Prices of several tea varieties declined at Kochi auction. However, good liquoring varieties in dust category remaining steady to firm and sometimes dearer. Others were irregular and lower, especially medium and plainer browner teas.

The quantity on offer in CTC dust was 10,84,000 kg in sale no 35. Kerala Loose Tea traders and upcountry buyers lent fair support, while improved export enquiry was noticed on smaller grainier varieties.

The market for orthodox dust was lower by Rs 3-5 and the quantity on offer was 15,000 kg. Exporters and upcountry buyers absorbed the quantity sold. In Cochin best CTC quotation, good varieties fetched Rs 106-153, mediums ruled at Rs 80-117 and plain grades quoted Rs 55-64.

In the leaf category, there was good demand for liquoring teas. The market for select best Nilgiri brokens, Fannings in orthodox grades was steady to firm and sometimes dearer. The quantity on offer was 2,29,500 kg.

In CTC leaf, the market for high priced teas was lower by Rs 5-10 and sometimes more. Medium and plainer teas lost Rs 5-7, witnessing higher withdrawals. The quantity on offer was 52,500 kg. There was subdued demand in buying pattern.

Monica SFD quoted the best prices in dust grades at Rs 155 followed by Murugan SRD at Rs 153. In leaf grades, Chamraj FOP-S (Green Tea) came to the top quoting Rs 284 followed by Chamraj OP at Rs 271.