Cabot Energy Regulatory News (CAB)

NORTHERN PETROLEUM PLC - Directors' Shareholding

PR Newswire

London, December 13

Embargoed for release: 0700 on 14 December 2012

The Company has been informed that on 12 December 2012 Mr Richard Latham, theChairman of Northern, purchased 5,000 ordinary shares of the Company in themarket at a price of 48.5 pence per share. The shares have been purchased andwill be held by Mr Latham's SIPP.

Following this acquisition, Mr Latham's beneficial shareholding in Northern is967,477 shares, which represents 1.01 per cent of the issued share capital ofthe Company.

Northern has also been informed that Dr Rex Gaisford, a Non-Executive Directorof the Company on 13 December purchased 50,000 ordinary shares of the Companyin the market at a price of 48.75 pence per share.

Following this acquisition, Dr Gaisford's beneficial shareholding in Northernis 73,500 shares, which represents 0.08 per cent of the issued share capital ofthe Company. Dr Gaisford's holding includes 11,000 shares purchased on14 September 2011 at a price of 91.1 pence per share not previously disclosed.

The Directors of the Company's aggregate beneficial shareholding is 3,604,461ordinary shares, which represents 3.78 per cent of the issued share capital ofthe Company.

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900

Derek Musgrove, Managing Director

Nick Morgan, Finance Director

Westhouse Securities (NOMAD and Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7601 6100

Richard Baty / Petre Norton - Corporate Finance

Ian Napier - Corporate Broking

FTI Consulting Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 3113

Billy Clegg / Victoria Huxster

Bishopsgate Communications Tel: +44 (0) 20 7562 3350

Nick Rome

Notes to Editors:

Northern is a full cycle oil and gas company currently holding over 40 licencesin a number of low risk areas and is continuing with its strategy of adding andsecuring value for shareholders as it engages with projects at all stages ofthe E&P value chain.

Comprehensive information on Northern and its oil and gas operations, includingall press releases, annual reports and interim reports are available fromNorthern's website at www.northpet.com.