This week at Sale No. 3 at Kolkata tea auction, the average prices of both orthodox and CTC were lower than those of last week. According to J Thomas & Company Pvt Ltd., the tea auctioneers, the average price of orthodox was Rs 164.41 (Rs 170.62 ) a kg and that of CTC Rs 136.72 (Rs 141.73). The volumes sold for orthodox were 87.29 per cent (87.81 per cent) and for CTC 78.27 per cent (79.6 per cent).
This week, the total offerings (packages) at three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were 3,96,823 compared to 4,24,102 in the corresponding sale (No.3) of last year. The offerings at Kolkata comprised CTC/dust 1,47,359 (1,54,579), Orthodox 25,018 (24,261) and Darjeeling 1,684 (2,403). The corresponding figures for two other centres handling mainly CTC/dust were: Guwahati 1,15,440 (1,38,781) and Siliguri 1,07,322 (1,04,078).
Assam CTC teas were lower following the decline in quality. Dooars was irregularly lower. Western India dealers were active on the liquoring sorts. There were good enquiries from North India and local sections. Selected, well-made orthodox offerings sold at fully firm to dearer rates. There was some Continental enquiry on tippy and liquoring varieties. Exporters to CIS and West Asia operated actively. Hindustan Unilever operated on the fannings.
Darjeeling whole leaf grades sold in line with quality. Brokens and fannings sold at around last levels and met with enquiries from exporters and local buyers.