Work Program Launched

Total Fina Elf.
19 December 2002


                      €65-Million Work Program Launched 
              during Provence Refinery Turnaround Maintenance

Paris - December 19, 2002 - TotalFinaElf is launching a €65-million work program
at the Provence refinery, near Martigues in southern France.

Under the program, which will be carried out during a turnaround maintenance
shutdown in January and February 2003, close to €25 million will be spent on
upgrading and €40 million on maintenance and servicing. The entire investment
will enhance operating reliability and safety.

Upgrading operations will consist mainly of technical improvements designed to:
- Further reduce the facility's environmental impact.
- Make the refinery more flexible to better meet current and future market 
  demand.

The upgrading will primarily consist of improving the performance of the
catcracker, the unit that converts heavy fractions into light products. In
addition, the construction of cooling towers will significantly reduce uptake
from and discharges into the Berre basin.

The refinery's prevention-based organization and logistics will ensure the
safety of the 1,200 workers involved. Outside contractors will contribute to the
detailed safety plan. Ongoing surveillance and inspection will be performed to
ensure that site procedures and rules are applied.

The public can obtain information by calling a toll-free number in 
France: 0800 850 545.
 

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