Drilling Update

RNS Number:0196S
Premier Oil PLC
13 November 2003



                                 PREMIER OIL PLC
                                  ("Premier")


              Premier Confirms Tiof Discovery in Mauritania

Following the announcement of a new oil and gas discovery in the C-4-6 Tiof
exploration well offshore Mauritania on 10 November 2003, Premier is pleased to
report that wireline logging operations have been completed and the results
confirm a significant discovery.

The Tiof exploration well has tested an independent structural closure within a
Miocene channel sandstone system, believed to be of similar age to the oil and
gas reservoirs at Chinguetti and Banda. A 38.5 metre gross oil column was
directly proven by the well, and a water bearing sand was encountered some 75
metres deeper.

Data from the wireline logs show good reservoir properties, and oil samples
recovered from the well indicate a quality similar to that seen at the
Chinguetti field. It is therefore not considered necessary to run a drill stem
test and the well will be plugged and abandoned. The timing of an appraisal
programme is under active consideration.

Upon completion of the drilling operations at Tiof, the drillship "West
Navigator" will sail to the Poune prospect location, which is located
approximately 27 km northeast of the Tiof discovery and 48 km north of the
Chinguetti field in PSC Area B.



Charles Jamieson, Chief Executive of Premier, said:

"This is an excellent result. The well has proved a significant new resource and
is also a playmaker which increases the chance of success when exploring other
similar prospects in the area. "



                                                                13 November 2003




ENQUIRIES:

Premier Oil plc                                      Tel: [phone]
Charles Jamieson
Mark Akers


College Hill                                         Tel: [phone]
James Henderson
Phil Wilson-Brown


Background For Editors:

Premier Oil plc is a leading independent oil and gas company with producing
interests in the UK, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Exploration and appraisal is
ongoing in the UK, Indonesia, West Africa (Mauritania, Guinea Bissau and Gabon)
and South Asia (Pakistan and India).

As previously announced on 28 May 2003, Premier has entered into an agreement
with Fusion Oil & Gas Ltd regarding its interests in Mauritania. Premier will
acquire a 6% share of PSC B (which includes the Chinguetti field) and a 3% share
of PSC A from Fusion Oil & Gas on completion of the transaction. Completion will
take place separately for each PSC and will occur on Mauritanian government
approval of a field development plan for a field in each PSC.

The current partners and interests in Mauritania PSC B are:

Woodside Mauritania Pty Ltd (Operator)                                  35.0%
AGIP Mauritania BV                                                      35.0%
Hardman Resources Ltd                                                   21.6%
Fusion Mauritania B Limited*                                             6.0%
Roc Oil (Mauritania) Company                                             2.4%

The Government of Mauritania has the right to back in to 12% equity in
developments producing up to 75,000 barrels of oil per day.

*Premier will take up its 6% share of PSC B from Fusion Oil & Gas on completion
of the transaction announced on 28 May 2003.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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