PTT Exploration and Production PCL : The Bir Seba field in Algeria has commenced first oil production

• Bir Seba has already achieved production volume of approximately 20,000 BPD
• Plan to increase its field capacity to 40,000 BPD by the year 2020
• The first petroleum production of PTTEP in Africa, the continent that will drive the company's growth in the long term

The Bir Seba field in the Algeria 433a & 416b project has started first oil production, underscoring the first production project of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) in the Africa continent. The Bir Seba field has commenced and already achieved the production volume of approximately 20,000 barrels per day (BPD) corresponding to the nominal capacity of its Central Processing Facilities. PTTEP anticipates the commercial sale of crude oil from the Bir Seba within 2015.

Somporn Vongvuthipornchai, President and Chief Executive Officer of PTTEP, said 'The first oil production from the Bir Seba field demonstrates the determination and strong collaboration of the joint venture partners consisting of SONATRACH, PTTEP and Petrovietnam to co-develop crude oil production project until it succeeds. Furthermore, the commencement of the first crude oil production also confirms PTTEP's capability in petroleum exploration, development and production in the continent of Africa, which will be another vital operation base of PTTEP and Thailand in the long term.'

The startup of crude oil production in the Bir Seba field of the Algeria 433a & 416b project not only increases production volume to PTTEP, but also creates the company's growth in the long term with a plan to increase its field capacity to 40,000 BPD by the year 2020.

Covering 437 square Kilometers, the Algeria 433a & 416b project is located near Touggourt in the east of Algeria with the Bir Seba and Mouiat Ouled Messaoud onshore oil fields. In 2004, PTTEP was included as a new partner in the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) of the Block 433a & 416b. The company invests in the Algeria 433a & 416b project through its subsidiary PTTEP Algeria Company Limited (PTTEP AG) with a 35% stake. Other joint venture partners include Algeria National Oil Company SONATRACH and Petrovietnam Exploration and Production Corporation of Vietnam (PVEP) which hold a 25% stake and a 40% stake, respectively.

In addition to the Algeria 433a & 416b project, PTTEP is also the operator during the exploration period of the Algeria Hassi Bir Rekaiz project, besides of SONATRACH. The first and second exploration phases have been completed with satisfied crude oil and natural gas discovered. The project is under its third phase of exploration.

PTTEP currently invests in 39 projects in 11 countries globally, of which 4 exploration and production projects are in Africa. Those include the Algeria 433a & 416b project, Algeria Hassi Bir Rakeiz project, Mozambique Rovuma Offshore Area 1 project and Kenya L5, L7, L11A, L11B & L12 project.

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Rudklao Intawong Suwankiri Tel. +66 (0) 2537 4834 E-mail: nalinv@pttep.com