Re Joint Venture

Total S.A.
7 October 2003

             Total and Rosneft Partner In the Russian Black Sea

Paris, October 7 2003 - Total and Rosneft have signed a joint venture agreement
to explore and develop the Tuapse Depression in the Black Sea. This 12,000-
square-kilometer area is located a few kilometers offshore Russia, and water
depths range from 500 to 2,000 meters. Rosneft was awarded the exploration
license for the area in August 2003. In line with the agreements signed by Total
and Rosneft, the license is to be transferred to a joint venture equally owned
by the two companies.

Phase 1 will comprise a 2D seismic survey, a 3D seismic survey and a well.

Total's acquisition of an interest in the Tuapse Depression is in line with the
company's strategy of expanding deep offshore holdings worldwide and
strengthening its presence in projects in Russia. The Group recently brought on
stream Phase 2 of the Kharyaga development, which will lift the Russian field's
oil output to 30,000 barrels per day.



Total is the fourth largest oil and gas company in the world with operations in
more than 120 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
through its chemicals branch, Atofina. Total has 121,000 employees worldwide.
More information can be found on the company's website: www.total.com


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange