Start of Seismic Acquisition

Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ld
07 March 2008




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07 March 2008


                       GULF KEYSTONE PETROLEUM LIMITED
                       ("Gulf Keystone" or "the Company")

                               Operational Update

              Start of Seismic Acquisition Programme in Kurdistan


Gulf Keystone Petroleum Limited (AIM: GKP) an independent oil & gas exploration
company, today announces that its subsidiary Gulf Keystone Petroleum
International Limited ("GKPL") in partnership with Kalegran Ltd ("Kalegran"), a
subsidiary of MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company ("MOL") and Texas
Keystone Inc. ("Texas Keystone"), has commenced seismic acquisition in
Kurdistan.

Arrakis Geodynamics Ltd., a U.S.-based upstream services company, has been
contracted to acquire 2D seismic in the Shaikan Block of Kurdistan. Arrakis
will work closely with Polaris Explorer Ltd. to acquire the data. The seismic
programme which began on 02 March 2008 consists of a minimum of 159 km of 2D
seismic to be acquired using a combination of vibrator and dynamite sources.
This seismic programme is scheduled to last for 60 days and could be extended to
a total of 206 km if more data is required.

The Shaikan Block is situated near the city of Dihok, approximately 85 kms
North-West of Erbil and covers an area of 283 square kms.


Todd Kozel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"To start seismic acquisition within just four months of being awarded licences
by the Kurdistan Regional Government clearly illustrates the fast pace with
which we are progressing our work programme."




Enquiries

Gulf Keystone Petroleum:                  [phone]
Todd Kozel, Executive Chairman

Hoare Govett Limited:                     [phone]
Andrew Foster

Tristone:                                 [phone]
Simon Ashby-Rudd

Citigate Dewe Rogerson:                   [phone]
Media: Martin Jackson
Analysts: Kate Delahunty

or visit: www.gulfkeystone.com





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