Regal Petroleum provides an update on its Ukrainian operations.

As previously announced, on 21 May 2010, the Company received an order, dated 30 March 2010, signed by the Minister of Environmental Protection identifying certain matters requiring rectification in relation to Regal's compliance with certain legislation in Ukraine relating to its operations at its MEX-GOL and SV gas and condensate fields, and requiring a suspension of operations whilst such matters were rectified (the 'Ministry Order').

On 2 July 2010, the Company received notification of an injunction order made by the District Administrative Court of Kiev suspending the Ministry Order pending a further hearing of the action in the District Administrative Court of Kiev. This action, challenging the Ministry Order, was brought by OJSC Ukrzakordongeologia (the Company's sole gas customer under a long term gas offtake agreement) against the Ministry of Environmental Protection. On 9 August 2010, the District Administrative Court of Kiev ruled that the Company should be substituted as the claimant in the action brought by OJSC Ukrzakordongeologia. On 11 October 2010, the District Administrative Court of Kiev found in favour of the Ministry of Environmental Protection in the action. On 18 October 2010, the Company filed an appeal of this ruling.

Today, 1 December 2010, the hearing of the abovementioned appeal was held in the Administrative Court of Appeal in Kiev, at which the Court ruled in favour of the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The Company is awaiting the written decision of the Court in the appeal, and upon receipt will consider its position further with its lawyers, including any further appeal of this decision.

In the meantime, the Company's MEX-GOL and SV fields in Ukraine remain shut-in, as announced on 17 November 2010.

Tags: Regal Petroleum