Start of Oil Production

Total Fina Elf.
19 February 2003



                         Iran:  Start of production from Balal Field

Paris, February 19, 2003 - TotalFinaElf announces the start-up of oil production
from the Iranian Balal offshore field near Iran's Lavan Island, in the Persian
Gulf.  The Group is the operator of the field under a 'buy-back' contract 
signed with state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) in April 1999 and
has a 46.75% interest in partnership with Eni (38.25%) and Bow Valley (15%).

Production started in January at a daily rate of approximately 20,000 barrels
coming from two wells.  It is exported from the offshore platform using 
facilities operated by the NIOC (subsea pipeline and processing facilities on
Lavan Island).

Presently, three additional producer wells are being drilled.  They are expected
to enter production by the end of the first half of 2003.


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