Drilling Report

Total S.A.
25 November 2003



               Kazakhstan: Hydrocarbon discoveries on Aktote 
                             and Kashagan Southwest


Paris, November 25, 2003 - Total announces the discovery of hydrocarbons with
the successful completion of the offshore exploration wells on Aktote and
Kashagan SouthWest prospects. The wells are located in the Kazakhstan sector of
the Caspian Sea and are adjacent to the giant Kashagan field that was declared a
commercial discovery in June 2002.


The Aktote-1 well was drilled from an artificial island to a total depth of
4,267 metres. The well was tested under restricted flow conditions at a rate of
1,550 barrels per day.


The Kashagan SouthWest-1 well was drilled to a total depth of 5,875 metres. The
well was tested at a rate of 2,200 barrels per day.


An evaluation is currently underway to determine the potential of these 
discoveries.


The Aktote and Kashagan SouthWest discoveries are located on the blocks
attributed to the consortium holding a production sharing contract in the
northern area of the Caspian Sea (Total 20.37%*).

* Upon completion of the sale of BG International's interest.


Total is a partner in the association operated by Agip KCO that groups six
international companies: Eni, Exxonmobil, Shell, Total, ConocoPhillips and
Inpex, after BG's exit.    


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
through its chemicals branch, Atofina. Total has 121,500 employees worldwide.
More information can be found on the company's website: www.total.com




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