This week at Sale 48 at Kolkata tea auction, the average price of Orthodox variety was up at Rs 180.88 a kg vis-a-vis Rs 175.77 in Sale 47. The corresponding figure for CTC leaf was lower at Rs 148.77 ( Rs 152.07), according to J Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd.

This week the total offerings (packages) at three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 4,08,861 compared to 4,88,716 in the corresponding sale of the previous year.

At Kolkata, the offerings comprised CTC/Dust 1,38,681 (1,57,269), Orthodox 47,286 (35,144) and Siliguri 8,527 (8,046). The offerings at two other centres, mainly handling CTC/Dust, were: Guwahati 1,59,181 (1,72,379) and Siliguri 55,186 (1,15,878).

Assam CTC teas maintaining quality sold at firm rates while the remainder was barely steady and irregularly lower. Dooars sold at around last to occasionally dearer rates. Orthodox whole leaf grades sold at firm to dearer rates. Brokens sold at firm levels while fannings were irregularly lower. There was some Continental enquiry on tippy and liquoring varieties. Exporters to CIS and West Asia operated.

Selected Darjeeling teas showing seasonal improvement in quality were keenly competed for by Hindustan Unilever and traditional exporters and sold well. Brokens were firm to dearer following improved export interest whilst fannings sold at irregular levels.

santanu.sanyal@thehindu.co.in

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