Saudi Arabia has announced a tender to purchase 655,000 metric tons of wheat. The General Food Security Authority, Saudi Arabia's state grain buying agency, made the announcement on Thursday.

According to the GFSA, the delivery of 'the wheat' is planned for a period between May and July.

European traders have said that the deadline for submitting price 'offers' in the tender is Friday,?27 February. The traders said that results are expected to be announced on Monday, 2 March.

The traders said that a total 11 shipments were requested, with one vessel going to Jazan,?three vessels to Dammam and three to Yanbu, as well as four vessels to Jeddah.

The?agency purchased an estimated 907,000 metric tons of hard wheat in its previous tender, held on January 19. Reporting by Ahmed Elimam; Additional reporting by Michael Hogan, Hamburg; Editing and rewriting by Louise Heavens & Alison Williams

(source: Reuters)