Fortbridge Media Release

Bengal Energy [TSX: BNG] - Bengal Purchases Drilling Rig and Provides Update on Summer Drilling Program in Australia

Bengal Energy Ltd. (TSX: BNG) has provided the following updates on the Companys ongoing operational activities in Australia.

To facilitate its drilling plans, the Company has purchased an Ideco H-44 drilling rig (the "Rig") and its associated equipment for initial use in its 2012 exploratory drilling program on the Companys 100% owned and operated permit ATP 732P Tookoonooka ("ATP 732") in the Cooper/Eromanga Basin of Queensland, Australia. The Rig is a 750 HP carrier-mounted Double with a depth capability of 3,000m utilizing 3-1/2� drill pipe. The Company is excited by the opportunity to deploy the Rig into its ATP 732 exploratory drilling campaign and also to have the Rig available, when not in use by Bengal, for potential future business development opportunities in the Basin. Its possession gives Bengal a vital strategic advantage over its competition in an environment where drilling services are costly and often difficult to procure.

As the Owner and Operator of the Rig, the Company anticipates benefits on a number of fronts:

- Reduced Drilling Cost Structure: Lower drilling, rig stand-by and moving rates. This translates into a more efficient use of capital in the overall program.
- Reduced Program Execution Risk: The uncertainty of contractor availability and timing has been removed, and the Company is in control of its upcoming drilling operations.
- Room to Explore: Guaranteed rig availability and lower drilling costs give Bengal the flexibility to tailor its drilling program and well design as results come in.
- Program Control: Ownership and operation of the rig provides a level of significant program control in a relatively remote and difficult environment which management believes significantly enhances Bengal�s ability to properly evaluate and progress opportunities on the ATP 732 block and possibly elsewhere.

Please see more on the attached announcement.

For further information, please contact:

Bengal Energy Ltd.
Chayan Chakrabarty, President & CEO
Bryan Goudie, CFO
(403) 205-2526
Email:
Website:

Media/Investor Enquiries:

Fortbridge
T: +61 2 9003 0477
Peter-John Lewis
Mob: +61 416 290 604