Total announces the discovery of hydrocarbons with the successful completion of the offshore exploration wells on Aktote and Kashagan SouthWest prospects. The wells are located in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea and are adjacent to the giant Kashagan field that was declared a commercial discovery in June 2002.

The Aktote-1 well was drilled from an artificial island to a total depth of 4,267 metres. The well was tested under restricted flow conditions at a rate of 1,550 barrels per day.

The Kashagan SouthWest-1 well was drilled to a total depth of 5,875 metres. The well was tested at a rate of 2,200 barrels per day.

An evaluation is currently underway to determine the potential of these discoveries.

The Aktote and Kashagan SouthWest discoveries are located on the blocks attributed to the consortium holding a production sharing contract in the northern area of the Caspian Sea (Total 20.37%*).

* Upon completion of the sale of BG International's interest.

Total is a partner in the association operated by Agip KCO that groups six international companies: Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, Total, ConocoPhillips and Inpex, after BG's exit.