As Sale No. 40 for CTC/dust and orthodox could not be completed last week at Kolkata auction due to link failure, it was held this week. The average price of orthodox was Rs 203.84 a kg and of CTC Rs 142.68, according to J. Thomas & Company Private Ltd, the tea auctioneers.
The total offerings (packages) this week were 4,60,166 compared with 4,26,696 in the corresponding sale of the previous year.
The offerings at Kolkata auction comprised CTC/dust 1,56,423 (1,03,190), orthodox 32,888 (37,931) and Darjeeling 7,060 (5,722). The offerings at two other centres were: Guwahati 1,43,031 (1,56,906) and Siliguri 1,20,764 (1,22,947).
Liquoring Assam CTC leaf grades sold irregularly around last levels, while dusts were firm to dearer. The remainder was irregularly lower.
Better Dooars sold at firm to dearer rates, while the rest was irregular. Tata Global was the mainstay and there was fair support from Hindustan Unilever on the leaf teas and active enquiry for the dusts.
Western India dealers operated on the liquoring sorts. North India and local sections were selective. Exporters operated on the larger brokens and fannings.
Due to a link failure at Kolkata last week, the CTC leaf and dust sales were carried forward to this week.
Orthodox offerings met with good general demand and sold at easier rates. There was good support on tippy and liquoring varieties from Continental buyers. Exporters to the CIS were active.
Darjeeling whole leaf grades maintained levels, while brokens and fannings declined owing to reduced export enquiry. Tata Global, Hindustan Unilever and traditional exporters were the mainstay. Local dealers operated for cheaper brokens and fannings.