HAMBURG - Algerian state grains agency ONAB has issued an international tender to purchase about 40,000 tonnes of animal feed barley, European traders said on Wednesday.

The deadline for submission of price offers is Thursday, March 18.

The barley is sought for April 15-30 shipment.

ONAB had last week also tendered to purchase 50,000 tonnes of barley for shipment by April 25.

The result of last week’s tender was unclear but there was unconfirmed market talk of a purchase at around $285 to $286 a tonne c&f.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan; Editing by Edmund Blair) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))