Paris, July 24, 2006 - Gaz de France acquires from German company Wintershall a 13.5% interest in the Mauritanian offshore exploration bloc 8. Subject to the approval of the relevant authorities, the Group will also hold a 17.5 % stake in this block, according to an agreement concluded with British company Dana Petroleum.

Gaz de France recently began operations in the area of exploration in Mauritania, where the potential reserves of natural gas could offer substantial long-term prospects. Under the terms of the agreements signed with Dana Petroleum, Gaz de France will own stakes in three offshore exploration blocks (blocks 1, 7, and 8).

The Group has entered into a long-term partnership with Mauritania and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mauritanian authorities on 12 July 2006. This agreement covers liquefied natural gas in Mauritania, the development of local electricity generation using natural gas, and a training programme focused on activities related to natural gas.

GAZ DE FRANCE is a major energy player in Europe. The leading European natural gas supplier, the Group has around 53,000 employees, recorded net sales of €22.4 billion and net income of €1.743 billion in 2005.  Gaz de France serves 13.8 million customers, including 11.1 million in France.  Listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since July 2005, the Group joined the CAC 40 share index and the Dow Jones Stoxx 600 in September 2005.

Investor Relation contact:

Frédéric Dervieux - 01 47 54 28 66

E-mail: GDF-IR-TEAM@gazdefrance.com

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