The total offerings at the three tea auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri this week were lower at 3,22,608, compared to 3,51,532 in the corresponding sale last year, according to J. Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd.
At Kolkata, the offerings of CTC/Dust were 1,16,446 (1,28,359); Orthodox 19,543 (43,720); and Darjeeling 4,316 (4,970).
The offerings at Guwahati and Siliguri comprising CTC/Dust were as follows: Guwahati 1,01,256 (92,617); and Siliguri 81,047 (81,866).
Few best Assam CTCs sold at attractive prices but the remainder eased in value, particularly plainer sorts, secondaries and reprints.
Dooars met with less demand at lower rates. Tata Global was active and there was fair support from Hindustan Unilever. Western India dealers supported the liquoring sorts. North India and local sections were selective. There was selective export enquiry on the larger brokens.
A line of Halmari BOP grade sold at Rs 365, a record for CTC tea in Indian auctions.
Orthodox varieties once again met with strong demand. Tippy varieties sold at attractive levels with a line of Halmari whole leaf selling at an attractive price of Rs 3,300.
Cleaner varieties sold at dearer rates, while the remainder was irregular around last.
Darjeeling whole leaf grades witnessed useful enquiry from traditional exporters and sold at firm to dearer rates.
Similar brokens and fannings met with competition from exporters and were also firm to dearer.