Operational update on Akri-Bijeel block

Kalegran B.V., a 100% subsidiary of MOL, is nearing completion of Phase I of the Field Development Plan (FDP) in the Akri-Bijeel Block, located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As previously announced in the Q4 2014 Financial Report of MOL Group, results of Bijell-4, Bijell-6 appraisal wells on the Bijell area did not encounter movable hydrocarbons. Additionally, the latest delineation wells in the Bijell and Bakrman areas of the Block have further confirmed greater geological complexity. In light of the aforementioned developments, the geological model of the block has been updated.

To provide further assurance of the technical evaluation of Phase 1 of the FDP, MOL Group has commissioned a Competent Person’s Report (CPR). Preliminary results of the CPR, prepared by Gaffney, Cline & Associates, are fully in line with MOL Group’s updated internal estimations regarding the block’s geological potential. According to the CPR the current best estimate for Stock Tank Oil Initial-in Place (STOIIP) concerning the Bijell area is 73 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) with a Contingent resource estimate of around 4 million boe based on the current development plans. The STOIIP figure of the Bakrman area amounts to 44 million boe, albeit with a high hydrogen sulfide content, which makes development of the field uneconomical (all figures 100% gross). Therefore MOL considers 4 MMbbl as the current Recoverable Resource Potential (RRP) for the Block.

Besides the complex geology, existing uncertainties around the regular payment cycles for export sales also work against attractive project economics. Therefore MOL Group, as a responsible operator through its wholly owned subsidiary Kalegran, is minimizing investments in the Akri-Bijeel Block. The expected investment level for the remainder of 2015 is below USD 10mn. MOL maintains the group level USD 1.3bn annual CAPEX target. In addition MOL Group has also embarked upon a comprehensive efficiency improvement program on its Kurdistan operation with the purpose of optimizing general and administrative expenses.

Despite the revised geological potential, MOL Group intends to maintain the operated Akri-Bijeel license and optimize production from Bijell-1B well, which is expected to remain around 2,200 boepd in 2015. In case of higher level and regular repayments, consideration will be made to tie in of other Bijell well (Bijell-2).

A new commercial arrangement for domestic oil sales was concluded on 1^st July to ensure revenue stream for ongoing production.

MOL Group expects the final results from the CPR process by mid-September, which will serve as a basis for the streamlined future work program of the Akri-Bijeel Block. The completion of the CPR is expected to trigger a write-down of past Akri-Bijeel investments in the Q3 2015 Financial Report. The total current book value of Akri-Bijeel investments in MOL Group's IFRS balance sheet amounts to USD 440mn.

MOL Group remains committed to maximize the value of its investments in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and will continuously evaluate options for further growth in the region.