Exploration Licence Awarded

Total S.A.
02 November 2006


Total enters into an offshore exploration block in the Netherlands

Paris November 2, 2006 - Total has been awarded an exploration licence for block
L3, on the Dutch Continental shelf, in the Netherlands.  The block is situated
100 kilometres offshore north of Den Helder, within water depths of around 40
metres, and covers 406 square kilometres.

The licence is granted for four years.  The national Dutch State company EBN is
expected to become a 40% partner of the project and Total, as operator, will
hold the remaining 60%.

The L3 block is in the vicinity of the L4a, L7 and F15a producing blocks
operated by Total.

Total looks forward to continuing its prominent role in exploration and
production activities in the Netherlands, maintaining the position of the second
largest hydrocarbon producer in the country.


Total is one of the world's major oil and gas groups, with activities in more
than 130 countries. Its 95,000 employees put their expertise to work in every
part of the industry - exploration and production of oil and natural gas,
refining and marketing, gas trading and electricity. Total is working to keep
the world supplied with energy, both today and tomorrow. The Group is also a
first rank player in chemicals, www.total.com





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