HAMBURG/DUBAI - Saudi Arabia’s main state grain buying agency, the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) said on Thursday it has issued an international tender to purchase about 720,000 tonnes of animal feed barley.

The tender deadline is Friday, July 17, SAGO said, confirming earlier reports from traders.

October/November arrival was sought from global suppliers, SAGO governor Ahmad Al Fares said in a statement.

Traders said price offers must remain valid up to July 20, when the tender result is also expected.

A total of 12 shipments of about 60,000 tonnes were sought.

Traders said these consignments were sought for these arrival dates: Any Red Sea port Oct. 1-15: 180,000 tonnes in three vessels Oct. 15-31: 180,000 tonnes in three vessels Nov. 1-15: 180,000 tonnes in three vessels Any Gulf port Oct. 1-15: 60,000 tonnes in one vessel Oct. 15-31: 60,000 tonnes in one vessel Nov. 1-15: 60,000 tonnes in one vessel

Shipments can be 10% larger or smaller than the volume given.

In its last reported barley tender on June 15, SAGO bought 1.08 million tonnes at an average price of $198.81 a tonne.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan and Maha El Dahan, editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))