Preliminary Production Testing of Avington-3z Well

20 Aug 2007 12:00

Embargoed: 20th August 2007 - noon

Northern Petroleum Plc ("Northern" or "Company") Preliminary Production Testing of the Avington-3z Well

The Company has been advised by Star Energy Group plc, that drilling operations were completed on July 11th 2007. The Avington-3z well has been on free-flow production through a 14/64" choke since the 10th of August. The well has been producing an average of 470 bopd with only minor traces of water. It will be left on free-flow production until some difficulties in installing a jet pump for longer term production are resolved.

(The Company holds a 5% interest in the Avington licence).

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 PlcDerek Musgrove, Managing DirectorChris Foss, Finance DirectorGraham Heard, Exploration and Technical DirectorTel: +44 (0)20 7743 6080InvestecMichael Ansell / Paul BrettTel: +44 (0)20 7597 5000Panmure Gordon & CoKatherine Roe / Ashton ClanfieldTel: +44 (0)20 7459 3600Bishopsgate Communications LimitedMaxine Barnes / Nick RomeTel: +44 (0) 20 7562 3350