Some traders put the volume purchased at nearer 700,000 tonnes.

HAMBURG/PARIS - Algeria's state grains agency OAIC bought around 600,000 tonnes of milling wheat in an international tender which closed on Wednesday, European traders said on Thursday.

Algeria, one of the world's largest grain importers, does not disclose details of its tenders and results are based on trader estimates.

First assessments put prices paid between $226 and $227 a tonne on a cost and freight (c&f) basis.

Six companies sold wheat in the tender, traders said.

The origin of the grain is at the seller's option but most was expected to be sourced from France, Algeria's main supplier.

The tender called for the wheat to be shipped in May, except for South American supplies that should be shipped in April.

In its last reported tender on Feb. 11, OAIC purchased around 660,000 tonnes of milling wheat to be sourced from optional origins at about $237.50 and $237.75 a tonne.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan and Gus Trompiz; Editing by Jan Harvey) ((gus.trompiz@thomsonreuters.com; +33 1 49 49 52 18; Reuters Messaging: gus.trompiz.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))