``The overall shortage of about 52 million kg is not a small quantity,'' according to sources in the industry. This should have pushed up the auction prices but they are still languishing at an average of Rs 57 per kg in the South Indian auction centres.

Only the Kochi auction centre has a higher average of Rs 61.53 per kg while the Coonoor and Coimbatore centres have an average price of Rs 54.04 a kg and Rs 57.08 a kg respectively.

According to a top tea broking firm, the short supply of tea will be felt only during this month. A good promising crop is likely to fill the gap in the coming months for South India.

The auction prices have been subdued mainly on account of less export enquiry and that too at a lower unitprice. The leaf grades have maintained a steady price. The domestic demand has also not managed to increase the prices at the auction because the supply situation in the beginning of the year was quite adequate.

The carry- over stock from the last year's bumper production had eased the supply situation of tea till now. ``The pinch will be felt now,'' said another leading Kochi broker. The prices have remained low throughout the first six months of the year compared to the previous year when the prices averaged Rs 72.69 per kg.

The export of the commodity was also more in the previous year in the first six months. The crash came only in the latter part of the year.

Exports in the current year have not done well at all but they are likely to pick up soon, said a leading Kochi broker. The buyers are selective and are only placing orders for quality tea. As most of the South Indian teas are exported to Russia and the CIS, the rouble crash has made a big impact on the export.

The international teaconvention held at Kochi is likely to throw open a few more markets for the Indian teas, said sources in a leading tea producing company. ``It will take a little time to get results after a marketing effort. We have to build up our image about quality of teas available in India,'' sources said.