Afren Plc (fka AFRNF)

[Wildbilly]

Kenyan Block 1 Partners Afren PLC and Lion Petroleum Commence 1800 KM 2D Seismic Program


LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, Mar 12, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Lion Petroleum
Corp. ("Lion" or the "Company") announces that its partner Afren plc (LSE:
AFR.L) has started the acquisition of 1800 km of 2D seismic in Block 1,
north-eastern Kenya. This is a key step in the exploration of Block 1, which has
not seen exploration activity since approximately 1990. The seismic crew first
entered the area in late November, 2011. After building the seismic camp and
logistical preparations, recording of new seismic data has now commenced.

The purpose of the new seismic is to delineate exploration prospects for
drilling during 2013. Depending on rate of acquisition, the 1800 km survey
should be completed during the third quarter of 2012. The partnership is
utilising real-time field processing and interpretation of the new data.

The location of Block 1 is shown on the following map. Block 1 occupies over
31,781 square kilometres (7.8 million acres) in the Mandera Lugh basin, which
extends north into Ethiopia where it is known as the Ogaden basin. Lion has a 50
per cent (50%) working interest and is carried through the first 600 km of
seismic expected to cost approximately US$6 million gross, by Afren, the
operator, which farmed-into the licence.

To view the map associated with this press release, please visit the following
link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/LION0312.pdf.

In the first half of 2011, the partnership acquired airborne gravity and
magnetic data to define the major basin geometry and to plan the new seismic.

There is clear evidence of a working petroleum system in the basin. The
well-known Tarbaj oil seep is located in the south-west portion of Block 1. In
Ethiopia, close to the Block 1 border, the El Kuran 1 & 2 wells drilled by
Tenneco in 1972 encountered oil; an offset exploration well is expected to be
drilled later this year by Africa Oil. To the west of El Kuran, the Genale oil
seep occurs on the basin flank. Further north, the basin is gas productive from
the Hilal and Calub fields, which also have light oil.

Block 1 presents a very exciting exploration opportunity. Lion is pleased that
the recording of the new 2D seismic has now commenced, and looks forward to
defining multiple drill targets from the interpretation of the seismic, leading
to exploration drilling.

About Lion

Lion Petroleum Corp. is a private, London-based independent oil and gas
exploration company in Africa with a particular focus in Kenya and wider
ambitions for growth in the emerging frontier regions of the African continent.

Lion holds acreage for exploration in Block 1 and Block 2B in Kenya covering
9.7mm acres and is driven by a management team with combined 140 years
experience in exploration and a proven track record of success in Africa.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

LION PETROLEUM CORP.

Alec Robinson, President and CEO

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect
the expectations of management regarding the exploration activities in the
region. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely
historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or
intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to
differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be
given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will
occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them.

Contacts:

Lion Petroleum Corp.

Alec Robinson

President and CEO

[phone]

[phone] (FAX)

[e-mail]

www.lionpetroleumcorp.com