Mauritania

Sterling Energy PLC 04 August 2005 4 August 2005 STERLING ENERGY PLC ('Sterling' or the 'Company') Mauritania Sterling draws the market's attention to the following release by Woodside with reference to the situation in Mauritania. 'Woodside Energy is continuing its operations in Mauritania following political developments overnight. Woodside, which operates the Chinguetti oil field development, about 90 kilometres offshore west of the capital Nouakchott, has maintained normal drilling operations except for a minor disruption due to delays in freight movements. All of Woodside's staff and contractors have been accounted for and are safe. The company will continue to monitor the situation.' Sterling can confirm that its staff in the country are accounted for and are safe. Sterling will continue to monitor the situation. Sterling Energy (01582 462 121) Web site: www.sterlingenergyplc.com Harry Wilson Citigate Dewe Rogerson (020 7638 9571) Rachel Lankester George Cazenove This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange