquiry on tippy varieties. CIS and West Asia shippers were active.

Darjeeling

Whole leaf varieties witnessed improved enquiry and sold at higher levels . Brokens tended irregular, while fannings maintained price levels owing to export interest. Local dealers operated for cheaper sorts.

> santanu.sanyal@thehindu.co.in

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