Drilling Update

Tullow Oil PLC
17 February 2004

Tullow Oil plc

17th February 2004

                    TULLOW OIL DRILLING ACTIVITY UPDATE

Rasulpur-1 well, Block 9 Bangladesh (Tullow 30% and Operator)

The Rasulpur-1 well, the first of a three well programme in Block 9, Bangladesh,
commenced drilling on 11th December 2003 and reached its total depth of 3,295m
on 11th February.  While the well encountered some potentially encouraging
reservoir intervals, an analysis of the well logs indicates that no significant
quantities of moveable hydrocarbons are present. The well will now be plugged
and abandoned.

The drilling rig will move to Lalmai where drilling is expected to commence in
late February.  The third well on Block 9, on the Bangora Prospect, will follow
Lalmai.


KTS-1 Well, Kiarsseny Marin, Gabon (Tullow 57.5% and Operator)

The Kiarsseny Topaze South-1 well, offshore Gabon, was spudded on Thursday 12th
February.  This well is primarily designed to evaluate a potential extension to
the existing Topaze Oil discovery and has also been designed to assess deeper
potential Cap Lopez horizon objectives.  The well is expected to take between 40
and 50 days in total.


Monroe Well CMS Area, Southern North Sea (Tullow 15%).

The Monroe exploration well in the CMS area was spudded on 16th February.  This
well has a scheduled duration of 50-60 days.

Boulton-H Well, CMS Area, Southern North Sea.  (Tullow 14.1%)

The Boulton-H1x well has successfully encountered the objective Carboniferous
gas-bearing reservoir sands within the Lower Ketch, Lower Schooner and
Westphalian B formations.  The well is currently undergoing completion and the
field is expected to commence production in early March.


Commenting on the programme, Aidan Heavey, Chief Executive of Tullow said:

'While the result of Rasulpur is disappointing for Tullow and our partners, it
represents the start of an extensive drilling programme which will test a number
of attractive prospects in each of our core areas during 2004. The remaining
wells in each area have the potential to add significant value to Tullow'

For Further Information Contact:

Tullow Oil plc ([phone])
Aidan Heavey
Tom Hickey

Citigate Dewe Rogerson ([phone])
Martin Jackson

Murray Consultants ([phone])
Joe Murray

Notes for Editors

Tullow Oil plc is one of the leading Independent International Oil & Gas
Exploration and Production companies in Europe. Tullow is quoted on the London
and Irish stock exchanges (symbol TLW) and is a member of the FTSE 250 Index.

Strategy
Tullow's strategy is to build strong and secure cash flow from low risk
production acreage while applying discretionary funds to exploration territories
with high potential. These activities will be undertaken in a manner that
reflects a genuine concern for the environment and the health and safety of all
personnel.

Production and Development Assets
Tullow has interests in over 50 exploration and production licences spread over
three core areas:  UK North Sea, West Africa and South Asia.

In the North Sea, Tullow's principal interests are in the CMS (where Monroe
exploration well is currently drilling) and the Thames/Hewett group of licences
in addition to the operatorship of the Bacton onshore gas-processing terminal.

The Espoir field in Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa, is Tullow's principal source of
international production.  Tullow is also active in exploration and development
programmes in Gabon and Cameroon.

In South Asia, Tullow has production and exploration interests in Pakistan and
exploration activities in India.  In Bangladesh, a three well drilling programme
in Block 9 is under way;

For further information see www.tullowoil.com


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