In the CTC sale, where about 42,850 packages were on offer and more than 95 per cent consumed, saw good demand at lower levels. The larger brokens in the Dooars variety sank by Rs 2 per kg from the past levels of Rs 64-74 per kg and were selling between Rs 62-74 per kg. The fannings further dwindled by Rs 4 per kg, closing between Rs 56-66 per kg. Smaller brokens, however, maintained the previous level. In the Assam varieties, the good category sold at last levels between Rs 84-112 per kg while those of medium grades, particularly brokens and fannings ruled barely steady between Rs 60-74 per kg.

Eveready and Brooke Bond were selective in operation with other packeteers showing limited interests. CIS also was less active. The major takers were Western Indian and localdealers.

The Darjeeling sale with an offering of 4,802 packages also ruled slightly easy with improved lines of whole leaf grades maintaining last levels. Iran and continental shippers operated fairly for the whole leaf section while West Bengal buyers absorbed brokens and fannings at slightly lower rates. Highest prices were once again realised by a line of Thurbo Tea estate at Rs 665 per kg for their consignment no FTGFOR-1 clonal.

In the orthodox sale, where 32,005 packages offered and 80 per cent sold, opened to good general demand at lower parties. The whole leaf teas declined by Rs 5 per kg to Rs 80-115 per kg with brokens down by Rs 2-3 per kg and sold between Rs 74-94 per kg. A smaller volume of brokens offered in the sale was readily absorbed by Brooke Bond and West Bengal traders at lower rates, between Rs 66-78 per kg. The Middle East and CIS shippers operated with improved strength and absorbed a fair quality of whole leaf teas. Liquoring brokens was absorbed by the continental buyers whileother exporters lent good inquiries.

The Calcutta dust sale met with good demand with 96 per cent of the offer amounting to 17,801 packages absorbed by the buyers. The good liquoring Assams sold at fully firm to dearer rates between Rs 82-110 per kg while clean and liquoring secondaries sold well at irregular rates in line with quality. There was a nominal weight of Dooars dust on offer which sold at last levels between Rs 62-78 per kg. Good liquoring dusts were absorbed by Gujarat and Maharashtra buyers with useful support from the major blender. Local buyers also were active. Pekoe dust attracted good inquiry from exporters.

Guwahati sale:

The Guwahati tea sale No 37 opened to less demand with prices of CTC and dusts showing persistent decline.

In the CTC section where 78,025 packages were up for sale, an overall declining trend was evident. All grades of teas plummeted by Rs 2 per kg and about 40 per cent of the offering remained unsold. The prices for all varieties ranged between Rs 58 perkg and Rs 80 per kg. Brooke Bond was the mainstay in the sale. The other brokers who extended good inquiries were Tata Tea, Godfrey Phillips and Duncan Agro. Gujarat and Maharashtra along with other domestic buyers remained quiet.

There were 37,881 packages of dust tea on offer in the Guwahati dust sale of which about 30 per cent remained unsold. This depicted a less general demand for the sale. All variety of teas sold at lower rates with Assam dusts easing by Rs 3-5 per kg. The fibrous secondaries eased further.

Brooke Bond absorbed the major quantity of teas at lower rates with good support from Tata Tea, Bush and other packeteers. Western India along with other domestic buyers remained less active.