Statement re Subsidiary

Total Fina Elf.
2 April 2003

          TotalFlnaElf Obtains 4 Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Blocks

Paris, April 2, 2003 - TotalFinaElf announces that its subsidiary TotalFinaElf
E&P USA, Inc. was the high bidder on 4 deepwater exploration blocks in the
Central Gulf of Mexico Sale 185. TotalFinaElf E&P USA Inc. will operate these
blocks with a 100% working interest. Award of these blocks is subject to final
approval by the Minerals Management Service.

The blocks cover a total area of 91 square kilometres in the Mississippi Canyon
and Atwater Valley areas of Deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

The acquisition of these blocks is in accordance with the company's strategy in
the Gulf of Mexico of focusing exploration efforts on prospects with high
reserve potential.



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