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Wag! Group Co
Annual Report 2008

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FY2008 Annual Report · Wag! Group Co
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CONTENTS

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT

DIRECTORS' REPORT

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PETREL RESOURCES PLC

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

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DIRECTORS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Inside Back Cover

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 1

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Petrel has been active in Iraq for ten years. During that time, there have been a number of economic and political upheavals in the
country, the area and in the wider world, but the events of the past eighteen months challenge even hardened optimists. Not only
has  Petrel  faced  ongoing  civil  strife  in  Iraq,  continued  legal  uncertainty  in  the  country,  world  markets  where  investors  totally
deserted small capital stocks, but we have not been paid for the work done on our large Subba and Luhais contract. 

Since signing the US$197 million contract in 2005 and receiving US$20 million advance into a JV account from the Iraqi authorities,
Petrel has completed approximately 50% of the project work. The work has been approved by the authorities. We have billed
US$54  million  against  the  project  Letter  of  Credit,  but  the  funds  have  not  been  disbursed.  Protracted  discussions  have  been
ongoing for sixteen months. Agreements have been reached, the latest in March 2009, where payments are promised but to no
avail. With extreme reluctance, we put the Subba and Luhais project on care and maintenance in October 2008, and temporarily
disbanded a world class technical team. 

What is frustrating is that solutions have been negotiated and agreed by both sides but not implemented. Petrel has proposed to
the authorities that we are happy not to take payment in cash. Instead, we could take over operatorship of the field, complete the
development ourselves, and take payment in the form of oil. This proposal is well received in certain circles, but the lack of a
Hydrocarbon Law makes it difficult to implement. 

It is difficult to convey to shareholders the current position in Iraq. The turmoil and chaos of the past six years has impacted on
almost  all  administrative  structures.  The  civil  service,  oil  ministry  and  banking  system  have  all  seen  significant  changes  in
personnel. Political changes have further impacted on staff and policy. The Iraqi environment of 2008 / 2009 differs starkly from
that of 2004 / 2005, when we tendered for, and won, the contract. 

Our  strategy  has  been  to  complete  the  development  of  Subba  and  Luhais  as  a  first  step  to  building  an  Iraqi  oil  company.  We
continue to explore every avenue to reach a settlement, but Petrel, and our contractors must either be paid or the contract must
be changed, so that Petrel can take oil as payment. The agreements of September 2008 and March 2009 were comprehensive,
covering payment, revisions to work programmes and rapid remobilisation. We are working assiduously to have the agreement
implemented. 

The impasse on Subba and Luhais is affecting our other operations in Iraq. In the past year, we have completed our work on the
Merjan field, confirmed an agreement on Dhufriya, and maintained our interest in Block 6 in the Western Desert. The Merjan study
was joint ventured with Itochu of Japan, one of the largest Asian conglomerates. All existing data was reviewed and analysed, and
development  proposals  prepared.  We  have  indicated  to  the  authorities  that  we  would  develop  Merjan.  We  completed
documentation on Dhufriya during 2008. We have received all available seismic and geological information. It is with our team in
Amman. Progress is on hold pending a solution to the payment problem. 

We have been in the Western Desert of Iraq since 2000, when we were invited to study Block 6, a 10,000 square kilometre block,
which  had  little  prior  exploration.  We  spent  two  years  analysing  all  available  data  and  conducting  work  on  adjacent  blocks,
particularly in Jordan. We reached agreement on terms in 2002, but the final documents were not signed. The Ministry of Oil is
aware of our status in relation to Block 6. We are hopeful that we will be awarded title when the Hydrocarbon Law is passed. We
have an agreed work programme, which involves seismic and wells. We have a seismic team ready to move on short notice, but
prior to commencing work, we would need title and confidence that agreements will be honoured. 

Apart from Iraq, we are active in Jordan on the East Safawi block. Intensive work done by Petrel in recent years has identified
drillable targets. This is a "frontier" area in terms of oil discoveries, so we prefer to joint venture the risk. Extensive discussions
with a multinational came to nothing, while negotiations are ongoing with experienced Middle East corporates. 

Finance
The US$20 million received by the joint venture from the Iraqi authorities on the commencement of the Subba and Luhais contract
funded operations for some time, but as outlined above, completing almost 50% of a US$197 million contract is costly. All of the
sums due are covered by the Project Letter of Credit. The net amount immediately due to Petrel is US$8 million. We have stopped
work and cut expenditure. 

In March of this year, a long standing institutional shareholder offered funding. Two other investors agreed to participate in the
placing and US$3 million was raised at a price close to that prevailing in the market. 

This money will keep Petrel going for the next eighteen months. 

2 Petrel Resources plc

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT (CONTINUED)

Future
We want to stay in Iraq. We want to be part of the oil industry development. We want to do this as a principal, not a contractor. 

The opportunity in Iraqi oil has not changed. Oil costs US$2 a barrel to produce. There are over 70 known fields waiting to be
developed. It makes absolutely no sense that oil production in Iraq is falling to less than 2.4 million barrels a day when it can rise
to 10 million barrels a day. Iraq badly needs the revenue and the world needs the oil. 

It is the potential which keeps Petrel in Iraq. The political, legal, administrative and banking uncertainty will, and must, clarify. We
believe that we can work through the labyrinth of Baghdad, get paid, and deliver a 200,000 barrel a day oil field to the people of
Iraq. 

John Teeling
Chairman

17th June 2009

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 3

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT

HIGHLIGHTS
Petrel has four main operations in Iraq: 

•

•

•

•

Subba and Luhais

Merjan

Dhufriya

Block 6

Petrel's main project is the US$197 million Engineering Procurement & supervision of Construction (EPC) Contract on the Subba &
Luhais oil fields in southern Iraq. This project is now 49% complete. The project is delayed due to payment problems and changes
in design. 

Following extensive negotiations, in March 2009 Petrel received and accepted a formal payment proposal. An extended schedule
for completion and other work changes were also agreed. Once payment is received, we will push the completion of the project. 
On the Merjan Oil Field, a comprehensive technical review of the work conducted by Petrel, in partnership with Japan's Itochu,
was satisfactorily completed during 2008.

During  the  year,  the  Dhufriya  gas  &  oil  field  Technical  Cooperation  Agreement  was  confirmed.  Data  sets  were  prepared  and
transferred  to  Petrel's  seismic  contractor.  Petrel's  team  are  now  ready  to  conduct  reprocessing  and  reinterpretation,  on
confirmation of the study timetable and necessary approvals of the proposed work programme.

Petrel has also been in early stage negotiations with funders and operators in the downstream sector. Typically these are capital
intensive projects requiring very long-term gas (or oil) supply contracts at agreed price formulae.

A shallow oil target has been worked up on the Petrel 100% owned East Safawi project in the Jordanian panhandle. Farm-out
discussions continue. Petrel has applied for an extension, offering a drill hole instead of additional seismic. 

Circa US$3 million was raised from existing institutional shareholders, in May 2009.

4 Petrel Resources plc

Figure 1: Regional Map of Petrel's Interests

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Ten Years Active in Iraq
The Iraqi Ministry is going through a period of turbulence now, with senior personnel changes and policy review. Oil production is
stagnating. We are optimistic that promised reforms will proceed, we will be paid and we can progress again. 

Petrel's consistent objectives since 1999 have been to secure an oilfield in Iraq and to operate contracts with the Iraqi Ministry of
Oil, completing them to the highest international standards. 

Petrel continues to work only with the Iraqi Central Government Authorities and has no business relationships with any of the
Regional Authorities. All of Petrel's contracts are with the official Ministry of Oil of the sovereign government of the Republic of
Iraq. In our belief, this is the correct and secure way to proceed. Local relationships are important, but not to the point where they
undermine legitimate authority.

As part of our relationship, Petrel has trained
Ministry 
technology
staff,  undertaken 
transfer  work  on  the  Merjan  and  Dhufriya
fields, and has studied, at the request of the
Ministry, Block 6 in the Western Desert.

Our work on Merjan has been reviewed and
endorsed by the Technical Committee of the
Ministry.  A  subsequent  thorough  Ministry
technical  and  Petroleum  Licensing  &
Contracts  Directorate  (PLCD)  review  also
endorsed our technical work. 

Petrel works with, where possible, Iraqi sub-
contractors  to  maximise  flexibility  and
personal  security.  Petrel  has  maintained  a
continuous Baghdad presence since 2000.

No  Western  Junior  Company  Has  More
Recent Iraqi Experience
Petrel  has  been  continuously  active  in  Iraq
for 10 years. Our management team has 200
man-years  of  Iraq  oil  experience.  We  are
familiar  with 
and
the 
opportunities  in  what  is  one  of  the  world's
best oil provinces.

difficulties 

Figure 2: Technical Workshop with Iraq Ministry of Oil Staff

It has been a challenging time, with sanctions, war and civil disturbance. There have been highs and lows, but we have steadily
built our expertise. Progress is slower than we would like, but so far the hurdles have always been overcome. No foreign company
has a better safety or security record in Iraq - with zero casualties or incidents and no cost or harm to our reputation. 

The Iraqi oil industry is stressed, over-stretched and needs fresh development. Personnel are ageing and equipment is rusting.
There is high turnover, especially of senior staff - who are under extreme pressure. This is a critical bottleneck, as it can take many
years to develop sufficient experience for key tasks.

Current tender processes are designed for more normal situations and are not best suited for quick acquisition of key equipment,
and tailoring approaches to particular problems. The tendering strategy tends to accept the lowest price, with cheap and readily
available equipment favoured over bespoke solutions that could boost recoveries and early production, strip out valuable liquids
and use flared gas for power generation or re-injection. Such sensible measures may involve extra up-front CAPEX and/or OPEX,
but generate high and quick returns. Individual managers and engineers understand these issues, but the system is not yet fine-
tuned. 

People turnover can lead to second-guessing and failure of collective memory. Of course, the background situation is far from ideal
- but that is further reason for pragmatic, swift solutions. The theoretically perfect is often the enemy of the good. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 5

 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

The good news is that solutions can be devised and implemented with the right partnership structures. Geology and terrain are
not great problems. The experience we have earned the hard way will prove valuable. 

Given  all  the  setbacks  and  challenges  since  1980,  it  is  a  miracle  that  Iraqi  oil  production  remains  at  2.4  million  barrels  daily
(mmbod). On the other hand, it is disappointing that, six years after the lifting of constraining sanctions, output remains below the
level previously attained. 

Figure 3: Iraqi Oil Production 1999-2009 (Source: ISI)

The Importance of Iraq
As access to major resources diminishes and fiscal returns shrink, the geology and economics of Iraqi oil have never been more
attractive. Development delays are due to politics, not geology or market demand. 

Iraq  offers  the  perfect  package  of  the  lowest  exploration  costs  combined  with  the  lowest  production  cost  worldwide.  Iraqi
structures are large, oil quality is excellent and exploration successes are the best worldwide. 

The world needs Iraqi oil development urgently: global oil demand remains resilient. Almost no net oil capacity has been added
outside OPEC since 2004. Many exporting countries are in decline. OPEC capacity additions have been slow to appear. 

Iraq was a founder member of OPEC, but Iraqi output is not currently nor likely to be constrained by OPEC quotas. Comments from
high officials, within Iraq and OPEC generally confirm that Iraq is a special case in need of refurbishment and new development.

There has never been a better time to add major new low-cost capacity.

Preparing For The Opportunity
Petrel has painstakingly built a team, trained people, husbanded resources and prepared for the opportunity which must come.
Most shareholders have been patient and their patience may be tested again. We are in the right place, with the right people, and
we are talking to the right potential partners at the right time. We never give up and we never go away.

A  combination  of  regional  and  international  issues,  exacerbated  by  Ministry  staff  turnover  and  evolving  policy  has  slowed
development.  But  pressure  for  urgent  reform  is  building.  Stagnant  output  of  2.4  mmbod  is  increasingly  being  eaten  into  by
domestic needs. While this is well under Iraq's potential, output might fall further without normal, routine refurbishment. 
Iraq must increase its production. This is in the interest of Iraqis, consumers and the industry. 

Legal Structures Gradually Clarifying
Uncertainty remains over the timing and detail of legal structures to develop Iraqi oilfields in partnership with the Ministry of Oil.
Though adequate 1970s and 1980s legislation remains on the Statute Book, the ongoing divisive debate over a new Hydrocarbon

6 Petrel Resources plc

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Law has raised worries - as have attempts of northern regional
authorities to creep towards effective independence. 

Anyone  proceeding  without  actual  and  perceived  legitimacy
risks future difficulties or even expropriation. There are no short
cuts  or  easy  answers  in  such  situations.  In  the  race  to  gain  a
legitimate share of Iraqi oil development, the tortoise is likely to
triumph  over  the  hare.  There  are  issues  of  legal  and  physical
certainty.  There  is  no  absolute  legal  title  in  rapidly  evolving,
confused  situations  exacerbated  by  personnel  changes.  You
need  to  patiently  work  your  way  around  barriers  and  be
accepted as useful by the proper authorities. 

Figure 4: Iraq's Oil and Gas Fields

There have been delays in regularising and clarifying the legal framework for investment in the industry on terms sufficient to
secure funding. This has frustrated early development, leading to lower than planned production as well as flaring of gas and even
condensate - involving unnecessary pollution, a shortage of power generation and loss to the Exchequer. 

During 2008/9, the authorities sought to develop output as far as possible via service contracts. Petrel was a pioneer of this. Like
Ministries in many countries, the advantages of attracting super-majors and National Oil Companies seemed compelling. But as
time passes, the disadvantages of relying on very large and inflexible organisations have also become apparent. We are confident
that in time, there will evolve a balanced approach utilising the skills and resources of a range of players and aligning the interests
of foreign investors and the Iraqi people. 

No  formal  national  revenue  sharing  plan  or  renewed  national  oil  company  structure  has  yet  been  agreed.  Attempts  to  agree
service  agreements  with  Super-Majors  and  National  Oil  Companies  resulted  only  in  the  signature  of  the  Chinese  Al-Ahdab
comprehensive  field  development  and  the  Shell  gas-gathering  agreements,  both  arcane  service  arrangements,  which  ruffled
nationalist feathers. 

From a practical perspective, there is little alternative to patiently working our way around the impediments. Iraq's history with
major oil companies and western powers impacts the debate and complicates decision-making.

Our experience and judgement now tells us that we are close to major policy and market changes that will open the opportunities
for which Petrel has laboured for a decade. It is a time for boldness, confidence and energy.

Current Situation
Current Iraqi production is below 2000 levels and far below the 3.45 mmbod production of 1990. Iraq needs capital, people and
technology to arrest the production decline and to boost exports. Many large, producing fields need water injection, well work-
overs and intensive exploration and development drilling. 

Up  to  2003,  it  was  frequently  asserted  that  Iraqi  production  would  soar  under  a  change  in  political  control.  Instead,  the
Hydrocarbon Law to replace 1980s legislation has not yet been passed. A renewed National Oil Company structure has not yet
been agreed. This results from the hollowing out of the Iraqi oil industry as a result of successive wars, civil conflict and sanctions
from 1979 to date. It has nothing to do with geology.

At  least  half  of  Iraq's  potential  reserves  and  production  lie  in  the  predominantly  Shia-populated  south,  close  to  existing
infrastructure  and  export  terminals.  The  balance  of  4  to  5  mmbod  production  potential  is  about  evenly  split  between  the

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 7

 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

unexplored  west,  the  centre  and  the  north.  Southern  exports  are
effectively  constrained  only  by  field  production  capacity.  Northern
exports  are  constrained  by  practical  difficulties  transporting  via
Turkey and Syria. One of the export lines through Turkey is closed in
need  of  repair  of  a  50  kilometre  corroded  section.  The  other  has
exported only about 25% of its rated capacity since 2007.

A small western oil pipeline exported to Haifa in then Palestine until
1948. The Hadithah to Tripoli export line was reopened in 2001, and
exported up to 225,000 bod until the 2003 war.

Renewed interest in re-opening and extending the Syrian pipeline to
Turkey and ultimately Europe, as well as development of the Arab
pipeline  from  Egypt  through  Jordan,  are  transforming  the  Iraqi
western desert from a sideshow to main export thoroughfare. 
Until 1990 Iraq exported about 1.2 mmbod via 2 pipelines to Saudi
Arabia, but these remain shut.

Nearly  all  of  Iraq's  export  barrels  are  via  the  southern  strategic
pipeline  to  terminals  at  Khor  al  Amaya  and  Bakr  on  the  Gulf  near
Basra.  This  area  is  familiar  to  Petrel,  who  has  operated  there  and
transported  equipment  through  the  container  port  throughout
2008.

Figure 5: Iraq's Output Potential by Region (Source: ISI)

Rising concerns over European dependence on Russian gas, sensitivities over the politics of countries through which alternative
pipelines must pass, allied with economic issues over alternatives, heighten interest in the Iraqi western desert as both a producing
area and access route. Petrel was a pioneer in studying and understanding the western desert, studying Block 6 since 1999 and
conducting the Merjan Technical Cooperation Agreement study between 2006 and 2008. Until recently, this western desert area
was widely considered to be barren or mainly gas-prone. More recent estimates by various bodies now estimate western desert
potential resources as one of the largest unexplored frontier areas worldwide, with possibly, as much as 100 billion recoverable
barrels of conventional oil. 

IRAQI OPERATIONS
MERJAN OIL FIELD TECHNICAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT
In 2007, Petrel completed a study of the Merjan oil field on the western edge of the Euphrates river valley in central Iraq. This was
updated with some additional data and reviewed at a high level by the Ministry during 2008.

Petrel conducted this work as operator with Itochu, the Japanese conglomerate, as a 50% partner. 

The shallow depth Merjan oil field was discovered in 1983 by accident while exploring a deep reef target. This confirmed that Iraq's
oil potential extended westwards. The discovery was not developed due to OPEC limitations and the political circumstances then
prevailing. 

The initial study aimed to determine the oil entrapment mechanism of the discovery, so as to estimate the limits of the field and
its possible reserves. A range of modern oil industry techniques, including cutting-edge seismic inversion by Fugro-Jason, was used.

The work included a broadening of previous regional analysis of the western desert, including Block 6. Its output included detailed
analysis  of  seismic  data  and  well  logs  made  available  to  our  team.  We  confirmed  that  the  oil-bearing  structure  extended  well
beyond  the  previously  mapped  structure.  Definitive  delineation  of  the  field's  extent  requires  a  proposed  work  programme  of
targeted wells and 3D seismic, when suitable contract arrangements are in place. 

During 2008, this study was reviewed by an expert technical team and also a review panel from senior officials of the Ministry's
Petroleum Contracts & Licensing Directorate. Both the technical team and PCLD approved the work. 

Petrel maintains its interest in this project and hopes to refine reserve estimates when additional information becomes available. 
We are interested in further exploring and developing this field if and when it is legally possible. The field has the possibility to
become a 100,000 barrel a day producer. 

8 Petrel Resources plc

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

DHUFRIYA GAS AND OIL FIELD TECHNICAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Following  successful  completion  of  the  initial  Merjan  Oil  Field  work,  the  Chairman  of  Petrel's  Framework  of  Case  Study
recommended Petrel for an additional Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA). 

The Dhufriya gas & oil field Technical Cooperation Agreement study was proposed by the Ministry in 2007 and confirmed in 2007,
after which technical meetings reviewed available data and a work programme. Seismic and well data were then prepared and
transferred to Petrel's Amman-based contractor during 2008. Our contractor, GSC, and the Petrel team will conduct reprocessing
and reinterpretation, provided and as soon as we receive confirmation and approval of the proposed work programme.

WESTERN DESERT BLOCK 6
Other than regional work associated with the Merjan oil field, no geological or geophysical work was conducted on Western Desert
Block 6 during 2008.

The Iraqi authorities are working their way through the pre-2003 contracts and agreements on Western Desert Exploration Blocks
and have had discussions with ONGC on Block 8 and Pertamina on Block 2.

Petrel remains interested in the region and hopes to move forward with a full exploration programme as soon as title is confirmed.
The security situation had been challenging in this area, but dramatically improved during 2008. Our geophysics contractor GSC
has confirmed the availability of a field crew to shoot a state-off-the-art 2D, or if necessary 3D, seismic survey.

Status of Pre-2003 agreements
Petrel was asked by the Oil Exploration Company of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to study Western Desert Block 6 in 2000. We worked
intensively with Ministry staff and reached agreement on the work programme and terms under the then Iraqi model Exploration
& Development Contract in March 2002. Because of prevailing circumstances and expectation of imminent political change, we
did not request the then necessary ministerial visit by our sponsoring country to formally sign & ratify this contract. 

Since then Petrel and other parties interested in other pre-2003 blocks have carefully monitored developments. The normal, legal
position is that title passes across governments and that parties honour commitments made legitimately and in good faith. Of
course, the hard reality in the real world is that title in most countries also depends on goodwill and usefulness as much as formal
legal title. There are many examples of resource nationalism worldwide where companies with proper title and professional work
records have been nonetheless marginalised by politicians. Petrel fully accepts Iraqi sovereignty and continues to work to perfect
its title and participate fully in Iraqi oil exploration & development no matter how the Hydrocarbon Law debate plays out and
which policy options are chosen by the authorities to develop Iraq's resources.

Figure 6: Edge of the Basalt Flows, East Safawi

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 9

 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Figure 7: RH - 1 Well Head, East Safawi

Article 40 of the draft hydrocarbon law stipulates that the Ministry must review pre-2003 agreements "to ensure harmony with
the objectives and general provisions of the law." New contracts must be approved by Iraq's Federal Oil and Gas Council, to be
established.

It may prove necessary to adapt to the new model contracts, currently described as 'Service Exploration and Production Contracts'
(SEPC), the ministry plans to introduce for exploration deals. Financial terms would be renegotiated to incorporate new work, and
reflect the higher oil price since 2002. 

The new model currently envisages a 5 year exploration period, extendible by 2 years extension, but development and production
rights are limited to 20 years. There may also be payments at signing, discovery and start of production, as well as 12.5% royalty.

Petrel remains ready to start seismic acquisition and other field work as soon as title is confirmed.

Figure 8: PS1 Oil Receiving Station Q4 2008 (Subba and Luhais)

10 Petrel Resources plc

 
 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

SUBBA AND LUHAIS OIL FIELD DEVELOPMENT
The Subba and Luhais oil field development services project is one of the largest EPC (Engineering, Procurement and supervision
of Construction) contracts awarded by the Ministry of Oil. 

The development of the Subba and Luhais oilfields will provide a minimum capacity of 200,000 bod and 120 million cubic feet of
associated gas for export from the field area. Much of this gas is designated for use to support power generation for the Iraqi
National Grid. The US$197 million development services contract is almost half completed with deliveries of major equipment
packages to the designated site location.

We were awarded the project in Q4 of 2005. Petrel was guided by the Ministry on selection of partners and suppliers. We received
a US$20 million advance payment.

The  agreement  stipulated  that  all  money  due  be  paid  for  completion  of  design  and  equipment  deliveries  should  be  paid  into
conventional accounts in a normal international bank over which Petrel has proper information and control. It was also agreed that
Petrel  be  provided  with  full  and  proper  details  of  Bank  Guarantee  and  Letter  of  Credit  conditions  to  ensure  integrity  and
continuation of the Project. 

Since our Contract signature in December 2005, Petrel has mobilised engineering and project personnel and completed work and
delivered  equipment  at  49%  of  the  project  worth.  Our  reported  progress  has  been  fully  documented  in  monthly  reports  and
reviews and not questioned or refuted by the Iraqi authorities. 

Under the Contract payment terms only US$54 million has so far been invoiced plus some US$1 million for additional survey and
re-engineering. This amount has not been paid to date. In early 2008, we believed we had an agreement to pay. In September

The revised layout, required by SCOP, illustrates the extensive redesign required

to  the  Luhais  Central  Processing  Facilty  to  accomodate  the  new  processing

equipment  into  areas  outside  of  the  original  plant  boundary.  Note  the

segregation of the new gas compression area to the north west corner and the

new  oil  processing  equipment  and  flare  areas  to  the  south  east  corner  of  the

existing  plant.  New  equipment  and  utilities  buildings  installed  by  the  Southoil

Operating Company (SOC) pre 2005 have used the space allocated for the new

facilities. The redesign now also incorporates segregated control rooms for gas

compression  and  oil  production  systems  and  integration  of  the  exisiting  plant

operations  and  safety  systems.  SCOP  are  continuing  a  dialogue  with  SOC  to

establish their requirements and to take account of local waste water treatment

ponds that also may infringe into the new designated plant areas.

Figure 9: Revised Layout of Subba and Luhais Central Processing Facility

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 11

 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

2008, at subsequent comprehensive meetings in Istanbul, Petrel agreed with the Ministry's State Company for Oil Projects (SCOP)
a basis for early re-mobilisation and completion of the Subba & Luhais project and for immediate payment. A further agreement
in March 2009 clarified outstanding issues. We await payment. 

The project was put on care and maintenance in October 2008, but we are ready to mobilise at short notice. 

In addition to payment issues, official determination to maintain & increase oil production, during construction, resulted in design
changes  by  SCOP  relating  to  the  plant  layouts.  This  has  primarily  been  as  a  result  of  the  Ministry's  South  Oil  Company  (SOC)
expanding its own operations within the Luhais Plant and using space allocated for the SCOP design. Similarly, delays to power
distribution networks and availability of utilities to the Luhais area have continued. 

Despite payment delays, Petrel continued with field survey work and submitted technical proposals and responses to SCOP and
SOC requests. 

Petrel presented proposals in late 2008, recently updated in 2009, for a revised basis of design and a revised Project schedule. Our
re-scheduling has been accepted in principle by SCOP. 

The absence of a normal, modern commercial banking system within Iraq complicates payments, particularly relating to Letters of
Credit and Bonds. The Iraqi authorities use wordings and practices which differ from recognised practice elsewhere in the industry.
Petrel  needs  to  carefully  balance  the  desire  to  be  flexible  and  provide  excellent  service  against  the  equally  important  need  to
protect shareholder interests by not agreeing ambiguous or unsatisfactory terms which could incur liabilities and penalties. Petrel
has advised the Ministry that it is unreasonable to expect companies to pay for duplicate and extended bonds or incur additional
expense outside the contract without reasonable recompense. Delays in decision making and implementing approved payments
are  compounding  project  schedule  delays  -  particularly  when  costs  have  escalated  and  remaining  key  items  of  equipment  are
subject to long lead-times.

On  a  positive  note  equipment  already  delivered  is  in  safe  and  secure  storage  at  site  in  the  custody  of  the  Ministry  awaiting
installation once SCOP commence their construction works at the site areas. Ministry officials continue to plan the construction
programme at the four main processing plants. As the principal services contractor Petrel will commission the plants for handover
to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil's Southern Oil Company (SOC) for operation. 

Our  established  relationships  with  Iraqi  logistical  operators  in  the  southern  area  of  Iraq  are  intact.  No  security  and  logistical
problems  have  occurred.  After  more  than  3  years  of  working  with  the  authorities  on  this  project,  Petrel's  team  have  a  good
understanding and practical sense of how best to work and negotiate outstanding matters. 

Chief milestones for 2008 were:
•
•

The Project Management team were fully operational in Europe, Jordan and Iraq;
Detailed Design status is reported at circa 66% completed, with overall Project completion of 49%. Technical discussions
and meetings have continued with SCOP and SOC to incorporate design and operational changes required by SCOP;

Figure 10: Convoys Unloading at Basra, December 2008

12 Petrel Resources plc

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

•

•

Layouts for the Luhais and Subba processing plants needed to be changed to accommodate changes requested by SCOP and
SOC; and
Deliveries continued to site. No security problems have been encountered. 

Next Steps:
•

The US$197 million Letter of Credit from the Trade Bank of Iraq must be amended to incorporate the changes to the timing
schedule along with associated Bonds and Guarantees for the Project; and
Petrel awaits receipt of outstanding monies owed under the signed letter received from SCOP in March 2009. 

•
JORDANIAN OPERATIONS
From 2007 to date Petrel has maintained an office in Amman, Jordan. This supports both existing and potential projects in Jordan.
It is mainly staffed by experienced Iraqi personnel as sub-contractors. It is also used to assist in Iraqi operations logistics.

EAST SAFAWI BLOCK, JORDANIAN PANHANDLE
During the first year of the East Safawi Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Petrel identified potential drill targets in the Triassic
section  in  the  north  of  the  East  Safawi  block.  The  carbonate  prospects  are  relatively  shallow  and  have  the  potential  to  hold
commercial quantities of hydrocarbons. Petrel commissioned leading contractor, Fugro-Jason, to carry out acoustic impedance
conversion of selected seismic data. The results supported our technical interpretation and provided a range of volumetric values
for the reservoir.

Figure 11: Jordan Hydrocarbons Block Map showing East Safawi

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 13

MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Detailed technical work between 2004 & 2008 did not identify the 'Risha type' deep gas targets we had originally sought in East
Safawi. The sands at the target depth appear to be thin and tight.

However, our technical experts did develop a moderate depth oil play in the untested Triassic section. This is comparable to the
reef  plays  in  Libya,  albeit  of  different  age  and  it  is  so  far  untested.  If  this  well  were  in  Libya  it  might  have  a  50%  chance  of
commercial success. In a new province, it is maybe a 20% chance. This is more or less in keeping with exploration-type 'wildcats'
elsewhere. 

On the positive side, Jordanian PSA terms are good for oil. Jordan is a secure, pro-investment country. There is good site access
and a ready market.

Therefore this new play should be tested. This can only be done by drilling, as seismic would not significantly reduce the risk.

Need To Spread Risk & Amend PSA
Targets identified on the East Safawi acreage represent an entirely new play in a new basin that has not previously been drilled.
Hence, there are unknown technical elements that add risk to the play. Accordingly, Petrel sought to minimise its exposure to the
ongoing exploration costs by attracting partners. 

Since the drill targets are well-defined on the existing seismic Petrel sought an amendment to the PSA work programme from the
Jordanian Natural Resources Authority to allow postponement of the obligatory seismic survey until after a well had been drilled.
This amendment was granted by the NRA in March 2009. 

Because of the limited time between confirmation of the amendment to the PSA work programme (in March 2009), and the date
then specified for completion of that phase of work (due to be completed by end May 2009), it was impractical to complete a farm-
out or well funding. Accordingly, Petrel applied to extend this phase of the East Safawi PSA for six months to complete farm-out
negotiations and to spud a well on the Triassic oil play.

14 Petrel Resources plc

Figure 12: Petrel Geological Field Work

 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

The upside is substantial, with excellent PSA terms and a Fugro modelled oil potential over 1 billion barrels of oil-in-place, subject
to technical assumptions. However, like most wildcats, the well would be odds-against. Given the risks and benefits, added to the
non-central core nature of Jordanian operations, Petrel opted to avoid share dilution by negotiating with an oil major and with
Middle East investors interested in this sort of venture. 

Figure 13: Basalt Plateau, East Safawi

Provided we are given sufficient time and financial markets stabilise, this is the sort of farm-out opportunity that would normally
attract interest on favourable terms.

Extension of Area
The East Safawi Block includes stretches of the border with Syria and Saudi Arabia. Delineation of the Block's parameters initially
left a contiguous strip of Jordanian border area outside the Block. We are happy to report that as of May 2009, the area of the East
Safawi PSA has been extended slightly as a result of NRA updating of its coordinates and policies. The new area of the East Safawi
Block is 9,459 square kilometres. 

FINANCE 
Petrel has sought to limit shareholder dilution, and has raised a total of circa US$15 million since 1997. Circa US$3million of this
was raised, from existing institutional shareholders, in May 2009. In addition, we have had discussions with potential investors who
can supply long term finance, as well as Middle East experience and contacts. 

The  recent  placing,  undertaken  at  the  initiative  of  a  longstanding  institutional  shareholder,  shows  that  Petrel's  long-term
commitment to working with the Iraqi authorities, to international professional standards, finds City support.

IRAQI OPERATIONS - THE FUTURE OPPORTUNITY
Petrel has worked intensively for 10 years on Iraqi oil. The objective remains, as it was in 1999, to end up with a Production Sharing
Agreement or risk-sharing equivalent on a large Iraqi oil field. This might be achieved through the;

(a)

(b)

gradual transition from a Services Contract (as with the Subba & Luhais EPC Contract) to an operated field arrangement with
a share of the upside;

development of a discovery under an Exploration & Development Contract or arrangement with the Iraqi Ministry on a
substantial acreage such as Iraqi Western Desert Block 6; or

(c)

outright award of an existing field for development, either by direct negotiation or bid round.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 15

 
MANAGING DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

Figure 14: Bitumen in Well Core

The economic potential of a Production Sharing Agreement or equivalent on a large Iraqi oil field is very high compared to the
market capitalisation of Petrel. Iraqi historical finding costs and extraction costs have approximated US$1 per barrel - the lowest
worldwide. Even doubling this to reflect cost escalation gives circa 93% gross margins.

Most  of  such  high  economic  returns  will  go  to  the  State,  as  in  any  country.  This  causes  no  problems  to  committed,  long-term
players like Petrel, provided interests are aligned and returns adequate.

Field size (multi-billion barrel recoverable and similar potential at greater depth) is also very large in Iraq. Infrastructure in the
centre and south of the country already exists, though in need of repair and expansion. Terrain is straightforward in the areas
Petrel is working. Security is an issue, but improving. Petrel has demonstrated the ability to navigate the security challenges and
political turbulence without casualties so far or untoward logistical delays. All of the important delays and problems faced to date
centred around politics or administrative turnover.

Though Iraq was a founder member of OPEC, Iraqi output (2.4 mmbod) falls far short (70%) of the last effective quota (3.45 mmbod
as  of  1990)  -  though  world  consumption  has  nearly  doubled  in  that  period.  Iraqi  production  is  currently  constrained  only  by
personnel and engineering bottlenecks and not capped as a Government policy or limited by OPEC quotas.

Iraqi geological potential is generally estimated to be 8.5 - 10 mmbod, of which about two-thirds is in the southern and western
zones, where Petrel is working. Both the Subba and Merjan oil fields are close to an existing strategic pipeline in which there is
available capacity. 

The ideal outcome for Petrel is to turn the existing Subba and Luhais contract into a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). We could
be in production in 24 months. Failing this, a PSA on Merjan would build on the work done by Petrel. 

The opportunities are there. 

David Horgan
Managing Director

17th June 2009

16 Petrel Resources plc

DIRECTORS' REPORT

The directors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2008.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The main activity of Petrel Resources plc and its subsidiaries (the Group) is oil and gas exploration. The Company commenced
development of an oil field in Iraq in 2007.

Further information concerning the activities of the Group during the year and its future prospects is contained
in the Chairman's Statement and Managing Director's Report.

RESULTS FOR THE YEAR
The consolidated loss for the year after taxation, transferred to reserves, was €761,637 (2007: €518,935).

The directors do not recommend that a dividend be declared for the year ended 31 December 2008 (2007: €Nil).

PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The performance review is set out in the Chairman's Statement and Managing Director's Report.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Group is subject to a number of significant potential risks including:

•

•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Funding risks - including the ongoing funding of the Subba & Luhais development services contract and raising of
capital to fund further exploration;
Recoverability  of  receivables  -  Trade  receivables  relating  to  amounts  billed  in  respect  of  the  Subba  &  Luhais
development services contract are past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not made any impairment
provisions as the amounts are still considered recoverable;
Going concern;
Valuation of work in progress.
Price fluctuations;
Foreign exchange risks;
Uncertainties over development and operational costs;
Political and legal risks, including arrangements for licenses, profit sharing and taxation;
Foreign investment risks including increases in taxes, royalties and renegotiation of contracts; and
Liquidity risks

In addition to the above there can be no assurance that current exploration programmes will result in profitable operations. The
recoverability  of  the  carrying  value  of  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  is  dependent  upon  the  successful  discovery  of
economically  recoverable  reserves,  the  achievement  of  profitable  operations,  and  the  ability  of  the  Group  to  raise  additional
financing, if necessary, or alternatively upon the Company's ability to dispose of its interests on an advantageous basis. Changes
in future conditions could require material write down of the carrying values of the Group assets.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Currently the Group's main KPI is in relation to the stage of completion in respect of the Subba & Luhais development services
contract.  In  addition,  the  Group  reviews  expenditure  incurred  on  exploration  projects  and  successes  thereon,  and  ongoing
operating costs. 

DIRECTORS
The current directors are listed on the inside back cover. There were no changes to the Board during the year.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 17

DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

DIRECTORS' AND SECRETARY'S INTERESTS IN SHARES
The following directors held office at year end:

J. Teeling, D. Horgan, G. Delbes and S. Borghi.

The directors and secretary held the following beneficial interests in the shares of the Company:

Ordinary
Shares of
€€0.0125

31/12/2008 31/12/2008
Options -
Ordinary
Shares of
€€0.0125
No.

No.

J. Teeling
D. Horgan
G. Delbes
J. Finn (Secretary)
S. Borghi

3,615,000
2,715,000
190,000
1,015,000
155,000

1,900,000
1,650,000
-
870,000
450,000

1/01/2008
Ordinary
Shares of
€€0.0125

No.

3,615,000
2,715,000
190,000
1,015,000
155,000

1/01/2008
Options -
Ordinary
Shares of
€€0.0125
No.

1,900,000
1,650,000
-
870,000
450,000

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS
The share register records that, in addition to the directors, the following shareholders held 3% or more of the issued share capital
as at 31 December 2008 and at 30 May 2009;

Citibank Nominees (Ireland) Limited (CLRLUX)
L. R. Nominees Limited
TD Waterhouse Nominee (Europe) Limited
HSBC Global Custody Nominee
Lynchwood Nominees

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
Post balance sheet events are set out in Note 25.

31 December 2008
Number of
Ordinary Shares

30 May 2009
Number of
% Ordinary Shares

9,421,842
5,068,131
3,521,485
2,940,000
2,899,799

13.04
7.02
4.87
4.07
4.01

11,023,926
5,036,426
3,615,445
2,940,000
2,554,149

%

14.38
6.57
4.72
3.83
3.33

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Details of the Group's financial risk management policies are set out in Note 19.

GOING CONCERN
The  directors,  having  made  the  necessary  enquiries,  have  a  reasonable  expectation  that  the  Group  has  adequate  resources  to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The directors therefore propose the continued preparation of the
financial statements on a going concern basis. Further information is outlined in Note 3.

18 Petrel Resources plc

DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and to managing the Company in an honest and
ethical manner.

The  Board  approves  the  Group's  strategy,  investment  plans  and  regularly  reviews  operational  and  financial  performance,  risk
management, and Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) matters.

The Chairman is responsible for the leadership of the Board, whilst the Executive Directors are responsible for formulating strategy
and delivery once agreed by the Board.

SUBSIDIARIES
Details of the Company's subsidiaries are set out in Note 13 to the financial statements.

CHARITABLE AND POLITICAL DONATIONS
The Company made no political or charitable contributions during the year.

BOOKS OF ACCOUNT
To ensure that proper books and accounting records are kept in accordance with Section 202 of the Companies Act, 1990, the
directors have employed appropriately qualified accounting personnel and have maintained appropriate computerised accounting
systems. The books of account are located at the Company's office at 162 Clontarf Road, Dublin 3.

AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche, Chartered Accountants, will continue in office as auditors in accordance with Section 160(2) of the Companies
Act 1963.

Signed on behalf of the Board:

John Teeling

David Horgan

} Directors

17th June 2009

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 19

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

Irish company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing those financial
statements, the directors are required to:

•

•

•

select  suitable  accounting  policies  for  the  Group  and  the  Parent  Company  Financial  Statements  and  then  apply  them
consistently;

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will
continue in business.

The  directors  are  responsible  for  keeping  proper  books  of  account  which  disclose  with  reasonable  accuracy  at  any  time  the
financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and comply with Irish statute comprising
the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking
reasonable  steps  for  the  prevention  and  detection  of  fraud  and  other  irregularities.  The  directors  are  responsible  for  the
maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. 

20 Petrel Resources plc

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF 
PETREL RESOURCES PLC 

We have audited the Group and Parent Company Financial Statements ('the financial statements') of Petrel Resources Plc for the
year ended 31 December 2008 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company
Balance Sheet, the Group and Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Company
Cash Flow Statement, and the related notes 1 to 25. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies
set out therein.

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 193 of the Companies Act, 1990. Our
audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them
in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility
to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions
we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The directors are responsible, as set out in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities, for preparing the Annual Report, including
the  preparation  of  the  Group  Financial  Statements  in  accordance  with  applicable  law  and  International  Financial  Reporting
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Our responsibility, as independent auditor, is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory
requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the Group Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements give a
true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, and are properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006. We also report to you whether in our opinion: proper books of account have been kept by the
Company; whether, at the balance sheet date, there exists a financial situation requiring the convening of an extraordinary general
meeting of the Company; and whether the information given in the Directors' Report is consistent with the financial statements.
In  addition,  we  state  whether  we  have  obtained  all  information  and  explanations  necessary  for  the  purposes  of  our  audit  and
whether the Company's balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account. 

We  also  report  to  you  if,  in  our  opinion,  any  information  specified  by  law  regarding  directors'  remuneration  and  directors'
transactions is not disclosed and, where practicable, include such information in our report. 

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the financial statements.
The other information comprises only the Chairman's Statement, the Managing Director's Report and the Directors' Report. Our
responsibilities do not extend to other information. 

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices
Board.  An  audit  includes  examination,  on  a  test  basis,  of  evidence  relevant  to  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial
statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation
of  the  financial  statements  and  of  whether  the  accounting  policies  are  appropriate  to  the  Group's  circumstances,  consistently
applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order
to  provide  us  with  sufficient  evidence  to  give  reasonable  assurance  that  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we evaluated the overall adequacy
of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 21

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF 
PETREL RESOURCES PLC (CONTINUED)

Opinion
In our opinion:
•

the Group Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, of
the state of the affairs of the Group as at 31 December 2008 and of its loss for the year then ended; 
the Group Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006; 
the Parent Company's Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European
Union  as  applied  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Companies  Acts,  1963  to  2006  of  the  state  of  the  parent
company's affairs as at 31 December 2008; and
the Parent Company's Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to
2006.

•
•

•

Emphasis of matter
Without qualifying our opinion we draw your attention to Notes 3, 12, 14 and 15 of the financial statements concerning going
concern, the valuation of intangible assets, construction contracts, trade receivables and amounts due from group undertakings.
The group incurred a loss for the year of €761,637 and has a retained earnings deficit of €4,628,461. These conditions indicate
the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the Group's ability to continue as a going concern.
The  company  raised  funds  subsequent  to  the  balance  sheet  date  which  the  directors  consider  are  adequate  to  meet  working
capital requirements for at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. On that basis the
directors are satisfied that it is appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements of the company on a going concern
basis.  The  realisation  of  intangible  assets  of  €4,781,953  included  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  and  intangible  assets  of
€4,770,716 included in the company balance sheet is dependent on the successful development of economic reserves including
the  ability  of  the  Group  to  raise  sufficient  finance  to  develop  these  projects.    The  valuation  and  recoverability  of  construction
contracts of €5,315,599 and trade receivables of €38,606,675 included in the consolidated balance sheet, and the recoverability
of amounts due from group undertakings of €7,772,381 included in the company balance sheet is dependent on the successful
completion of the Subba and Luhais development services contract and settlement thereof. Following negotiations, in March 2009,
the Company received and has accepted a formal Ministry proposal on the Subba and Luhais EPC Contract payments schedule and
a basis for proceeding with the work programme with an extended schedule for completion. Accordingly, in the opinion of the
directors the trade receivable of €38,606,675 is considered to be fully recoverable and is not impaired. The financial statements
do not include any adjustments relating to these uncertainties, and the ultimate outcome cannot, at present, be determined.

We  have  obtained  all  the  information  and  explanations  we  considered  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  our  audit.  In  our  opinion
proper books of account have been kept by the Company. The Company's balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion the information given in the Directors' Report is consistent with the financial statements.

The net assets of the Company, as stated in the Company balance sheet are more than half the amount of its called-up share
capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 December 2008 a financial situation which, under Section 40(1)
of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983, would require the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

Deloitte & Touche
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Deloitte & Touche House
Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2

17th June 2009

22 Petrel Resources plc

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

REVENUE

Cost of sales

GROSS PROFIT

Administrative expenses

OPERATING LOSS

Investment revenue

LOSS BEFORE TAXATION

Income tax expense

LOSS FOR THE YEAR: all attributable
to equity holders of the parent 

Loss per share - basic and diluted

Notes

2008
€€

2007
€

4

8,233,050

28,950,934

(8,233,050)

(28,950,934)

-

-

(853,968)

(584,437)

(853,968)

(584,437)

92,331

65,502

(761,637)

(518,935)

-

-

(761,637)

(518,935)

(1.05c)

(0.75c)

6

5

6

10

22

11

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17th June 2009 and signed on its behalf by:

John Teeling

David Horgan

} Directors

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 23

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

ASSETS:

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets

CURRENT ASSETS

Construction contracts
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

EQUITY:

Called-up share capital
Capital conversion reserve fund
Share premium
Share based payment reserve
Translation reserve
Retained earnings - (deficit)

TOTAL EQUITY

Notes

2008
€€

2007
€

12

4,781,953

4,189,643

14
15
16

5,315,599
38,684,794
559,599

9,558,084
29,334,443
6,710,767

44,559,992

45,603,294

49,341,945

49,792,937

17

(37,299,416)

(36,850,125)

7,260,576

8,753,169

12,042,529

12,942,812

20

902,873
7,694
15,693,098
205,971
(138,646)
(4,628,461)

902,873
7,694
15,693,098
205,971
-
(3,866,824)

12,042,529

12,942,812

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17th June 2009 and signed on its behalf by:

John Teeling

David Horgan

} Directors

24 Petrel Resources plc

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

ASSETS:

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Intangible assets
Investment in subsidiaries

CURRENT ASSETS

Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

TOTAL ASSETS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

NET CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

EQUITY:

Called-up share capital
Capital conversion reserve fund
Share premium
Share based payment reserve
Translation reserve
Retained earnings - (deficit)

TOTAL EQUITY

Notes

2008
€€

2007
€

12
13

15
16

4,770,716
11,237

4,178,406
11,237

4,781,953

4,189,643

7,850,500
498,512

5,694,363
3,673,100

8,349,012

9,367,463

13,130,965

13,557,106

17

(1,088,436)

(614,294)

7,260,576

8,753,169

12,042,529

12,942,812

20

902,873
7,694
15,693,098
205,971
(138,646)
(4,628,461)

902,873
7,694
15,693,098
205,971
-
(3,866,824)

12,042,529

12,942,812

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17th June 2009 and signed on its behalf by:

John Teeling

David Horgan

} Directors

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 25

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

Group and Company

At 1 January 2007
Share based payment
Shares issued 
Share issue expenses
Loss for the year

Share
Capital
€€

843,351
-
59,522
-
-

Capital
Share Conversion
Premium Reserve fund
€€

€€

Share
Based

Payment Translation
Reserve
Reserve
€€
€€

Retained
Earning/
(Deficit)
€€

Total
€€

9,840,861
-
6,040,704
(188,467)
-

7,694
-
-
-
-

-
205,971
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-

(3,347,889)
-
-
-
(518,935)

7,344,017
205,971
6,100,226
(188,467)
(518,935)

(3,866,824) 12,942,812

At 31 December 2007

902,873

15,693,098

7,694

205,971

Loss for the year

-

-

-

-

(138,646)

(761,637)

(900,283)

At 31 December 2008

902,873

15,693,098

7,694

205,971

(138,646)

(4,628,461) 12,042,529

Share premium reserve
The share premium reserve comprises of the excess of monies received in respect of share capital over the nominal value of shares
issued.

Capital conversion reserve fund
The ordinary shares of the Company were renominalised from €0.0126774 each to €0.0125 each in 2001 and the amount by
which the issued share capital of the Company was reduced was transferred to the capital conversion reserve fund.

Share based payment reserve
The share based payment reserve represents share based payments granted which are not yet exercised and issued as shares.

Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises accumulated translation adjustments in the current year and prior year. 

Retained earnings (deficit)
Retained earnings (deficit) comprise accumulated profit and loss in the current year and prior year.

26 Petrel Resources plc

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

Notes

2008
€€

2007
€

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Loss for the year
Investment revenue recognised in loss
Exchange movements

OPERATING CASHFLOW BEFORE 
MOVEMENTS IN WORKING CAPITAL

Movements in working capital:
Decrease in construction contracts
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Increase in trade and other receivables

CASH USED IN OPERATIONS

Investment revenue 

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for intangible fixed assets

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of equity shares
Share issue costs

NET CASH GENERATED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET DECREASE IN CASH

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of financial year

(761,637)
(92,331)
273,150

(518,935)
(65,502)
-

(580,818)

(584,437)

4,242,485
(4,077,001)
(9,350,351)

838,057
3,859,194
(29,290,548)

(9,765,685)

(25,177,734)

92,331

65,502

(9,673,354)

(25,112,232)

(730,956)

(515,708)

(730,956)

(515,708)

-
-

-

5,984,780
(130,743)

5,854,037

(10,404,310)

(19,773,903)

(10,323,028)

9,450,875

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash held in foreign currencies

(273,150)

-

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

16

(21,000,488)

(10,323,028)

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 27

COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

Notes

2008
€€

2007
€

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Loss for the year
Investment revenue recognised in loss
Exchange movement

OPERATING CASHFLOW BEFORE 
MOVEMENTS IN WORKING CAPITAL

Movements in working capital:
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
Increase in trade and other receivables

CASH USED IN OPERATIONS

Investment revenue

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payments for intangible fixed assets

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of equity shares 
Share issue costs

NET CASH GENERATED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
of financial year

(761,637)
(92,331)
744,143

(518,935)
(65,502)
-

(109,825)

(584,437)

474,142
(2,156,137)

(648,154)
(2,716,823)

(1,791,820)

(3,949,414)

92,331

65,502

(1,699,489)

(3,883,912)

(730,956)

(515,708)

(730,956)

(515,708)

-
-

-

5,984,780
(130,743)

5,854,037

(2,430,445)

1,454,417

3,673,100

2,218,683

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash held in foreign currencies

(744,143)

-

Cash and cash equivalents at end 
of financial year

16

498,512

3,673,100

28 Petrel Resources plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The significant accounting policies adopted by the Group and Company are as follows:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv) 

(v) 

(vi)

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRSs as adopted by the European
Union. The Group recognises its proportionate share of jointly controlled assets, liabilities and operating costs.

Accounting convention
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. 

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made
up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity
so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Where necessary, adjustments have been made to the financial statements of the subsidiaries to bring the
accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Investment in subsidiaries
Investment in subsidiaries held by the Company as fixed assets are stated at cost less any provision for diminution of value. 

Revenue
Revenue from construction contracts is recognised in accordance with the Group's accounting policy on construction contracts - see (vii) . 

Intangible assets
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Under the successful efforts method of accounting all license acquisition, exploration and appraisal costs are initially capitalised in well, field or specific
geographical  exploration  cost  centres  as  appropriate  pending  determination.  Exploration  expenditure  relates  to  the  initial  search  for  oil  and  gas  with
economic potential in Iraq. Evaluation expenditure arises from a detailed assessment of deposits that have been identified as having economic potential.

The  cost  of  exploration  properties  and  leases,  which  include  the  cost  of  acquiring  prospective  properties  and  exploration  rights  and  costs  incurred  in
exploration  and  evaluation  assets.  Exploration  costs  are  capitalised  until  technical  feasibility  and  commercial  viability  of  extraction  of  reserves  are
demonstrable. Exploration costs include an allocation of administration and salary costs (including share based payments) as determined by management. 

Impairment of intangible assets
Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable
amount. The Company reviews and tests for impairment on an ongoing basis and specifically if the following occurs: 

a)
b)
c)
d)

the period for which the Group has a right to explore in the specific area has expired or is expected to expire;
the exploration and evaluation has not led to the discovery of economic reserves;
the development of the reserves is not economically or commercially viable; and
the exploration is located in an area that has become politically unstable.

Prior  to  reclassification  to  property,  plant  and  equipment,  exploration  and  evaluation  assets  are  assessed  for  impairment  and  any  impairment  loss
recognised immediately in the income statement. 

(vii)

Construction contract
Work in progress relates to costs incurred to date on the Subba & Luhais oilfield development and is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Amounts  previously  capitalised  in  exploration  and  evaluation  relating  to  this  project  were  transferred  to  work  in  progress  after  being  tested  for
impairment.

Where the outcome of the construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of
the contract at the balance sheet date, measured based on the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to date relative to the estimated
total contract costs, except where this would not be representative of the stage of completion. 

Variations are included in contract revenue when it is probable that the customer will approve the variation and the amount of revenue arising from the
variation and the amount of revenue can be reliably measured. 

Where the outcome of the construction contract can not be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred
that it is probable will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 29

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(viii)

Foreign currencies
The individual financial statements of each Group company are maintained in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its
functional currency). The functional currency of the Group is US Dollars. However, for the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results
and financial position of each Group company are expressed in Euro (the presentation currency). This is for the benefit of the Group's shareholders, the
majority of whom reside in the Eurozone.

Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items, and on the retranslation of monetary items, are included in the income statement for
the period. Exchange differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items carried at fair value are included in the income statement for the
period except for differences arising on the retranslation of non-monetary items in respect of which gains and losses are recognised directly in equity.

(ix)

Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of
income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for
current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred  tax  is  the  tax  expected  to  be  payable  or  recoverable  on  differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  financial
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary
differences, carry forward of unused tax assets and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which
deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not
recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination)
of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the Group is
able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, only to the extent that it is
probable that the temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference
can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient
taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future
taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised, based on tax rates
(and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement,
except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when
they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

(x)

Share-based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 "Share-Based Payment". In accordance with the transitional provisions, IFRS 2 has been applied to all
equity instruments vesting after 1 January 2006.

The Group issues equity-settled share based payments to directors and certain consultants. Equity settled share-based payments are measured at fair
value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over
the vesting period based on the Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non-market based vesting conditions.

Where the value of the goods or services received in exchange for the share-based payment cannot be reliably estimated the fair value is measured by
use  of  a  Black-Scholes  model.  The  expected  life  used  in  the  model  has  been  adjusted,  based  on  management's  best  estimate,  for  the  effects  of  non-
transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural considerations.

(xi)

Operating loss
Operating loss comprises general administrative costs incurred by the Company, which are not specific to evaluation and exploration projects. 
Operating loss is stated before finance income, finance costs and other gains and losses.

30 Petrel Resources plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(xii)

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group's balance sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the
instrument.

Trade receivables 
Trade  receivables  are  measured  at  initial  recognition  at  invoice  value,  which  approximates  to  fair  value.  Appropriate  allowances  for  estimated
irrecoverable amounts are recognised in the consolidated income statement when there is objective evidence that the carrying value of the asset exceeds
the recoverable amount.

Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables which are measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  held  by  the  Group  and  short-term  bank  deposits  with  a  maturity  of  three  months  or  less  from  the  date  of
acquisition. The bank overdraft, which represents the amount drawn down on a letter of credit with the Trade Bank of Iraq is credited in cash and cash
equivalents. 

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument
is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities.

Trade payables
Trade payables are classified as financial liabilities, are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest rate method. 

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

(xiii)

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies
In the process of applying the Group's accounting policies above, management has identified the judgemental areas as those that have the most significant
effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements (apart from those involving estimations, which are dealt with below);

*Exploration and evaluation 
The assessment of whether general administration costs and salary costs are capitalised or expensed involves judgement. Management considers the
nature of each cost incurred and whether it is deemed appropriate to capitalise it within intangible assets.

Costs  can  be  demonstrated  as  project  related,  are  included  within  exploration  and  evaluation  assets.  Exploration  and  evaluation  assets  related  to
exploration and related expenditure in Iraq prospecting.

The Group's exploration activities are subject to a number of significant and potential risks including:

Price fluctuations;
Foreign exchange risks;
Uncertainties over development and operational costs;
Political and legal risks, including arrangements for licenses, profit sharing and taxation;
Foreign investment risks including increases in taxes, royalties and renegotiation of contracts;
Liquidity risks;
Funding risks - include the ongoing funding of the Subba & Luhais development services contract and raising of capital to fund further exploration;
Recoverability of receivables - Trade receivables relating to amounts billed in respect of the Subba & Luhais development services contract are
past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not made any impairment provisions as the amounts are still considered recoverable;
Going concern; and
Valuation of work in progress.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The recoverability of these intangible assets is dependent on the discovery and successful development of economic reserves, including the ability to raise
finance to develop future projects. Should this prove unsuccessful, the value included in the balance sheet would be written off to the income statement.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 31

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

1.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(xiii)

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty (continued)

*Impairment of intangible assets
The  assessment  of  intangible  assets  for  any  indications  of  impairment  involves  judgement.  If  an  indication  of  impairment  exists,  a  formal  estimate  of
recoverable  amount  is  performed  and  an  impairment  loss  recognised  to  the  extent  that  carrying  amount  exceeds  recoverable  amount.  Recoverable
amount is determined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.

The assessment requires judgements as to:

- the likely future commerciality of the assets and when such commerciality should be determined, future 
revenue capital and operating costs and the discount rate to be applied to such revenues and costs.

*Valuation of work in progress and land
Valuations of site work in progress are carried out at regular intervals by the Group's quantity surveying team. This process involves estimating costs to
complete and anticipated revenues and therefore involves considerable judgement.

*Deferred tax assets
The assessment of availability of future taxable profits involves judgement. A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable
profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences and the carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised.

*Going concern
The preparation of financial statements requires an assessment on the validity of the going concern assumption. The validity of the going concern concept
is dependent on finance being available for the continuing working capital requirements of the Group and finance for the development of the Group's
projects becoming available. The Group's activities in respect of the Subba & Luhais development services contract are financed by a letter of credit with
the Trade Bank of Iraq.

Based on the assumptions that such finance will become available, the directors believe that the going concern basis is appropriate for these accounts.
Should  the  going  concern  basis  not  be  appropriate,  adjustments  would  have  to  be  made  to  reduce  the  value  of  the  Group's  assets,  in  particular  the
intangible fixed assets, to their realisable values. Further information is disclosed in Note 3 regarding going concern.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  for  assets  and
liabilities as at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year. The nature of estimation means that actual
outcomes could differ from those estimates. The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

*Share-based payments
The estimation of share-based payment costs requires the selection of an appropriate valuation model and consideration as to the inputs necessary for
the valuation model chosen. The Group has made estimates as to the volatility of its own shares, the probable life of options granted and the time of
exercise of those options. The model used by the Group is the Black-Scholes valuation model.

2.

STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS IN ISSUE BUT NOT YET ADOPTED

Standards and interpretations in issue but not yet adopted.

Three interpretations issued by the international financial reporting interpretations committee are effective for the current period. These are: IFRIC 11
Group and Treasury Share Transactions; IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements; and IFRIC 14 The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding
Requirements and their interactions. The adoption of these interpretations has not led to any changes in the Group's accounting policies. 

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following standards and interpretations which have not been applied in these financial
statements were in issue but not yet adopted:

IAS 1 (Amendment) Presentation of Financial Statements (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009);

IAS 7 (Amendment) Statement of Cash Flows (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010);

IAS 17 (Amendment) leases (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010);

IAS 23 (Amendment) Borrowing costs (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IAS 27 (Amendment) Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010);

IAS 32 (Amendment) Financial Instruments: Presentation (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009);

32 Petrel Resources plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

2.

STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS IN ISSUE BUT NOT YET ADOPTED (CONTINUED)

IAS 36 (Amendment) Impairment of Assets (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010);

IAS 38 (Amendment) Intangible Assets (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IAS 39 (Amendment) Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010);

IFRS 1 (Amendment) First-time Adoption of Financial Reporting Standards (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IFRS 2 (Amendment) Share Based Payment (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IFRS 3 (Amendment) Business Combinations (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IFRS 5 (Amendment) Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010);

IFRS 7 (Amendment) Financial Instruments: Disclosures (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009);

IFRS 8 Operating Segments (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010);

IFRIC 9 (Amendment) Embedded Derivatives (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 30 July 2009);

IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2008);

IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009);

IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IFRIC 17 Distributions of Non-Cash Assets to Owners (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009);

IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from customers (effective for transfer of assets from customers received on or after 1 July 2009)

The directors are currently assessing the impact in relation to the adoption of these standards and interpretations for future periods of the Group. Given
the current Group operation, in the opinion of the Directors, the above should have no material impact on the Group financial statements. 

3.

GOING CONCERN

The Group incurred a loss for the year of €761,637 and has a retained earnings deficit of €4,628,461 leading to concern about the Group's ability to
continue  as  a  going  concern.  The  Group  had  a  cash  balance  of  €559,599  at  the  balance  sheet  date  together  with  a  bank  overdraft  of  €21,560,087,
representing the amount drawn down on a letter of credit which is in place in respect of the Subba & Luhais development contract. 

As outlined in note 25 the Company raised £1,840,500 subsequent to the year end which in the opinion of the directors will be sufficient working capital
to  advance  Petrel's  projects  in  Iraqi  oil  exploration  and  development,  and  will  fully  cover  Petrel's  existing  and  normally  anticipated  working  capital
requirements until the end of 2010. Accordingly the directors are satisfied that it is appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements of the
Group on the going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustment to the carrying amount, or classification of assets and liabilities,
if the Company was unable to continue as a going concern.

4.

REVENUE

An analysis of the Group's revenue is as follows:

2008
€€

2007
€

Revenue from construction contract

8,233,050

28,950,934

5.

INVESTMENT REVENUE

Investment bank deposits

2008
€€

2007
€

92,331

65,502

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 33

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

6.

LOSS BEFORE TAXATION

The loss before taxation is stated after 
charging the following items:

Depreciation
Directors' remuneration 
- fees
- salary

Total

Auditors' remuneration
Staff costs - salaries
- payroll taxes
Foreign exchange loss

The analysis of auditors' remuneration is as follows:

Fees payable to the Group's auditors for the audit of the 
Group's financial statements

Total audit fees

Administrative expenses comprise:

Professional fees
Net foreign exchange losses/(gains)
Directors' remuneration
Other administration expenses

7.

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Group

•

Key management compensation

Short- term employee benefits
Share based payments

2008
€€

2007
€

-

100,000
73,275

173,275

30,000
40,652
-
286,776

30,000

30,000

198,354
286,776
173,275
195,563

853,968

2008
€€

241,175
-

241,175

-

100,000
117,000

217,000

25,000
17,282
-
17,527

25,000

25,000

180,825
17,527
217,000
169,085

584,437

2007
€

391,000
205,971

596,971

Common Directorship

•
Cooley Distillery Plc is a related party by virtue of common directors. Petrel Resources Plc shares offices and overheads with Cooley Distillery PLC and a
number of resources companies also based at 162 Clontarf Road. During the year €11,234 was incurred in respect of these overheads and office costs. At
the year end there was €40,557 due to Petrel Resources in respect of overheads incurred.

Company

During the year, the Company paid consultancy fee to Guy Delbes amounting to €25,567 (2007: €10,450). Guy Delbes is a director of the Company.

At 31 December the following amount was due to the Company by its subsidiaries:

Amounts due from subsidiary companies

34 Petrel Resources plc

2008
€€

2007
€

7,772,381

5,595,950

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

8.

STAFF NUMBERS

There were no employees of the Group other than the directors during the current or prior year. 

9.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

The Group has two classes of business: mining exploration and development, and construction of an oil field.

The  businesses  are  located  in  Iraq  and  Jordan.  The  analysis  of  turnover,  the  loss  before  taxation,  assets,  liabilities,  depreciation  and  additions  to  non
current assets by geographical segment is shown below:

Exploration
and evaluation

2008
€€

2007
€

Construction of
an old field

2008
€€

2007
€

Total

2008
€€

2007
€

9A. Segment Revenue

Continuing Operations
Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

9B. Segment Result

Continuing Operations
Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office
Income tax expense

9C. Segment Assets

Group
Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

Company
Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
(761,637)
-

(761,637)

3,813,770
968,183

4,781,953
595,441

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

8,233,050
-

28,950,394
-

8,233,050
-

28,950,394
-

8,233,050
-

28,950,394
-

8,233,050
-

28,950,394
-

8,233,050

28,950,394

8,233,050

28,950,394

-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

3,541,541
648,102

43,983,361
-

41,546,685
-

47,797,131
968,183

45,088,226
648,102

4,189,643
4,056,609

43,983,361
-

41,546,685
-

48,765,314
595,441

45,736,328
4,056,609

5,377,394

8,246,252

43,983,361

41,546,685

49,360,755

49,792,937

3,813,770
968,183

4,781,953
8,367,822

3,541,541
648,102

4,189,643
9,367,463

13,149,775

13,557,106

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

3,813,770
968,183

4,781,953
8,367,822

3,541,541
648,102

4,189,643
9,367,463

13,149,775

13,557,106

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 35

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

9.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS (CONTINUED)

9D. Segment Liabilities

Exploration
and evaluation

Group
Iraq
Jordan

2008
€€

-
-

Construction of
an old field

2008
€€

2007
€

Total

2008
€€

2007
€

2007
€

-
-

(36,210,980)
-

(36,235,831)
-

(36,210,980)
-

(36,235,831)
-

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

-
(1,107,246)

-
(614,294)

(36,210,890)
-

(36,235,831)
-

(36,210,980)
(1,107,246)

(36,235,831)
(614,294)

(1,107,246)

(614,294)

(36,210,890)

(36,235,831)

(37,318,226)

(36,850,125)

-
-

-
-

-
(1,107,246)

-
(614,294)

(1,107,246)

(614,294)

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

405,957
324,999

730,956
-

511,386
268,015

779,401
-

730,956

779,401

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-
(1,107,246)

-
(614,294)

(1,107,246)

(614,294)

-
-

-
-

-

-
-

-
-

-

405,957
324,999

730,956
-

511,386
268,015

779,401
-

730,956

779,401

Company
Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

9E. Segment Liabilities

Depreciation (Group and Company)
Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

Additions to new current assets (Group and Company)

Iraq
Jordan

Total for continuing operations
Unallocated head office

36 Petrel Resources plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

10.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Current tax
Deferred tax

Tax on loss

Factors affecting the tax expense:
Loss on ordinary activities before tax

Income tax calculated @ 12.5%
Effects of:
Tax losses carried forward

Tax charge

2008
€€

-
-

-

2007
€

-
-

-

(761,637)

(518,935)

(95,205)

(64,867)

95,205

64,807

-

-

No corporation tax charge arises in the current year or the prior year due to losses brought forward. 

At the balance sheet date, the Group had unused tax losses of €4,628,461 (2007: €3,866,824) and share based payment reserve of €205,971 (2007:
€205,971) available for offset against future profits which equates to a deferred tax asset of €630,052 (2007: €509,099). No deferred tax asset has been
recognised due to the unpredictability of the future profit streams. Losses may be carried forward indefinitely.

11.

LOSS PER SHARE

Loss per share - Basic and diluted

Basic loss per share
The earnings and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic loss per share are as follows:

2008
€€

2007
€

(1.05c)

(0.75c)

2008
€€

2007
€

Loss for the year attributable to equity holders of the parent

(761,637)

(518,935)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the 
purpose of basic earnings per share

2008
Number

2007
Number

72,229,796

69,024,259

Basic and diluted loss per share are the same as the effect of the outstanding share options is anti-dilutive and is therefore excluded. 

12.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Exploration and evaluation assets:

Cost:
Opening balance
Additions
Exchange translation adjustment

Closing balance

Carrying value:
Opening balance

Closing balance

Group

2008
€€

2007
€

Company

2008
€€

2007
€

4,189,643
730,956
(138,646)

3,410,242
779,401
-

4,178,406
730,956
(138,646)

3,399,005
779,401
-

4,781,953

4,189,643

4,770,716

4,178,406

4,189,643

3,410,242

4,178,406

3,399,005

4,781,953

4,189,643

4,770,716

4,178,406

Exploration and evaluation assets at 31 December 2008 represents exploration and related expenditure in respect of projects in Iraq and Jordan. 

No amortisation is charged prior to the commencement of production. When production commences within an area of interest previously capitalised in
respect  of  exploration,  evaluation  and  development,  these  costs  are  amortised  over  the  commercial  reserves  of  the  mining  property  on  a  unit  of
production basis.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 37

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

12.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (CONTINUED)

The Group's activities are subject to a number of significant potential risks including:

Funding  risks  -  including  the  ongoing  funding  of  the  Subba  &  Luhais  development  services  contract  and  raising  of  capital  to  fund  further
exploration;
Recoverability of receivables - Trade receivables relating to amounts billed in respect of the Subba & Luhais development services contract are
past due at the reporting date for which the Group has not made any impairment provisions as the amounts are still considered recoverable;
Going concern;
Valuation of work in progress.
Price fluctuations;
Foreign exchange risks;
Uncertainties over development and operational costs;
Political and legal risks, including arrangements for licenses, profit sharing and taxation;
Foreign investment risks including increases in taxes, royalties and renegotiation of contracts; and
Liquidity risks.

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The  realisation  of  these  intangible  assets  is  dependent  on  the  successful  development  of  economic  reserves,  including  the  ability  to  raise  finance  to
develop the projects. Should this prove unsuccessful the value included in the balance sheet would be written off.

The  directors  are  aware  that  by  its  nature  there  is  an  inherent  uncertainty  in  such  expenditure  as  to  the  value  of  the  asset.  In  addition,  the  current
economic and political situation in Iraq is uncertain. Having reviewed the exploration and evaluation expenditure at 31 December 2008, the directors are
satisfied that the value of the intangible asset is not impaired.

Regional Analysis - Group

At 1 January 2007
Additions

At 1 January 2008
Additions
Exchange translation adjustment

Iraq
€€

3,030,155
511,386

3,541,541
405,957
(133,728)

Jordan
€€

380,087
268,015

648,102
324,999
(4,918)

Total
€€

3,410,242
779,401

4,189,643
730,956
(138,646)

At 31 December 2008

3,813,770

968,183

4,781,953

13.

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 

Company

Shares at cost - unlisted:
Opening balance

Closing balance

The Group consisted of the parent company and the following wholly owned subsidiaries as at 
31 December 2008:

Name

Petrel Industries Limited

Petrel Resources of the
Middle East Offshore S.A.L.

Registered
Office

162 Clontarf Road,
Dublin 3, Ireland

Damascus Street
Beirut, Lebanon

2008
€€

11,237

11,237

Group
Share

100%

2007
€

11,237

11,237

Nature of
Business

Dormant

100%

Dormant

In  December  2005,  the  Company  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Makman  Oil  &  Gas  Engineering  Limited,  which  is  referred  to  as  a  joint  venture
arrangement to develop the Subba and Luhais Development Project in Iraq. The Company has ultimate control of this project and accordingly it has been
consolidated as a subsidiary. This project did not generate either a profit or loss and accordingly no minority interest arises at the balance sheet date.

The directors are satisfied that the carrying value of the investment has not become impaired.

38 Petrel Resources plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

14.

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

Work in progress:
Opening balance
Expenditure incurred in period
Work completed

Group

2008
€€

2007
€

Company

2008
€€

2007
€

9,558,084
3,990,565
(8,233,050)

10,396,141
28,112,877
(28,950,934)

5,315,599

9,558,084

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-

The above relates to expenditure incurred and not billed in respect of the Subba and Luhais development services contract.

The Subba and Luhais development services contract represents a contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to assist design, supply materials and services for
the development of this oil field. The total amount of this contract is US$197 million.

The contract sets out details of when invoices should be raised and on that basis, in the opinion of the directors the carrying value is recoverable under
the terms of the contract. 

15.

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current assets:
Trade receivables
VAT refund due
Other receivables

Non-current assets:
Amounts due from Group undertakings

Group

2008
€€

2007
€

38,606,675
27,628
50,491

28,950,934
26,221
357,288

Company

2007
€

-
26,221
72,192

2008
€€

-
27,628
50,491

-

-

7,772,381

5,595,950

38,684,794

29,334,443

7,850,500

5,694,363

Trade receivables relates to amounts billed in respect of the Subba and Luhais development services contract during 2008. As disclosed in Note 14, there
is an amount of €5,315,599 (2007: €9,558,084) included as work in progress on this contract. The project is financed by a letter of credit, of which the
amount outstanding at year end is €21,560,087 (2007: €17,033,795) to the Trade Bank of Iraq, together with a 10% payment on account of €13,932,451
(2007: €13,279,860) (as disclosed in note 17). 

In the opinion of the directors the amount above is considered to be fully recoverable. 

As further outlined in Note 12 the value of the assets due from Group undertakings is dependent on the successful development of economic mineral
reserves.

Included  in  the  Group  trade  receivable  balance  are  debtors  with  a  carrying  amount  of  €36,252,298  (2007:  €23,258,278)  which  are  past  due  at  the
reporting date for which the Group has not made any impairment provisions as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the amounts
are still considered recoverable. The average age of these receivables is 415 days (2007: 151).

Ageing of past due but not impaired.

90 - 120 days
> 120 days

Total

Group

2008
€€

2007
€

Company

2008
€€

2007
€

4,761,128
31,491,170

4,923,967
18,604,311

36,252,298

23,528,278

-
-

-

-
-

-

In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable, the Group considers any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date the credit
was initially granted up to the reporting date.

Following negotiations, in March 2009, the Company received and has accepted a formal Ministry proposal on the Subba & Luhais EPC Contract payments
schedule and a basis for proceeding with the work programme with an extended schedule for completion. This includes payment of due sums already
cleared  to  be  paid  to  Petrel  and  suppliers.  Accordingly,  in  the  opinion  of  the  directors  the  trade  receivable  of  €38,606,675  is  considered  to  be  fully
recoverable and is not impaired. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 39

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

16.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdraft

Group

2008
€€

2007
€

Company

2008
€€

2007
€

559,599
(21,560,087)

6,710,767
(17,033,795)

498,512
-

3,673,100
-

(21,000,488)

(10,323,028)

498,512

3,673,100

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates on daily bank rates. The fair value for cash and cash equivalents is €21,000,488 (2007: €10,323,028) for Group
and €498,512 (2007: €3,673,100) for Company. The Group and Company only deposits cash surpluses with major banks.

17.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables
Bank overdraft
Accruals
Amount due to Group undertaking
Other creditors
Customer deposits

Group

2008
€€

2007
€

-
21,560,087
1,088,436
-
718,442
13,932,451

5,237,385
17,033,795
601,141
-
697,944
13,279,860

2008
€€

-
-
1,088,433
3
-
-

Company

2007
€

-
-
601,138
3
13,153
-

37,299,416

36,850,125

1,088,436

614,294

The bank overdraft represents the amount drawn down on a letter of credit which is in place in respect of the Subba & Luhais development contract. The
letter of credit has been guaranteed by Makman.

The customer deposits relate to payments on account received in respect of the Subba & Luhais development services contract - further details are set
out in Notes 14 and 15. 

It is the Group's normal practice to agree terms of transactions, including payment terms, with suppliers and provided suppliers perform in accordance
with the agreed terms, it is the Group's policy that payments are made between 30 - 45 days. The Group has financial risk management policies in place
to ensure that all payables are paid within the credit timeframe.

18.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group and Company undertakes certain transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Hence, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise.

The Group and Company holds cash as a liquid resource to fund the obligations of the Group. The Group's cash balances are held in euro, sterling and in
US  dollar.  The  Group's  strategy  for  managing  cash  is  to  maximise  interest  income  whilst  ensuring  its  availability  to  match  the  profile  of  the  Group's
expenditure. This is achieved by regular monitoring of interest rates and monthly review of expenditure.

The Group and Company has a policy of not hedging and therefore takes market rates in respect of foreign exchange risk; however, it does review its
currency exposures regularly and may consider the use of currency hedges in the future.

The Group has a letter of credit in place with the Trade Bank of Iraq for €21,560,087 (2007: €17,033,795). The amount drawn down and outstanding at
year end in respect of this was approximately US$30 million.

To date, the Group and Company has relied upon equity funding to finance operations. The Directors are confident that adequate cash resources exist to
finance operations for future exploration but controls over expenditure are carefully managed. 

The carrying amounts of the Group and Company's foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting dates are as
follows:

Group

Sterling
US Dollar

Company

Sterling
US Dollar

40 Petrel Resources plc

Assets

2008
€€

2007
€

Liabilities

2008
€€

2007
€

282,276
38,848,187

3,407,920
32,508,552

315,092
36,332,938

181,002
36,314,700

Assets

2008
€€

2007
€

282,276
7,952,794

3,407,920
5,815,300

Liabilities

2008
€€

315,092
121,958

2007
€

181,002
78,869

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

19.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group's financial instruments comprise cash balances and various items such as trade receivables and trade payables which arise directly from trading
operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide working capital to finance Group operations.

The Group and Company does not enter into any derivative transactions, and it is the Group's policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be
undertaken.

Interest Rate Risk

The Group finances its operations through the issue of equity shares, and has no fixed interest rate agreements. The Group has no significant exposures
to interest rate risk. 

Liquidity Risk

As regards liquidity, the Group's exposure is confined to meeting obligations under short term trade creditor agreements. This exposure is fully financed
from additional issues of ordinary equity shares, together with a letter of credit.

Foreign Currency Risk

Although the Group is based in the Republic of Ireland, amounts held as deferred development expenditure were originally expended in currencies other
than Euro aligned currencies. However, this expenditure is not considered to be a monetary asset, and has been translated to the reporting currency at
the  rates  of  exchange  ruling  at  the  dates  of  the  original  transactions.  At  31  December  2008,  the  Group  held  €523,775  in  sterling  and  U.S.  dollar
denominated bank accounts (2007: €6,664,937). The Group had a bank overdraft in US$ of €21,560,087 (2007: €17,033,795).

The Group also has transactional currency exposures. Such exposures arise from expenses incurred by the Group in currencies other than the functional
currency.  The  Group  seeks  to  minimise  its  exposure  to  currency  risk  by  closely  monitoring  exchange  rates,  and  restricting  the  buying  and  selling  of
currencies to predetermined exchange rates within specified bands.

The Group does not presently utilise swaps or forward contracts to manage its currency exposures, although such facilities are considered and may be
used where appropriate in the future.

Approximately  20%  of  costs  are  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  functional  currency.  In  the  opinion  of  the  directors  a  10%  movement  in
exchange rates will not have a material impact.

Credit risk

With respect to credit risk arising from financial assets of the group which comprise cash and cash equivalents, the Group's exposure to credit risk arises
from default of the counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments. Further information is outlined in Note
16.

Capital Management

The primary objective of the Group's capital management is to ensure that it maintains an adequate capital ratio in order to support its business and
maximise shareholder value. The capital structure of the Group consists of equity (comprising issued share capital and reserves).

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. No changes were made in the objectives
policies or processes during the years ended 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2007. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 41

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

20.

SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised:
200,000,000 ordinary shares of € 0.0125

Allotted, Called-Up and Fully Paid:
Opening 72,229,796 (2007: 67,468,039) ordinary
shares of € 0.0125 each

Issued:
Nil (2007: 4,761,757) ordinary shares of €0.0125 each 

Closing 72,229,796 (2007: 72,229,796) ordinary shares 
of € 0.0125 each

Group and Company

2008
€€

2007
€

2,500,000

2,500,000

902,873

843,351

-

59,522

902,873

902,873

The total number of options outstanding at 31 December 2008, including to directors was 4,870,000 (2007: 4,870,000) shares. The options are exercisable
at prices ranging between €0.0339 and €1.78 in accordance with the option agreement. 

21.

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

The Group has applied the requirement of IFRS 2 'Share Based Payments'. In accordance with the transitional provisions IFRS 2 has been applied to all
grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002, that had not vested by 1 January 2006. 

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain directors and individuals who have performed services for the Group. Equity-settled
share-based  payments  are  measured  at  fair  value  at  the  date  of  grant.  The  fair  value  determined  at  the  grant  date  of  the  equity-settled  share-based
payments is capitalised as the transaction relates to the payment of goods and services which qualify to be recognised as an asset.

The  Group  plan  provides  for  a  grant  price  equal  to  the  average  quoted  market  price  of  the  ordinary  shares  on  the  date  of  grant.  The  options  vest
immediately. 

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted during the year

Outstanding and exercisable at
the end of year

Exercisable at the end of year

Year ended
31/12/2008`
Options

Year ended
31/12/2008
Weighted
average
exercise
price in cent

Year ended
31/12/2007
Options

Year ended
31/12/2007
Weighted
average
exercise
price in cent

200,000
-

200,000

200,000

178
-

178

178

-
200,000

200,000

200,000

-
178

178

178

The options outstanding at 31 December 2008 had a weighted average exercise price of 178c, and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 6.75
years.

The fair value of the options were calculated using the Black Scholes option pricing model. The inputs into the model were as follows:

Weighted average share price at date of grant (in cent)
Weighted average exercise price (in cent)
Expected volatility
Expected life
Risk free rate
Expected dividends

2008

-
-
-
-
-
-

2007

131
131
48%
7 years
5.75%
-

Expected volatility was determined by management based on their cumulative experience of the movement in share prices over the previous number of
years. The expected useful life used in the model has been adjusted based on management's best estimate for the effects of non-transferability, exercise
restrictions and behavioural considerations.

The Group capitalised expenses of €Nil (2007: €205,971) related to equity-settled share-based payments transactions during the period. No share options
were issued in 2008.

42 Petrel Resources plc

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008 (CONTINUED)

22.

PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO PETREL RESOURCES PLC

In accordance with Section 148 (8) of the Companies Act, 1963 and Section 7 (1A) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986, the Company is availing of
the exemption from presenting its individual profit and loss account to the Annual General Meeting and from filing it with the Registrar of Companies. The
loss for the year in the parent company was €761,637 (2007: Loss €518,935).

23.

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

There were no non-cash transactions during 2008. On 7 March 2007, the Company issued 77,796 shares at Stg£0.50 each to financial intermediaries in
lieu of commission on share placing.

24.

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

There were no capital commitments at the balance sheet date other than the Subba and Luhais development services contract, a total contract price of
US$197m.

25.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

On 11 May 2009, the Company raised £1,840,500, before expenses, through the placing of 4,090,000 new ordinary shares of €0.0125 at a price of 45p
with three long-standing institutional shareholders, who were interested in increasing their stakes.

The  funds  will  be  used  as  working  capital  to  advance  Petrel's  projects  in  Iraqi  oil  exploration  and  development,  and  fully  covers  Petrel's  existing  and
normally anticipated working capital requirements until end 2010.

Annual Report & Accounts 2008 43

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that an Annual General Meeting of Petrel Resources plc will be held on 30th July 2009 at 12 noon at The
Stephen's Green Hibernian Club, 9 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 for the following purposes:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5.

6. 

To receive and consider the Directors' Report, Audited Accounts and Auditors' Report for the year ended December 31,
2008.

To re-elect Director:
Stefano Borghi retires in accordance with Article 95 and seeks re-election.

To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors.

To transact any other ordinary business of an Annual General Meeting.

Special Business:

To consider and if thought fit, pass the following ordinary resolution:
That the Directors are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot
relevant securities within the meaning of Section 20 of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1983. The maximum amount of
the relevant securities which may be allotted under the authority hereby conferred shall be the authorised but unissued
Ordinary Shares in the capital of the company. The authority hereby conferred shall expire on 30th July 2014 unless and to
the extent that such authority is renewed, revoked or extended prior to such date. The company may, before such expiry,
make an offer or arrangement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry and the
Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement, notwithstanding that the authority hereby
conferred had expired.

To consider and if thought fit, pass the following special resolution:
That the Directors are hereby empowered pursuant to Sections 23 and 24(1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1983 to
allot within the meaning of said Section 23 for cash as if Section 23(1) of the said Act did not apply to any such allotment,
provided that this power shall expire on 30th July 2014 unless and to the extent that such authority is renewed, revoked or
extended prior to such date, save that the Company may before such expiry make an offer or arrangement which would or
might require securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such
an offer or agreement as if the power conferred by this paragraph has not expired.

By order of the Board:

James Finn
Secretary

17th June 2009

Note:  A member of the Board who is unable to attend and vote at the above Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy

to attend, speak and vote in his stead. A proxy need not be a member of the Company.

44 Petrel Resources plc