Statement re Tunisia Update

Immediate Release 17(th) June 2010 GULFSANDS PETROLEUM PLC Tunisia Drilling Update London, 17(th) June, 2010:  Gulfsands Petroleum plc ("Gulfsands", the "Group" or the "Company" - AIM: GPX), the oil and gas production, exploration and development company with activities in Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, Italy and the U.S.A., is pleased to announce that ADX Energy Ltd (ASX:ADX and formerly known as AuDAX Resources Ltd), the operator of the Kerkouane Exploration Licence offshore Tunisia (Kerkouane Licence) and the adjacent Pantelleria Exploration Permit in Southern Italy (G.R15.PU, known as the Pantelleria Permit) has advised of the commencement of mobilisation of the Atwood "Southern Cross" semi submersible drilling rig to the Lambouka-1 well location on the Kerkouane Licence. While the exact duration of the rig tow is weather dependant, ADX Energy has estimated that the drilling rig should arrive on location within 12 to 15 days. Mobilisation of the drilling spread onto the Kerkouane exploration licence, including the "Southern Cross" semi submersible drilling rig and all towing and supply vessels, followed receipt of requisite approvals from the Tunisian Naval authority (Commission Consultative des Activities Maritimes). Gulfsands' is acquiring a 30% participating interest in the Kerkouane Licence and Pantelleria Permit. Drilling of the Lambouka-1 exploration well offshore Tunisia is now expected to commence in early July. Gulfsands also expects to participate in the drilling of another exploration well before the end of 2010 in the onshore Chorbane permit, to earn a 40% participating interest (see announcement of 18(th) May 2010). Ric Malcolm, Gulfsands CEO, said "We are pleased to be able to report that the Southern Cross semi-submersible is now on its way to the Lambouka-1 exploration well location and look forward to shortly reporting the commencement of drilling operations." This release has been approved by Richard Malcolm, Chief Executive of Gulfsands Petroleum Plc who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with 30 years of experience in petroleum exploration and management. Mr. Malcolm has consented to the inclusion of the technical information in this release in the form and context in which it appears. For more information please contact: Gulfsands Petroleum (London) +44 (0)20 7434 6060 Richard Malcolm, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Rose, Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Judge, Director: Corporate Development & Communications Buchanan Communications Limited (London) +44 (0)20 7466 5000 Bobby Morse Ben Romney Chris McMahon RBC Capital Markets (London) +44 (0)20 7653 4000 Josh Critchley Matthew Coakes Martin Eales ABOUT GULFSANDS: Gulfsands is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Syria Gulfsands owns a 50% working interest and is operator of Block 26 in North East Syria.  The Khurbet East oil field was discovered in June 2007 and commenced commercial production within 13 months of the discovery. The Yousefieh oil field was discovered in November 2008 and commenced commercial production within 18 months of discovery. These fields are now producing at an average combined gross production rate of approximately 18,000 barrels of oil per day through an early production facility. Block 26 covers approximately 8,250 square kilometres and encompasses existing fields which currently produce over 100,000 barrels of oil per day, and are operated mainly by the Syrian Petroleum Company.  The current exploration licence expires in August 2010 and is extendable for a further two years.  Gulfsands' working interest 2P reserves in Syria at 31 December 2009 were 46.0 mmbbls. Iraq Gulfsands signed a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2005 with the Ministry of Oil in Iraq for the Maysan Gas Project in Southern Iraq, following completion of a feasibility study on the project, and is negotiating details of a definitive contract for this regionally important development.  The project will gather, process and transmit natural gas that is currently a waste by-product of oil production and as a result of the present practice of gas flaring, contributes to significant environmental damage in the region. The Company is actively engaged in discussions with respect to financing and potential equity partners.  Gulfsands has no reserves in Iraq. Gulf of Mexico, USA The Company owns interests in 37 leases offshore Texas and Louisiana which include 24 producing oil and gas fields with proved and probable working interest reserves at 31 December 2009 of 4.6 mmboe. Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by Gulfsands and as such are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to factors such as general economic and market conditions, increased costs of production or a decline in oil and gas prices. Gulfsands is under no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. More information can be found on the Company's website www.gulfsands.com [HUG#1424664]
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