Acquisition

Total S.A.
17 March 2006

               Bangladesh: Entry into two offshore exploration permits

Paris, March 17, 2006 - Total announces the acquisition of a 60% interest in the 
exploration blocks 17 and 18, situated offshore southeast Bangladesh, from 
Tullow Bangladesh Ltd. (operator, 32%), Okland Bangladesh Ltd. (4%) and Rexwood 
Offshore Holdings Ltd. (4%).  The purchase is presently undergoing approval by 
the Bangladesh government.

With a total surface area of near to 14,000 square kilometres, these blocks are
located in water depths of approximately 20 metres. Seismic acquisition works
are planned to start in 2006. 

Total is already present in the refining and marketing sectors in Bangladesh, 
with activities in lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas.  With this 
acquisition Total marks its entrance into country's exploration and production 
sector confirming the Group's aim to continue its development in Asia. 

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Total is the fourth largest oil and gas company in the world with operations in
more than 130 countries. Total's activities cover the whole energy chain of the
petroleum industry: exploration, oil and gas production, refining and marketing,
trading and power generation. The Group is also a major player in chemicals.
Total has more than 111,000 employees worldwide. More information can be found
on the company's website: www.total.com



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