Northern Petroleum Plc announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Northern Petroleum (UK) Limited (“Northern”) which is undertaking a three exploration drilling programme in the Po Valley region of Italy, has this morning suspended drilling operations in Italy on the Savio 1x site. The well, located in the prolific gas producing area of Emilia Romagna in the Po Basin, encountered thicker than expected sandstone formations but examination of the electric logs suggests that the gas contained in them is insufficient to warrant testing.

The Savio 1x well was Northern’s first well drilled in Italy as Operator. The drilling operations are expected to have been performed at less than the budgeted costs even though the well was drilled an extra 280 meters (919 feet) deeper than planned. Planning of the lower risk wells on the Cerasa and Longastrino licences is in progress.

As announced on 24 October 2008, Northern reduced its business risks and the call upon its cash balances through a farmout agreement with Avobone Italy S.r.l. (“Avobone”), a member of the Indofin Group. Avobone paid 40% of the well costs, with the licence interests held as follows:

A subsidiary of ATI Oil Plc (“ATI”) currently has a commercial interest equal to half that of Northern. ATI is the subject of an Offer by Northern Petroleum Plc announced on 3rd April 2009.

Derek Musgrove, Managing Director, stated:

“The Savio well was the first of Northern’s three well programme in the Po Valley. Wells on the Cerasa and Longastrino licences are at the planning design stage. Drilling is also currently underway at Nieuwendijk, which together with Tiendeveen, forms a two well exploration drilling programme in the Netherlands quite separate to our six oil and gas field development projects. We must now look forward to short term success in those wells”.

In accordance with the AIM Rules – Guidance for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by the Exploration and Technical Director of Northern, Mr Graham Heard CGeol FGS, who has over 30 years experience as a petroleum geologist.

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900
Chris Foss, Finance Director
Graham Heard, Exploration & Technical Director

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