PARIS/HAMBURG- Algeria's state grains agency OAIC is thought to have purchased around 660,000 tonnes of milling wheat to be sourced from optional origins in an international tender which closed on Monday, European traders said on Tuesday.

Some traders estimated the total to be higher, at about 680,000 tonnes. Traders had initially estimated the total at around 540,000 tonnes.

First assessments put prices paid at about $237.50 and $237.75 a tonne c&f. More detailed figures are also expected later.

Algeria does not disclose the results of its tenders and purchase reports are based on trade assessments.

The wheat was sought for shipment in two periods from the main supply countries, April 1-15 and April 16-30. If sourced from South America, shipment is between March 1-15 and March 16-31.

In its last reported tender on Jan. 22, the OAIC purchased around 400,000 tonnes of milling wheat at about $245 a tonne c&f. F

(Reporting by Gus Trompiz, Sybille de la Hamaide and Michael Hogan, editing by Louise Heavens) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))