Royale Energy Inc., (San Diego, CA) ROYL reported higher natural gas sales and higher earnings for the period ending 3/31/98 compared with 1st quarter 1997 results.  Even though Turnkey drilling was down due to weather related inactivity, the Company doubled its revenue from the sale of natural gas due to increased production from new wells drilled in the 4th quarter and its acquisitions.

Turnkey drilling will pick up in the 2nd quarter as the weather clears and the Company is able to drill more wells.  Additional natural gas production will also be added in the 2nd quarter with the hook up of the Bowerbank #9, #10 and the West Grimes #20-3.

The Company has recently completed 3D seismic over a 33 square mile area North of the Arbuckle field in California's Sacramento Basin.  This data along with other 3D being conducted will give the Company an excellent inventory of quality drilling prospects.