Following repeated heavy snowfall blocking transportation through roads and waterways, exporters to Russia remained subdued at Sale No: 50 of Coonoor Tea Trade Association auctions.

“Since a fortnight now, business conditions are not conducive in Russia due to hurdles in transportation arising from repeated snowfall. Temperature rules around minus 10 degrees Celsius during nights and close to zero degree Celsius during days even when there is no snowfall. Our importers contend that there is adequate stock of tea to cover short term. So, we are not investing in purchases for Russia now,” an exporter told Business Line.

Some selective purchases were made for the CIS at Rs 82-96 a kg. Pakistan was strong in the wide range Rs 83-125. There was some purchase for European ports at Rs 87-108.

Upcountry buyers were active on brighter liquoring teas. In all, about 95 per cent of the 14.21 lakh kg on offer was sold

Homedale Estate tea, auctioned by Global Tea Brokers, topped CTC market at Rs 163 a kg. Vigneshwar Estate got Rs 150, Hittakkal Estate 147, Cross Hill Estate and Shanthi Supreme Rs 146 each. In all, 151 marks got Rs 100 and more.

orthodox teas

Among orthodox teas from corporate sector, Chamraj got Rs 226, Highfield Estate Rs 210, Havukal Rs 187, Kairbetta Rs 186, and Prammas Rs 180. In all, 48 marks got Rs 100 and more.

“Orthodox leaf market was dearer by Rs 2-3 a kg. High-priced CTC leaf fetched Rs 2-4 more, better mediums Rs 2-3 and plainers up to Rs 3. Primary orthodox dusts were dearer by Rs 5-10, high-priced CTC dusts and mediums Rs 1-2 and plainers Rs 2-4”, an auctioneer said.

prices

Quotations held by brokers indicated bids ranging Rs 81-84 a kg for plain leaf grades and Rs 105-145 for brighter liquoring sorts. They ranged Rs 85-88 for plain dusts and Rs 105-145 for brighter liquoring dusts.