Wei 6-12-S, Offshore China

Roc Oil Company Limited
26 July 2006


26 July 2006



                         ROC OIL COMPANY LIMITED ('ROC')
                             STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE

                                DRILLING UPDATE
                   WEI 6-12S-1, OIL DISCOVERY, OFFSHORE CHINA

Since the last Stock Exchange Release on 19 July 2006 regarding the Wei 6-12S-1
exploration well in Block 22/12, Beibu Gulf, offshore China, the second
sidetrack hole, Wei 6-12S-1Sb drilled ahead from a depth of 2,217 metres below
Rotary Table ('mBRT')

As at 0600 hrs (local time) on 26 July, the well had been drilled to a depth of
2,860 mBRT and drilling operations were continuing.
Total Depth has been revised to 2,930 mBRT to ensure all targets have been
penetrated and is expected to be reached by the end of the week. Extensive
wireline logging will then be carried out, with initial analysis expected next
week.

The Block 22/12 Joint Venture comprises*:

Roc Oil (China) Company     40% and Operator
Horizon Oil Limited         30%
Petsec Energy Ltd           25%
Oil Australia Pty Ltd**      5%

*The China National Offshore Oil Company ('CNOOC') is entitled to participate up
to a 51% funding equity level in any commercial development within Block 22/12.
** A subsidiary of First Australian Resources


Michelle Manook                          For further information please contact:
General Manager - Corporate Affairs                             Dr John Doran on
                                                            Tel: [phone]
                                                            Fax: [phone]
                                                     Email: [e-mail]
                                       Or visit ROC's website: www.rocoil.com.au

                                                                   Dr Kevin Hird
                                            General Manager Business Development
                                                       Tel:  [phone]
                                                       Fax:  [phone]
                                                     Email:  [e-mail]
                                                                                
                                                                    Nick Lambert
                                            Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
                                                       Tel:  [phone]
                                                                                


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