New Ultra Deepwater Discovery

Total S.A.
21 March 2006



    New Ultra Deepwater Discovery in the Republic of the Conqo
 
Paris - March 21, 2006 - Total announces an oil discovery in the Mer Tres
Profonde Sud (MTPS) block, located around 180 kilometres southwest of Pointe
Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

Drilled in 1,970 metres of water to a total depth of 3,370 metres, the Aurige
Nord Marine 1 exploration well tested at 4,970 barrels of oil per day. The
potential of the well is currently being assessed.

Awarded in May 1997, the MTPS block extends over more than 5,000 square
kilometres, with water depths ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 metres. Total, through
its subsidiary Total E&P Congo, is the operator with a 40% interest, alongside
partners Eni (30%) and Esso Exploration and Production Congo (Mer Tres Profonde
Sud) Limited (30%). 

Aurige Nord Marine 1 is the third oil find in the block, following Andromede 
Marine 1 in 2000 and Pegase  Nord  Marine 1 in 2004.  These three discoveries
may form the basis for a future development.

Total has a solid position in the Republic of the Congo, where it is the leading
oil  producer and  biggest foreign  investor.  In 2005, the Group's equity
production in the country averaged 95,000 barrels per day.

Total is the fourth largest oil and gas company in the world with operations in
more than 130 countries. Total's activities cover the whole energy chain of the
petroleum industry: exploration, oil and gas production, refining and marketing,
trading and power generation. The Group is also a major player in chemicals.
Total has more than 111,000 employees worldwide. More information can be found
on the company's website: www.total.com





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