CNOOC Limited Announces Key Operational Statistics of Q3 2014

HONG KONG, October 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

CNOOC Limited (the "Company", NYSE: CEO, SEHK: 00883, TSX: CNU) today announced its key operational statistics for the third quarter of 2014.

In the third quarter, the Company achieved total net production of 103.0 million barrels of oil equivalent ("BOE"), basically flat year-on-year (YoY). Production growth in Bohai offshore China remained steady, while overseas production fell slightly primarily due to scheduled maintenance at the Buzzard oilfield in the UK North Sea.

During the period, the Company made 1 new discovery and drilled 9 successful appraisal wells in offshore China including the mid-to-large sized discovery Jinzhou 23-2 that has excellent reservoir quality. Following the successful appraisal of Luda 21-2 structure, it is expected to be developed into a large-sized oilfield. In addition, the Company and its partner Shell made a large-sized deepwater gas discovery Leopard offshore Gabon. In the third quarter, Enping 24-2 commenced production while other projects are progressing on schedule.

In the third quarter, the unaudited oil and gas sales revenue of the Company reached approximately RMB53.57 billion, down 4.6% YoY. The Company's average realized oil price was US$98.98 per barrel, down 6.8% YoY. The Company's average realized natural gas price was US$6.61 per thousand cubic feet, an increase of 21.7% YoY, mainly due to the Company implementing a price increase on part of the user base in China and the price increase of overseas natural gas.

During the period, the Company's capital expenditures reached approximately RMB26.33 billion, up 19.6%, mainly due to the increase in the number of development projects and higher exploration costs on overseas deepwater projects.

Mr. Li Fanrong, CEO of the Company commented, "In the third quarter, the Company made significant exploration progress. The new discovery of Jinzhou 23-2 and successful appraisal of Luda 21-2 will facilitate our future production and reserves growth. Meanwhile, we are confident of meeting our annual major operational goals."

Notes to Editors: 

More information about the Company is available at  http://www.cnoocltd.com.

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding expected future events, business prospectus or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the expectations and predictions of the Company depends on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition to differ materially from the Company's expectations, including those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the exploration or development activities, the capital expenditure requirements, the business strategy, whether the transactions entered into by the Group can complete on schedule pursuant to its terms and timetable or at all, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industries, the foreign operations, environmental liabilities and compliance requirements, and economic and political conditions in the People's Republic of China. For a description of these and other risks and uncertainties, please see the documents the Company files from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2013 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on 17 April 2014.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

For further enquiries, please contact: Ms. Michelle Zhang, Deputy Manager, Media / Public Relations, CNOOC Limited, Tel: +86-10-8452-6642, Fax: +86-10-8452-1441, E-mail: MR@cnooc.com.cn ; Ms. Cathy Zhang, Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia, Tel: +852-2894-6211, Fax: +852-2576-1990, E-mail: cathy.zhang@hkstrategies.com