BG Awarded Three Norwegian Offshore Blocks

BG Group has accepted the offer from the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy of the operatorship - and 100% ownership - of three offshore exploration blocks in Norway's first Predefined Areas licensing round.

Blocks 1/2, 1/5 and 1/6 are located in the Central Graben area of the Norwegian North Sea.

Jon Wormley, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, North West Europe, said "The addition of Norway to our international portfolio reflects our experience and success as a leading operator in the UK North Sea. Our proven abilities and strong position in the UK Central North Sea provides us with the knowledge, infrastructure and competitive advantage to link up potential new fields in this adjacent Norwegian acreage to our existing operations."

BG anticipates that 3D seismic will be will shot over the blocks over the next year, with the drilling program beginning in 2006.