The average CTC price posted a decline while the average orthodox price remained unchanged at Sale Number 41 this week at the Kolkata tea auction.

According to J. Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd, the tea auctioneers, the average CTC price was Rs 147 .10 a kg compared to Rs 148.23 last week at Sale Number 40.

The corresponding figure for orthodox was Rs 205.95 (Rs 205.79).

An estimated 73.51 per cent (75.10 per cent) of CTC and 84.78 per cent (80.96 per cent) of orthodox volumes offered were sold.

This week, the total offerings (packages) at the three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata,Guwahati and Siliguri were 3,21,064 compared to 4,57,602 in the corresponding sale (no. 41) last year.

The offerings at Kolkata comprised CTC/dust 1,12,481 (1,57,657), orthodox 34,578 (27,533) and Darjeeling 11,517 (7,060). The corresponding figures for two other centres were : Guwahati 80,667 (1,44,588) and Siliguri 81,821 (1,20,784).

Liquoring Assam CTC teas maintaining quality were around last while remaining Assams were irregularly lower.

Better Dooars were barely steady around last, while the remainder sold at irregularly lower levels.

Tata Global was less active. Hindustan Unilever was selective. Western India operated actively for the liquoring teas.

There was a fair amount of enquiry from other internal and local sections.

Exporters operated on fannings and large brokens.

Orthodox tippy teas sold well in line with quality. Remainder was irregularly lower following quality.

The CIS and the West Asia shippers were active.

There was some Continental interest on the tippy teas. Hindustan Unilever operated selectively.

Darjeeling offerings met with better enquiry.

Selected teas maintaining quality were readily absorbed. Plainer sorts sold around last levels.

Fannings met with strong demand and appreciated.

Traditional exporters were active.

Local dealers operated for cheaper sorts.

Tata Global and Hindustan Unilever operated selectively.

>santanu.sanyal@thehindu.co.in

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