Prices crashed to year’s second lowest average of Rs 73.04 a kg at Sale No: 49 of Coonoor Tea Trade Association auctions. The lowest average so far in 2013 was Rs 72.13 on Nov 8. When prices were lowered to Rs 73.04 from last week’s Rs 75.03, a volume of 13.69 lakh kg could be sold against last week’s 12.11 lakh kg.
In effect, 82 per cent of 17.19 lakh kg on offer was sold. Vigneshwar Estate tea topped the CTC market at Rs 180 a kg. Chamraj topped orthodox market at Rs 215.
Pakistan bought between Rs 59 and 85 a kg and the CIS between Rs 55 and 72. Quotations held by brokers indicated bids ranging Rs 55-59 a kg for plain leaf grades and Rs 100-125 for brighter liquoring sorts. They ranged Rs 60-64 for plain dusts and Rs 120-165 for brighter liquoring dusts.