May 4, 2006	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 5, 1427

NAIROBI, May 3: Kenyan tea prices were firmer at this week’s auction as buyers bought up tea to meet orders they were previously unable to handle due to a drought-induced shortage, brokers said on Wednesday.

“Good demand prevailed for the 78,511 packages on offer at irregularly firm to dearer rates,” a market report by the Africa Tea Brokers said, adding that 5,015 of the packages were left unsold.

Some 74,608 packages were put up for sale at last week’s auction. Brighter Best Pekoe Ones (BP1s) sold at $2.18-$2.64 per kg compared with $2.19-$2.61 at the previous auction. Brighter Pekoe Fanning Ones (PF1s) were also dearer selling at between $2.19 and $2.72 per kg from last week’s $2.20 and $2.60.—Reuters