Operations Update

Ascent Resources PLC
23 November 2005


      Ascent Resources plc / Epic: AST / Index: AIM / Sector: Oil and Gas


23 November 2005


                Ascent Resources plc ('Ascent' or 'the Company')
                    Operational update in Hungary and Italy


Ascent Resources plc, the AIM traded oil and gas exploration and production
company, announces that its 90% owned Hungarian joint venture, Petro Hungaria
Kft has completed its planned 270 km 2D seismic survey in the Nyirseg
Exploration Permits in north eastern Hungary. After processing the data and
incorporating the results into the existing geological model, the Company plans
to select  two drilling locations, permitting of which may take up to six months
before permission to drill is received. The seismic acquisition was completed on
schedule and within budget.


In Italy, Pentex Italia Limited, the operator of the Frosinone Exploration
Permit, has informed Ascent that it has signed a Letter of Intent with an
Italian drilling contractor for a rig to drill the Anagni 1 oil well in the
Latina Valley.  Mobilisation is planned to take place in March 2006.


Ascent's Managing Director Jeremy Eng commented:  'As Ascent's first major
operation we are please that the seismic programme in Hungary has been completed
on schedule and below budget. We are also pleased to have secured a suitable,
new generation rig to drill the Anagni 1 well. Due the high activity levels,
rigs are in short supply as are drilling materials, however, with our purchase
of Vintage Italiana, we acquired sufficient drilling inventory for at least
three wells.'


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Contacts:

Jeremy Eng                  Ascent  Resources Plc            Tel: [phone]
Hugo de Salis               St Brides Media & Finance Ltd    Tel: [phone]




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