Tobacco sales hit snag

Malawi's tobacco sales at the main auction floors in the capital, Lilongwe started off on the wrong footing when growers and buyers hit deadlock over the selling price. PANA reports said the opening prices for flue-cured tobacco leaves were set at US $1.80 per kg before they dropped 10 cents per kg after the buyers argued the leaf was of poor quality compared to that of last year. Last year's leaf traded at between US $2 and US $2.50 per kg. The growers reportedly suspended trading after the buyers refused to change their offer. PANA said riot police had to be called in after tempers flared when the buyers refused to reconsider. The stalemate reportedly delayed the opening of the Limbe auction floors in Blantyre.