Northern Petroleum Plc (“Northern” or “the Company”) announce that it has been informed by Star Energy Group Plc, the Operator, that it plans to begin drilling the Avington-3 appraisal well early next week.

The company has a 5% interest in Avington which is situated on PEDL 070 (Petroleum and Exploration Development Licence) in Hampshire.

The well is operated by Star Energy with Egdon Resources Plc, Sterling Resources (UK) Limited and YCI Resources Limited and Northern Petroleum (GB) Limited as partners.

For further details please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Derek Musgrove, Managing Director
Graham Heard, Exploration Manager
Tel: 020 7743 6080

Chris Roberts
Hansard Communications
020 7245 1100