Drilling Report

Total S.A.
03 May 2006

          Gas Discovery in the Timimoun Perimeter in Algeria

Paris, May 3, 2006 - Total has made a discovery in the Timimoun gas perimeter 
in southwestern Algeria, which it operates with a 63.75% interest alongside 
state oil and gas company Sonatrach (25%) and Cepsa (11.25%).

The MJB-3 exploration well tested at 235,000 cubic meters of gas per day. The
find is currently being evaluated, while the exploration and appraisal program
continues in the Timimoun perimeter.

Present in Algeria for more than 50 years, Total has four main centers of
operation - Hamra, Tin Fouye Tabankort, Bechar and Timimoun - as well as
interests in the Rhourde El Khrouf and Ourhoud fields through its stake in
Cepsa. Total is also a partner in the planned Medgaz pipeline between Algeria
and Spain.

Total is the fourth largest oil and gas company in the world with operations in
more than 130 countries. Total's activities cover the whole energy chain of the
petroleum industry: exploration, oil and gas production, refining and marketing,
trading and power generation.  The Group is also a major player in chemicals.
Total has more than 111,000 employees worldwide. More information can be found
on the company's website: www.total.com



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