Press Speculation

Sterling Energy PLC
19 January 2007

                              STERLING ENERGY PLC
                         ('Sterling' or the 'Company')

                               PRESS SPECULATION



The board has noted the recent press speculation and can confirm that it is in
advanced discussions with the board of Whittier Energy Corporation ('Whittier')
regarding an offer for the entire issued share capital of Whittier.



A further announcement will be made in due course.





For further information contact:



Citigate Dewe Rogerson ([phone])

Media enquiries: Martin Jackson / George Cazenove

Analyst enquiries: Nina Soon






                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange