PCI.L Regulatory News (PCI)

21 Dec 2005 07:00

Petroceltic International PLC21 December 2005 Petroceltic International Plc ("Petroceltic" or the "Company") Invitation to Tender for drilling campaign in Algeria Petroceltic, the Irish based international oil and gas exploration andproduction company, is pleased to confirm that it has requested invitations totender ("ITT") for its forthcoming drilling campaign in the Company's IsareneContract Area in Algeria. The ITT process, required in accordance with Algerian laws, is expected to becompleted and announced by the end of January 2006. This will facilitate thecommencement of drilling operations in Algeria in Q1/Q2 of 2006. John Craven, CEO of Petroceltic commented: "We are delighted to have launched the tendering process for the Algeriandrilling campaign. A number of large international drilling service companieshave already expressed serious interest in tendering, some of which currentlyhave ongoing drilling operations nearby. We are very confident of securing adrilling contractor of international repute with the technical expertise todeliver on the company's drilling programme." - Ends - For further Information, call: John Craven, Petroceltic International Plc 00353 1 4959285Billy Clegg/Jonathan Brill, Financial Dynamics 0044 20 7831 3113 Notes to editors: Petroceltic International plc ("Petroceltic" or "the Company") is a leading oiland gas exploration and production company owning a portfolio of significantassets in Algeria, Tunisia, Italy and Ireland. Petroceltic is headquartered inDublin and is listed on the Alternative Investment Market. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange