Update on Drilling Programme (1301Z)

TIDMKEA

RNS Number : 1301Z

Kea Petroleum PLC

12 March 2012

For immediate release 12 March 2012

Kea Petroleum plc

("Kea" or the "Group")

Update on Drilling Programme

Puka-1 expected to spud in two weeks

Kea Petroleum Plc wishes to advise that its drilling programme in the Taranaki basin of New Zealand is delayed due to extreme weather conditions in the region.

Worst affected is the programme to drill Mauku which as previously advised requires challenging access and site preparations. The intention was to begin the drilling of Mauku with a shallow drilling rig but Kea may now proceed to drill the entire of the hole with the bigger rig later.

Further, Douglas 1 is now being considered to be drilled before Mauku as the site is already prepared.

Puka 1 is now expected to spud later next week.

For further information please contact:

   Kea Petroleum plc                                                         Tel: [phone] 

Ian Gowrie-Smith, Executive Chairman

David Lees, Executive Director

   RBC Capital Markets                                                      Tel: [phone] 

Matthew Coakes / Daniel Conti

Buchanan Tel: [phone]

Tim Anderson /Isabel Podda

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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