Gas Discovery

Tullow Oil PLC
16 April 2004



Tullow Oil  Announces Monroe Gas Discovery



Tullow Oil plc ('Tullow') announces a gas discovery with the 'Monroe'
exploration well, 44/17b-7.



The 44/17b-7 discovery, located within Tullow's Caister Murdoch System ('CMS')
core area, was spudded on 16 February and reached a depth of 12,611ft. The well
encountered gas-bearing Carboniferous reservoir sands and has been suspended as
a potential future producer.



Subject to the outcome of pre-development studies, it is the co-venturers' plan
to re-enter this well and tie it back to the ConcocoPhillips operated CMS III
production network. First production is expected by mid-2005.



Co-venturers in the discovery are Tullow Oil UK (15% interest), GDF Britain Ltd
(39% interest and Operator) and ConocoPhillips (UK) Limited (46% interest).



Aidan Heavey, Tullow's Chief Executive commented: 'The success of the Monroe
well demonstrates the continued prospectivity of this core area and paves the
way for the next phase of development of CMS. We look forward to further active
exploration and development activities on this exciting trend'



For Further Information Contact:



Tullow Oil plc ([phone])

Aidan Heavey

Tom Hickey



Citigate Dewe Rogerson ([phone])

Alexandra Scrimgeour



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 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 Cameroon and Gabon.



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



For further information see www.tullowoil.com


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