Santa Maria Petroleum Inc. Puts Flami-1 Well on Extended Test Production

Santa Maria Petroleum Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SMQ) ("Santa Maria" or the "Company") is
pleased to announce that it has commenced extended test production of the
Flami-1 well at the Llanos 27 block. 


The Flami-1 well is the second well drilled by NCT Energy Group C.A. Colombia,
as official Operator of the Llanos 27 Block, along with Santa Maria and its
partners. The well commenced drilling on April 23, 2012 and was drilled to a
total depth of 9,300 feet on May 31, 2012. Initial testing operations occurred
between June 21 and July 5, 2012. At that time the well was suspended while
Santa Maria and its partners awaited regulatory approval to put the well back on
production. Approval was received on August 17 and production commenced on
August 18, 2012. 


Santa Maria and its partners have brought the well back on at initial fluid
production rates of 1,700 BOFD. The intention is to gradually increase drawdown
rate while closely monitoring watercut in order to determine optimal production
conditions. At present the well has been producing at an 18% watercut, producing
approximately 1,400 BOPD. 


About Santa Maria Petroleum Inc. 

Santa Maria is a junior oil and gas company with private participating interests
in 4 blocks in the Llanos Basin of Colombia. 


Cautionary Statements 

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking
statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (together,
"forward-looking information"). The use of any of the words "expect",
"anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "believe", "plans", "intends",
"confident", "may", "objective", "ongoing", "will", "should", "project",
"should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
information. 


The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and
assumptions made by Santa Maria, including expectations and assumptions
concerning the operational results in Colombia. Although Santa Maria believes
that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking information
are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the
forward-looking information because Santa Maria can give no assurance that they
will prove to be correct. 


Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its
very nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could
differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors
and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the inherent risks involved in
the exploration and development of oil and gas properties, the uncertainties
involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data,
uncertainties relating to fluctuating oil and gas prices, the possibility of
cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses and other factors including
unforeseen delays. Anticipated exploration and development plans relating to
Santa Maria's properties are subject to change. 


The foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive.
The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of
the date hereof and Santa Maria undertakes no obligation to update publicly or
revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable
securities laws.