SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2001--On March 26, 2001 the board of directors approved the issuance of a 15% stock dividend to shareholders of record on May 25, 2001.

The company's President, Don Hosmer, commenting on the action said, "The company experienced a very strong year in 2000. We remain optimistic on the outlook for the first quarter and full year results of 2001. With these conditions we felt confident in rewarding the stockholders of the company with the first dividend."

The company's CFO, Stephen Hosmer said, "It is our belief that the issuance of this dividend will increase liquidity which should allow the company to recognize a stock value more closely aligned with its peers."

Royale Energy (NASDAQ NMS: ROYL - news) is an independent producer of natural gas and oil primarily in California. Headquartered in San Diego, the company applies modern computer-aided exploration technologies in the exploration and development of oil and/or natural gas.

In addition to historical information contained herein, this news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those in the "forward-looking" statements. While the company believes its forward looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there are factors that are difficult to predict and that are influenced by economic and other conditions beyond the company's control. Investors are directed to consider such risks and other uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

     Royale Energy Inc., San Diego
     Donald Hosmer, 619/881-2800