Commencement of Production

Tullow Oil PLC
02 May 2003


          PRODUCTION COMMENCES FROM THE MCADAM GAS FIELD, OFFSHORE UK


Tullow Oil plc ('Tullow') announces that production commenced on 27th April from
the McAdam gas field, situated in the UK Southern North Sea. Initial production
rates are between 60 and 65 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) from
the single well development, which is above the anticipated level of 50 mmscfd.

The McAdam field is the third field to be brought on production as part of the
five field development collectively known as CMS III, as they are being
developed using the production and transportation facilities of the Caister
Murdoch System (CMS).

Tullow Oil UK Limited holds a 14.1 percent interest in CMS III. ConocoPhillips
(U.K.)

Limited operates CMS III with 59.5 percent, and GDF Britain Limited holds 26.4
per cent.

Production from the first two fields, Murdoch K and Hawksley, which produce from
different Carboniferous reservoirs to that of McAdam, has exceeded expectations
since first gas was produced from CMS III in September 2002. These two wells,
along with the additional production from McAdam, bring the combined production
rate to the anticipated plateau of 300 mmscfd.

The fourth well in the programme, Boulton H1, is currently drilling, and should
be on production in Q3 this year. The Watt field will be the last of the five to
be developed.

The CMS project required new and upgraded facilities, including a bridge-linked
accommodation platform and tie-ins, for the CMS III sub-sea development. The
installation of a new compression module this summer will double compression
capacity, catering for both existing production and future developments in the
area.

John Lander, Tullow Oil UK Limited Managing Director stated: 'The commencement
of production from McAdam is another milestone in a highly successful project.
We are delighted to have achieved a combined production rate of 300 mmscfd,
while the additional compression capacity to be installed this summer will also
open up the opportunity to fast track new discoveries or existing finds in the
surrounding acreage'


For further information contact:

Tullow Oil plc                                     Tel: [phone]
Aidan Heavey, Chief Executive
Tom Hickey, Finance Director
John Lander, Managing Director, Tullow Oil UK Limited
www.tullowoil.com


Binns & Co PR Ltd                                  Tel: [phone]
Ben Willey, Peter Binns, Emma McCaffrey
www.binnspr.co.uk


NOTES TO EDITORS

Tullow Oil plc is a UK registered company, quoted on the London and Irish stock
exchanges, and is one of the largest Independent Exploration and Production
companies in Europe. Tullow Oil is a dynamic player in the international oil and
gas industry. Its primary offices are in London (UK & Corporate) and Dublin
(International Business).

Tullow Oil has interests in 54 exploration and production licences spread over
three main areas - South Asia, Africa, and Europe.  It has regional offices in
South Asia and Europe and is planning to open one in West Africa.



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