The Company announces that the Isle of Wight Council has granted an extension to the existing permission, on the Sandhills-2 site, until 31 March 2006 in order to allow for adequate long-term testing following the delayed start to drilling operations.

The Isle of Wight Council has also granted permission for the drilling of an extra bore-hole, Sandhills-3, on the site. This is in anticipation of the need to follow up a successful Sandhills-2 appraisal well.

Further enquiries:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Graham Heard, Exploration Manager
Chris Foss, Company Secretary
Tel: 020 7743 6080

Hansard Communications
Chris Roberts/Ben Simons
Tel: 020 7245 1100