A mixed trend in tea prices was noticed at Sale Number 34 at the Kolkata tea auction last week.

According to J. Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd, the tea auctioneers, the average price of CTC leaf was lower at Rs 143. 67 a kg as compared to Rs 152.35 in the previous week (Sale No. 33) and the volumes unsold too were higher at 30.7 per cent (16.38 per cent).

Orthodox on other hand presented a different picture, at least pricewise. The average price was Rs 226.27 (Rs 224.03).

However the volumes unsold were 13.8 per cent (13. 32 per cent). Last week, the total offerings (packages) at the three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 4,73,463 as compared to 1,45,987 in the corresponding sale (No. 34) of the previous year. The offerings at Kolkata comprised CTC/dust 1,63,051 (1,45,987), orthodox 41,932 (24,869) and Darjeeling 9,857 (6,866). The corresponding figures for two other centres, dealing mostly in CTC/dust, were: Guwahati 1,54, 288 (1.09,957) and Siliguri 1,04,335(96,193).

Assam CTC teas were irregularly lower following quality with selected larger brokens and fannings around last levels following enquiries from the exporters. Dooars were barely steady and irregularly lower.

Tata Global was active. Hindustan Unilever operated selectively for the mediums. Western India operated actively for the liquoring teas. There was a fair amount of enquiry from other internal and local sections.

Orthodox tippy teas sold well in line with quality. The remainder sold at around last and irregularly lower rates. The CIS and West Asian shippers were active. There was some Continental interest on the tippy teas. Hindustan Unilever operated selectively. Darjeeling offerings met with limited enquiry. Selected whole leaf varieties maintaining quality were readily absorbed. The remainder eased in value and witnessed withdrawals. Brokens and fannings also declined.

>santanu.sanyal@thehindu.co.in

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