Total announces the acquisition of a 60% interest in the exploration blocks 17 and 18, situated offshore southeast Bangladesh, from Tullow Bangladesh Ltd. (operator, 32%), Okland Bangladesh Ltd. (4%) and Rexwood Offshore Holdings Ltd. (4%).  The purchase is presently undergoing approval by the Bangladesh government.

With a total surface area of near to 14,000 square kilometres, these blocks are located in water depths of approximately 20 metres. Seismic acquisition works are planned to start at the in 2006.

Total is already present in the refining and marketing sectors in Bangladesh, with activities in lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas.  With this acquisition Total marks its entrance into country’s exploration and production sector confirming the Group’s aim to continue its development in Asia.