Release: Novus requests for trading halt

(Novus Petroleum Limited, Release to The Australian Stock Exchange, 19 January, 2004) Further to telephone conversation with ASX this morning, Novus Petroleum Limited understands a counter-bid for Novus will be announced today.

Novus requests an immediate trading halt of its shares, to be lifted after Novus had released an ASX announcement in response.

Novus expects to be in a position to release its response shortly after the counter-bid announcement.

Novus is not aware of any reasons why the trading halt should not be granted.

For further information please contact: Mike sandy or Elaine Connor, Novus Petroleum Limited on: 02 9248 0734.