Update on exploration progress

Centrica PLC
                  

Oct 18, 2005

Update on exploration progress

Further to its announcement on 15 July 2005, Centrica plc today announced that
well 42/21-1 on licence P1132, incorporating blocks 42/21 and 42/22 in the
Southern North Sea, has been completed. Analysis of wireline logs indicated that
hydrocarbons are not present in commercial quantities and the company now
expects that, following receipt of approvals from the joint venture partners and
the DTI, the well will be plugged and abandoned.

The total cost to Centrica of drilling operations, including abandonment, will
be approximately £4 million.

Enquiries:

Centrica Investor Relations 01753 494900
Centrica Media Relations 01753 494085