Despite good news of taxes withholding tax being refunded, tobacco farmers have reported that buyers are offering low prices, according to more findings in the northern region.

Figures show that Kabwafu Mini Auction Floors sold only 355 out of 1,212 bales that were prepared for the market, which resulted into a 30 minute suspension of the market. However, Auction Holdings Limited Mzuzu Floors has said that the prices last year are not that different with this year’s, as the highest price flue cured tobacco fetched was $4.15 and the minimum got $0.50.

Meanwhile, even the minimum prices will affect sales, adding that last week, sales dipped because of the tripartite elections. Overall, sales reached $37,737,425.99, in comparison to  $62,042,270.71 made during first five weeks of sales last season, which represents a 39% dip in this years sales so far.