Interim Results

Petrel Resources PLC 30 September 2004 Petrel Resources plc Interim Statement 29th September 2004 During the period for the six months ending 30 June 2004 Petrel recorded a small operating loss of Euros 126,000 which is modest in relation to the scale of the projects which the company has been engaged in. Between April and June 2004, Petrel submitted plans to develop the Khurmala Dome, Hamrin and Subba & Luhais oil fields in Iraq. Each tender is to develop oil fields producing in excess of 120,000 barrels per day. Since June, Petrel has been in detailed technical discussions with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil on all three tenders. This work clarified and fine-tuned engineering detail. In recent days, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil invited Petrel for 'an urgent and direct discussion to finalize all technical and commercial matters' in respect of the first two of these projects. We are urgently meeting to finalise outstanding technical, contractual and commercial issues. The tenders are designed as cash contracts, but we hope that they may evolve into risk-sharing arrangements. Funding is not a problem. A major international group has offered full financing in return for a crude oil off-take agreement. We will elect for a full risk-sharing arrangement, including undertaking exploration risk, as soon as such initiatives are legally and practically possible. The World desperately needs new oil developments. Yet the major source of new supplies - Iraq, is effectively off-limits for most western companies. It doesn't have to be this way: we've worked with Iraqi oil professionals for many years. They want to develop their resources fairly. What delayed development of Iraqi reserves was first sanctions and now the chaos engendered by war. Iraq needs to export oil, consumers need energy. Investors will make it happen, respecting laws and local sensitivities. The problems of scarce resources, energy demand and depleting supply, can be solved. I visited Iraq eight times before the 2003 war, and nine times since. We have experienced no insuperable difficulties or even discourtesy from any faction. I believe that Petrel is as well positioned as any Western oil company to contribute to the development of Iraq's oil resources. Current political challenges are an opportunity for those able to work in complex situations. The Iraqi authorities are supportive. The new Oil Minister has boosted morale and galvanised experts to drive development forward, but their challenge is too great without additional capital, people and technology from friendly countries. Petrel works only with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. We have no business links, directly or indirectly, with any military contacts. Petrel employs, where possible, local staff. We hire the best people available. This 'locals first' policy has insulated Petrel from difficulties experienced by many foreign companies. We continue to drive forward our Iraqi western desert exploration work. Much of the seismic and well core data was destroyed during the 2003 war. Accordingly, we concluded a joint venture with the Jordanian government to take new geological samples on the western side of the basin. Existing Jordanian well cores and chippings have been shared with us. Petrel has conducted fission-track and other state of the art techniques to enhance our knowledge. We will commence work on the ground in Block 6 in the Western Desert as soon as it is legally and practically feasible. We have spent the last seven years in pursuit of our goal of becoming an independent oil producer in Iraq. The next few months may see us take important strides towards this goal. David Horgan Managing Director Petrel Resources plc Financial Information (Unaudited) Six Months Ended 30 June 2004 30 June 2003 €'000 €'000 Group Profit and Loss Operating Profit / (Loss) (126) (100) Investment Income 0 0 Profit / (Loss) before Taxation (126) (100) Taxation 0 0 Profit / (Loss) for the period (126) (100) Profit / (Loss) per share (.22c) (.20c) Six Months Ended 30 June 2004 30 June 2003 €'000 €'000 Group Balance Sheet Fixed Assets 1,782 1,167 Current Assets less Current Liabilities 325 (104) 2,107 1,063 Share Capital and Reserves 2,107 1,063 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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