JEDDAH, 14 February 2006 — Lukoil Saudi Arabia Energy Ltd. commenced drilling operations for exploration of gas in the first well called Tukhman located at the eastern part of the company contract area at Rab Al-Khali. This well is located at an area around 550 km far to the south from Dhahran. The drilling period is expected to be (292) days and depth upto (15,775) feet. The company was also successful in performing about (8750) km length of seismic survey, according to a press note received here yesterday.