• 18 Square Miles of Prospective Acreage
• Northwest of 5 Recent Discoveries

SAN DIEGO, March 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royale Energy, Inc. (ROYL) announced that it has commenced operations on its new 18 square mile proprietary 3D seismic survey in the Sacramento Basin, California.

The shooting and recording of this new data covering approximately 11,520 acres will expand the company's current 33 square miles of 3D data to the Northwest.

Royale has drilled 25 wells on its existing 3D data and acreage position in Colusa County, California and with the recent new discoveries of Goddard 1, Goddard 2, Goddard 3, Magnum and Jewel wells, at the northern edge of the field, the company believes the trend of these successful discoveries continues up-dip to the north west of Royale's production.

After recording and processing the seismic traces, the 3D images of the structures will be used to select locations for new wells to be drilled.

"This is a project that can continue the growth of our production and reserves both short term and long term," said Donald Hosmer. "The new inventory of prospects will be an exciting addition for Royale Energy and its shareholders."

About the Company

Headquartered in San Diego, Royale Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company. The company is focused on development, acquisition, exploration, and production of natural gas and oil in California, Texas and the Rocky Mountains. It has been a leading independent producer of oil and natural gas for over 20 years. The company's strength is continually reaffirmed by investors who participate in funding over 50% of the company's new projects. Additional information about Royale Energy, Inc. is available on its web site at www.royl.com .

Forward Looking Statements

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.
         Chanda Idano, Director of Marketing & PR
         619-881-2800
         chanda@royl.com
         http://www.royl.com