XCL LTD
S-1, 1998-05-06
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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      As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 1998
     Registration Statement No. 333-____________

               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     Washington, D.C.  20549
                           __________
                                
                            FORM S-1
                                
                     REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                              Under
                   THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           __________
                                
                            XCL LTD.
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                
             Delaware                   1311                      51-0305643
(State or other jurisdiction of  (Primary StandardIndustrial   (IRS Employer
 incorporation or organization)  Classification Code Number) Identification No.)


                 110 Rue Jean Lafitte, 2nd Floor
                   Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
                         (318) 237-0325
       (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                      ____________________
                                
                      Benjamin B. Blanchet
                            XCL Ltd.
                 110 Rue Jean Lafitte, 2nd Floor
                   Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
                         (318) 237-0325
    (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
           including area code, of agent for service)
                      ____________________
                                
                            Copy to:
                                
                    Peter A. Basilevsky, Esq.
              Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP
                         230 Park Avenue
                    New York, New York 10169
                         (212) 818-9200
              ____________________________________

Approximate date of commencement of proposed  sale  to  the public:

      As  soon  as practicable after the effective date  of  this
registration statement.
                ------------------------------
      If  the securities being registered on this form are to  be
offered  on  a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule  415
under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.   [X]

      If  the securities being registered on this form are  being
offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and
there  is  compliance  with  General  Instruction  G,  check  the
following box. [  ]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
==============================================================================================
  Title of Each Class of      Amount To Be   Offering Price      Aggregate       Amount of
Securities To Be Registered    Registered       Per Share     Offering Price  Registration Fee
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>               <C>               <C>

Amended Series A, Cumulative 
Convertible Preferred Stock, 
$1.00 par value per share          1,163,115    $85.00 (1)(2)     $98,864,775.00    $29,165.11
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value 
 per share                         1,999,286     $4.125 (3)        $8,247,054.75     $2,432.88
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value 
 per share                           170,383     $4.125 (3)          $702,829.88       $207.33
==============================================================================================
Common Stock, $.01 par value issuable upon conversion or exercise
of: 

Amended Series A Preferred Stock  13,181,970     $7.50 (1)(4)     $98,864,775.00    $29,165.11
(continued on next page)

Amended Series B Preferred Stock     991,262     $4.75 (1)(4)      $4,708,494.50     $1,389.01
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.0945 Warrants expiring 
 November 1, 2000                    133,915     $3.0945 (1)(5)      $414,399.97       $122.25
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.0945 Warrants expiring 
  May 20, 2004                    14,092,283     $3.0945 (1)(5)   $43,608,569.74    $12,864.53
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 December 31, 2001                   205,000     $3.5264 (1)(5)      $722,912.00       $213.26
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$7.50 Warrants expiring 
 December 21, 2000                   216,000     $7.0528 (1)(5)    $1,523,404.80       $449.40
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$5.25 Warrants expiring 
 December 21, 2000                   128,000     $5.1947 (1)(5)      $664,921.60       $196.15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$5.25 Warrants expiring
 April 22, 2001                       64,000     $5.1947 (1)(5)      $332,460.80        $98.08
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$7.50 Warrants expiring 
 December 28, 2000                    60,000     $7.50 (1)(5)        $450,000.00       $132.75
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$7.50 Warrants expiring 
 January 2, 2001                      28,888     $7.50 (1)(5)        $216,660.00        $63.91
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$7.50 Warrants expiring 5 years 
 after first exercise                 50,000     $7.50 (1)(5)        $375,000.00       $110.63
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4.65 Warrants expiring 
 December 21, 2000                    46,400     $4.601 (1)(5)       $213,486.40        $62.98
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 March 7, 2001                        13,600     $3.7105 (1)(5)       $50,462.80        $14.89
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 April 22, 2001                       12,000     $3.7105 (1)(5)       $44,526.00        $13.14
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 July 30, 2001                       100,000     $3.5264 (1)(5)      $352,640.00       $104.03
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 August 13, 2001                      63,467     $3.7105 (1)(5)      $235,494.30        $69.47
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 December 31, 1998                    20,000     $3.5264 (1)(5)       $70,528.00        $20.81
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1.875 Warrants expiring 
 December 31, 1999                    48,891     $1.875 (1)(5)        $91,670.63        $27.04
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 December 31, 1999                   124,964     $3.7105 (1)(5)      $463,678.92       $136.79
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.15 Warrants expiring 
 April 9, 2002                       683,723     $.15 (1)(5)         $102,558.45        $30.25
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$2.8125 Warrants expiring 
 August 13, 2001                     100,000     $2.7928 (1)(5)      $279,280.00        $82.39
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3.75 Warrants expiring 
 February 20, 2002                    13,333     $3.7105 (1)(5)       $49,472.10        $14.59
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.15 Warrants expiring 
 December 31, 2001                   153,333     $0.15 (1)(5)         $22,999.95         $6.78
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$5.50 Warrants expiring 
 March 2, 2002                       250,000     $5.50 (1)(5)      $1,375,000.00       $405.63
==============================================================================================
               TOTAL              32,950,698                     $263,048,055.58    $77,599.18
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>
 (1)      Pursuant  to  Rule 416 there are also being  registered
  such  additional shares of Common Stock as may become  issuable
  pursuant to applicable anti-dilution provisions.
(2)       Estimated  solely for the purposes of  calculating  the
  registration  fee  using the proposed  offering  price  of  the
  Amended Series A Preferred Stock, as required by Rule 457 (i).
(3)      Estimated  solely  for the purpose  of  calculating  the
  registration fee using the average of the high and  low  prices
  reported  on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX")  onApril  23,
  1998, as required by Rule 457(c).
(4)      Estimated  solely  for the purpose  of  calculating  the
  registration  fee using the conversion price of  the  Preferred
  Stock,  as  required  by Rule 457(g)(1), as  adjusted  for  the
  reverse stock split.
(5)      Estimated  solely  for the purpose  of  calculating  the
  registration  fee using the exercise price of the Warrants,  as
  required  by Rule 457(g)(1), as adjusted for the reverse  stock
  split and applicable anti-dilution adjustments.

          SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 6, 1998

PROSPECTUS
                                     XCL LTD.

                              1,163,115 SHARES OF 9.50%
         AMENDED SERIES A, CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

                        32,950,698 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                                  
     This  Prospectus  offers for resale in transactions  registered
under  the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")
1,163,115  issued and outstanding shares of 9.50% Amended Series  A,
Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  (the  "Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock")  of XCL Ltd. (the "Company").   These  shares  of
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock were originally  issued  in  the
following  transactions intended to qualify for  an  exemption  from
registration under the Securities Act:
          
     o     294,118 shares were issued in an Equity Offering in which
          the  Company  offered privately 294,118 units,  each  unit
          consisting  of  one  share of Amended Series  A  Preferred
          Stock  and one warrant to buy 21.8 shares of Common  Stock
          (the "Equity Warrants").

     o        11,816  shares were issued to pay some of the interest
          due on certain debt of the Company.

     o       726,907 shares were issued in a recapitalization of the
          Company's Series A, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
          ("Series  A  Preferred  Stock")  into  Amended  Series   A
          Preferred  Stock  and  in payment of  accrued  and  unpaid
          dividends on that stock.

     o       63,706 shares were issued in a recapitalization of  the
          Company's Series E, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
          ("Series  E  Preferred  Stock")  into  Amended  Series   A
          Preferred  Stock  and in payment of   accrued  and  unpaid
          dividends on that stock.

     o     12,918 shares were issued to pay November 1, 1997 dividend
           on Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

     o      53,650  shares issuable to pay May 1, 1998  dividend  on
            Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

     This   Prospectus  also  offers  for  resale  in   transactions
 registered  under  the Securities Act 32,950,698 shares  of  Common
 Stock  of  the  Company  which have  been  or  will  be  issued  in
 transactions   intended   to  qualify   for   an   exemption   from
 registration under the Securites Act.  These shares include:

     o       1,999,286 shares that were issued in private  placement
          transactions and are currently outstanding.

     o     170,383 shares that the Company is contractually obligated
          to issue.

     o     13,181,970 shares that may be issued if holders of Amended
          Series  A  Preferred Stock convert that stock into  Common
          Stock.

     o     991,262 shares issuable upon conversion of Amended Series
          B, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Amended Series
          B Preferred Stock").

     o        6,411,772 shares that may be issued if the holders  of
          the Equity Warrants exercise those warrants.

     o       6,400,000 shares that may be issued upon the exercise of
          warrants (the "Note Warrants") that were issued in a  Note
          Offering  in  which the Company privately  offered  75,000
          units,  each unit consisting of one 13.50% Senior  Secured
          Note  due  May 1, 2004, in the principal amount of  $1,000
          (collectively,  the  "Notes")  and  one  Note  Warrant  to
          purchase 1,280 shares of Common Stock.

     o        1,280,511  shares that may be issued upon exercise  of
          warrants issued to Jefferies & Co., Inc. ("Jefferies")  as
          an  investment banking fee in connection with  the  Equity
          and Note Offerings.

     o      2,515,514  shares that may be issued  if  various  other
          outstanding warrants are exercised.

     In this Prospectus, the Equity Warrants, the Note Warrants, the
warrants issued to Jefferies and the other outstanding warrants  are
all referred to as "Warrants."  The shares of Common Stock that will
be  issued  when the Warrants are exercised are referred to  as  the
"Warrant  Shares."  The shares of Common Stock that will  be  issued
when  the Amended Series A Preferred Stock and the Amended Series  B
Preferred Stock are converted into Common Stock are referred  to  as
the "Conversion Stock."  The shares of Common Stock that the Company
is  contractually required to issue are referred to as the "Contract
Stock."   The  Amended  Series A Preferred  Stock,  Warrant  Shares,
Conversion Stock and Contract Stock are collectively referrred to as
the "Securities."
          
     This  Prospectus  is  intended for  use  by  the  holders  (the
"Selling Security Holders") of the Securities in resale transactions
registered  under the Securities Act.  The Company will not  receive
any  proceeds  from the sale of the Securities (other than  proceeds
upon exercise of the Warrants).  See "Selling Security Holders"  and
"Use  of  Proceeds."  The Company will pay the costs of  registering
sales  of  the  Securities  covered by  this  Prospectus  under  the
Securities  Act  and  related costs (although the  Selling  Security
Holders  will  pay  all applicable stock transfer  taxes,  brokerage
commissions or other transaction charges or expenses).  The  Company
estimates that its expenses in making this offering will be $[o].

      The Common Stock is quoted on the American Stock Exchange (the
"AMEX") under the symbol "XCL" and on the London Stock Exchange.  On
April  30, 1998, the last reported closing price of the Common Stock
on the AMEX was $4.00.  It is anticipated that the Amended Series  A
Preferred Stock will be listed on the AMEX and will trade separately
immediately  after  the  date of this Prospectus  under  the  symbol
"[o]".

     See "Risk Factors" beginning on page [o] of this Prospectus for
a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in
evaluating an investment in the Securities.

      THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE
SECURITIES   AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE   SECURITIES
COMMISSION  NOR  HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  PASSED
UPON   THE   ACCURACY   OR   ADEQUACY  OF  THIS   PROSPECTUS.    ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

       The date of this Prospectus is _______________, 1998.

                      AVAILABLE INFORMATION

      The  Company  is subject to the informational requirements  of
the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934, as  amended  (the  "Exchange
Act"),  and  files  reports,  proxy and information  statements  and
other   information   with   the  U.S.   Securities   and   Exchange
Commission   (the   "Commission").    Such   reports,   proxy    and
information  statements and other information can be  inspected  and
copied  at  the  public  reference  facilities  maintained  by   the
Commission   at   Judiciary   Plaza,   450   Fifth   Street,   N.W.,
Washington,  D.C.  20549, and at the following regional  offices  of
the  Commission:  Seven World Trade Center, Suite  1300,  New  York,
New  York  10048  and  Citicorp Center,  500  West  Madison  Street,
Suite   1400,   Chicago,  Illinois  60661-2511.   Copies   of   such
materials  can  be  obtained  by  mail  from  the  Public  Reference
Section  of  the Commission, at Judiciary Plaza, 450  Fifth  Street,
N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.   In  addition,
the   Commission  maintains  a  site  on  the  Word  Wide  Web  that
contains  reports,  proxy  and  information  statements  and   other
information  filed  electronically by the  Company.   These  can  be
accessed  over  the Internet at http://www.sec.gov.   The  Company's
Common   Stock   is  listed  on  the  AMEX.   Reports,   proxy   and
information  statements  and  other  information  relating  to   the
Company  can be inspected at the offices of the AMEX at  86  Trinity
Place, New York, NY 10006-1881.

      This  Prospectus constitutes part of a registration  statement
on  Form  S-1  (together with all amendments and  exhibits  referred
to  in  this  Prospectus as the "Registration Statement")  filed  by
the  Company  with  the Commission under the Securities  Act.   This
Prospectus   omits  some  of  the  information  contained   in   the
Registration  Statement.   Consult the  Registration  Statement  and
its  exhibits  for  further information about the  Company  and  the
Securities  covered  hereby.   Statements  made  herein  about   the
provisions  of  contracts  or other documents  are  not  necessarily
complete;  each  such  statement is qualified  in  its  entirety  by
reference  to  the  copy  of  the  applicable  contract   or   other
document  filed  with  the Commission. Copies  of  the  Registration
Statement  and  its  exhibits are on file  at  the  offices  of  the
Commission  and  may be obtained upon payment of the fee  prescribed
by  the  Commission,  or  may  be examined  without  charge  at  the
public reference facilities of the Commission described above.

      NO  PERSON  HAS  BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION  OR
MAKE   ANY   REPRESENTATIONS   OTHER   THAN   THOSE   CONTAINED   OR
INCORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE  IN THIS PROSPECTUS  AND,  IF  GIVEN  OR
MADE,  SUCH  INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED  UPON
AS  HAVING  BEEN  AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY.  NEITHER  THE  DELIVERY
OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS  NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER  SHALL  UNDER  ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES  CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN  NO  CHANGE
IN  THE  AFFAIRS  OF  THE  COMPANY  SINCE  THE  DATE  HEREOF.   THIS
PROSPECTUS  DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR  A  SOLICITATION
OF  AN  OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY BY  ANYONE
IN  ANY  JURISDICTION  IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR  SOLICITATION  IS  NOT
AUTHORIZED   OR   IN  WHICH  THE  PERSON  MAKING   SUCH   OFFER   OR
SOLICITATION  IS  NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY  PERSON  TO  WHOM
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.

     DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

       This  Prospectus  includes  (or  incorporates  by  reference)
"forward-looking   statements."  All   statements   made   in   this
Prospectus,  other  than  historical facts  (whether  set  forth  or
incorporated   by   reference),   are  forward-looking   statements.
Although  the  Company believes such statements are  reasonable,  it
can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

      It  is  difficult  to estimate quantities of  proved  oil  and
natural  gas  reserves  and to project future  rates  of  production
and  timing  of  development  costs.  Those  estimates  depend  upon
many  factors  the  Company  cannot  control.   Reserve  engineering
involves  estimating underground accumulations of  oil  and  natural
gas  that cannot be measured in an exact way.  The accuracy  of  any
reserve  estimate  depends on the quality  of  available  data,  the
interpretation  of  that  data  and  the  judgment  of  the  reserve
engineers.   As  a  result, estimates made  by  different  engineers
are   often   different.   Because  reserve   estimates   are   only
estimates,  the  actual  amounts of oil and  natural  gas  recovered
are  usually  different  from the estimates.  Results  of  drilling,
testing  and  production subsequent to the date of an  estimate  may
require  reserve  estimates  to  be  revised  and  may  change   the
schedule of production and development drilling.

      Additional  important factors that could cause actual  results
to   differ   materially   from  the  Company's   expectations   are
disclosed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus.

                       PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

      Because  this  is  a  summary, it does  not  contain  all  the
information  that  may  be important to you.  You  should  carefully
read  the  whole  Prospectus  and its appendices,  as  well  as  the
information   incorporated  by  reference  into   this   Prospectus.
Usually  in  this  Prospectus,  the terms  "XCL"  or  the  "Company"
refer   to  XCL  Ltd.  and  all  of  its  subsidiaries.  Except   as
otherwise  noted,  the reported reserve data are  based  on  reserve
estimates  made  by  the Company's independent petroleum  engineers.
See  "Glossary  of  Terms" for definitions of certain  oil  and  gas
terminology.

                           The Company
                           -----------

       XCL  is  principally  engaged  in  the  exploration  for  and
development  of  oil  and gas in the Zhao Dong Block  (the  "Block")
located  in  the  shallow waters of the Bohai Bay  in  the  People's
Republic  of  China  ("China").  The Block  is  located  in  one  of
China's  major  oil-producing basins. The Company  believes  that  a
portion  of  the  Block is an extension of the  onshore  Dagang  oil
field  complex  to  the  west, estimated by Chinese  authorities  to
have  an  ultimate recovery of more than one billion  barrels  (with
approximately  700  million barrels produced  already).   The  Block
is  about  40 miles northwest of the Shengli oil field, the  largest
in  the  basin, which Chinese authorities estimate has  an  ultimate
recovery  of more than seven billion barrels (with about  4  billion
barrels produced already).

      In  early 1993, XCL became the first foreign company to  enter
into  an  onshore  Production  Sharing Agreement  (the  "Contract"),
with  the  China  National Oil and Gas Exploration  and  Development
Corporation   ("CNODC"),  providing  for  exploration,  development,
and  production  of  the  Block.  The  Contract  provides  that  the
"Foreign  Contractor"  (the  Company and  Apache  Corporation  as  a
group,  working through a participation agreement)  is  to  pay  all
exploration   costs.  The  Contract  also  states   that,   when   a
commercial  discovery is made, CNODC may choose  to  participate  in
development,  with  51% of all development and operating  costs  and
allocable  remainder oil and gas production allocated to  CNODC  and
49%  to  the Foreign Contractor.  The Foreign Contractor's share  is
divided  equally  between  XCL and Apache.   See  "Business  --  The
Contract" and "Business -- Apache Farmout."

      XCL  and  Apache have successfully tested six  of  nine  wells
drilled  to  date  on  the Block, with total  test  rates  exceeding
39,500  barrels  of  oil per day (or an average  per  well  rate  of
6,647  barrels of oil per day). Of the three wells not  tested,  one
(the  D-3) was proven productive by wire line samples and  tests  in
several  sands  but was not drill-stem tested, while a  second  (the
F-1)  was  drilled but not fully evaluated.  Drilling activities  on
the  F-1  have  been abandoned.  Development of the  C-D  Field  for
production is now proceeding.

      Projections  made  by H.J. Gruy and Associates  ("Gruy"),  the
Company's  independent  petroleum  engineers,  in  January  of  1998
anticipate  gross  proved  undeveloped reserves  in  the  C-D  Field
drilled  to  date  of  46.26  million barrels  of  recoverable  oil.
Consequently,   the   Company's  net   interest   in   such   proved
undeveloped   reserves  is  estimated  to  be  approximately   11.76
million  barrels  of  oil  with  a PV-10  of  $62.5  million  as  of
January  1,  1998. The Company believes that the C-D Field  and  the
remainder   of   the  Block  hold  the  potential   for   additional
significant  increases in oil reserves.  See "Business  --  Oil  and
Gas Reserves" and Appendix A attached hereto.

                The Company's Development Program
                ---------------------------------

      The  C-D Field was discovered by the drilling of the  C-1  and
D-1  Wells.  The Field has been appraised by the C-2,  C-2-2,  C-2-2
sidetrack,   C-3,  D-2,  and  D-3  Wells.  On  the  basis   of   the
calculated  reserves,  Apache  and  XCL  have  prepared  an  Overall
Development  Program  ("ODP")  for the  Field.   The  ODP  presently
projects  the  drilling of 45 wells, of which 32  are  producers,  8
are  water  injection  wells for the purpose of  reservoir  pressure
maintenance  to  achieve  higher  levels  of  recovery  of  ultimate
reserves  and  5  are  water  disposal  wells.   The  ODP  has  been
approved   by   the  Joint  Management  Committee   ("JMC"),   which
oversees  operations on the Block, and has been  approved  by  China
National    Petroleum   Company   ("CNPC")   subject   to    certain
modifications  that XCL and Apache are studying.   CNODC  has  given
notice  that it will participate as to its full 51% share in the  C-
D Field.

       XCL,   Apache  and  CNODC  are  currently  collaborating   on
engineering  studies  to  refine the ODP,  both  to  reduce  capital
commitments  for  development and to accelerate production.   It  is
expected   that   these   studies  will  assist   the   parties   in
determining  the   most efficient method for development,  including
the  practicability of beginning production before  all  development
operations  have  been completed. The Company has been  informed  by
CNODC  that they desire that production on the Block begin  in  1998
and  the  parties  are  assessing how  and  whether  that  would  be
commercially   feasible.   Initial  results   indicate   that   1998
production  is  possible  and the Company,  Apache  and  CNODC  have
decided to attempt to commence initial production in 1998.

      XCL's  current estimate (which is subject to revision  as  the
project  moves  forward)  of the costs to develop  the  reserves  in
the  C-D  Field  that  are identified in the  ODP  by  the  Operator
(which  are  higher than the reserves identified by XCL's  petroleum
engineers)  is  approximately $185 million  (of  which  XCL's  share
would  be  approximately $45.3 million).  This is less than  amounts
projected  earlier  by  the Operator in the  original  ODP  in  part
because  of  the  initial inclusion in the ODP  estimates  of  large
contingencies,  which  all  parties  believe  are  too   high.    In
addition,  cost  reductions are expected in  part  based  on  design
changes   that  would  eliminate  one  drilling  platform  and   one
production  platform  from the ODP.  While formal  Chinese  approval
for  these  changes has not yet been obtained, all  parties  believe
that  such  approval can be secured.  Further, cost  reductions  are
expected  as  a  result of preliminary bids that suggest  that  cost
estimates  in the ODP have been too high. Cost reductions  from  the
Operator's  projections  are also based on the  assumption  that  if
the  project  moves forward with dispatch, the current  weakness  of
certain  Asian  currencies  could result in  substantial  reductions
in the costs of steel and fabrication for the project.

      The  revised  ODP design anticipates that once production  and
loading  facilities  have been installed in the  field,  wells  will
be  placed  on production as they are drilled.  In this  case,  cash
flow  from  this  production  would be available  to  fund  part  of
XCL's  capital  requirements for the development of the  C-D  Field.
The  Company's  financial plans include the use of  such  cash  flow
as part of the Company's source of  funds.

           Production  tests of the C-4 Well, announced  by  XCL  on
October  7,  1997, indicate a combined daily rate from  8  zones  of
15,359  barrels  per day, and 6,107 Mcf of gas, plus  a  ninth  zone
daily  rate  of  4,600 Mcf and 14 barrels of condensate.  This  well
suggests  a  new  field  discovery on the  Block.  CNODC,  XCL,  and
Apache  have  agreed  to drill a well in 1998 to  appraise  the  C-4
Well.   If  this proves successful, early production  from  the  two
initial  wells  in  the  C-4  Well area  may  begin  in  late  1998;
initial  feasibility  studies indicate that this  is  possible.  The
capital  costs  attributable  to  such  early  production  are   not
included   in   the   1998  work  program  and  budget.   Successful
appraisal  of the C-4 Well could also cause XCL and Apache  to  move
promptly toward development of this area.

                The Company's Additional Ventures
                ---------------------------------
                                
      The  Company  is  also  proceeding with certain  other  energy
related  ventures  in  China, including a joint  venture  with  CNPC
United   Lube  Oil  Corporation  to  engage  in  the  manufacturing,
distribution  and  marketing  of  lubricating  oil  in   China   and
Southeast  Asian markets and a cooperative venture  with  the  China
National  Administration  of Coal Geology  to  explore  and  develop
coalbed   methane  in  two  areas  of  China.   See   "Business   --
United/XCL   Lube  Oil  Joint  Venture"  and  "--  Coalbed   Methane
Project."

       Securities the Resale of Which are Being Registered
       ---------------------------------------------------

      This  Prospectus  offers for resale the following  issued  and
outstanding  Securities and Securities to be  issued  upon  exercise
or  conversion  of  certain  outstanding  Securities  and  Warrants.
See "Selling Security Holders."

Amended Series A Preferred Stock
- --------------------------------

     294,118   Shares  issued in an Equity Offering  on  May  20, 1997.

      11,816   Shares  issued  in  partial   payment   of
               interest    payable   on   the   Company's    Secured
               Subordinated   Notes   due   April   5,   2000   (the
               "Subordinated  Debt"), which were  paid  in  full  on
               October 15, 1997.

     726,907   Shares  issued  on recapitalization  of  the
               Series  A  Preferred  Stock into  shares  of  Amended
               Series   A   Preferred  Stock  and  the  payment   of
               accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.

      63,706   Shares  issued on recapitalization  of  the
               Series  E  Preferred  Stock into  shares  of  Amended
               Series   A   Preferred  Stock  and  the  payment   of
               accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.

      12,918   Shares  issued in payment  of  dividends  on
               the   Amended   Series  A  Preferred  Stock   payable
               November 1, 1997.

      53,650   Shares  issuable in payment  of  dividends
               on  the  Amended  Series  A Preferred  Stock  payable
               May 1, 1998.
  __________
   1,163,115   Shares of Amended A Preferred Stock being
               registered for resale.

Common Stock
- ------------

   1,999,286   Shares of Common Stock currently
               outstanding issued between April 1996 and April
               27, 1998 as follows:

     719,173   Shares   issued  in  payment   of
               interest payable on Subordinated Debt.

       4,858   Shares issued in payment of a
               finders fee for Regulation S Offerings
               conducted in Europe in December 1995,
               March 1996 and April 1996.

     584,696   Shares  issued  upon  exercise  of
               various stock purchase warrants.

      30,000   Shares  issued in  settlement  of litigation.

      26,666   Shares   issued   in    partial
               payment of a consulting fee.

     633,893   Shares  issued upon conversion  of
               all   the   outstanding   shares   of   the
               Company's      Series     F,     Cumulative
               Convertible  Preferred  Stock  ("Series   F
               Preferred Stock").

     170,383   Shares issuable to meet various contractual
               obligations of the Company.

  13,181,970   Shares   issuable  upon  conversion   of   the
               outstanding Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

   6,411,772   Shares  issuable upon exercise of the  Equity
               Warrants  issued in the Equity Offering  on  May  20,
               1997.

   6,400,000   Shares  issuable  upon exercise  of  the  Note
               Warrants  issued  in  the Note Offering  on  May  20,
               1997.

   1,280,511   Shares   issuable  upon   the   exercise   of
               Warrants   issued  to  Jefferies  as  an   investment
               banking  fee  in connection with the Equity  and  the
               Note Offerings on May 20, 1997.

   2,515,514   Shares   issuable  upon  exercise  of  various
               outstanding  Warrants  with exercise  prices  ranging
               from $.15 per share to $7.50 per share.

     991,262   Shares  issuable upon conversion of  Amended
               Series  B,  Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred  Stock
               ("Amended Series B Preferred Stock").
  ----------
  32,950,698   Shares of Common Stock being registered for
               resale.

                              Terms of the Securities
                              -----------------------
  
Common Stock
- ------------

Common Stock Issued and Outstanding...22,995,804    shares
                                      (See  "Description  of  Capital  Stock
                                      -- Common Stock")
Amended Series A
 Preferred Stock
 ---------------

Amended Series A Preferred Stock
Outstanding...................1,183,115 shares

Dividends.....................Dividends are cumulative from May 20, 1997
                              (the   "Issue  Date")  at  the  annual
                              rate     of    $8.075    per    share.
                              Dividends  are payable on each  May  1
                              and  November  1,  when,  as  and   if
                              declared  by  the Board of  Directors.
                              Dividends  are  payable in  additional
                              shares    of    Amended    Series    A
                              Preferred  Stock  (valued  at   $85.00
                              per   share)   through   November   1,
                              2000,  and thereafter in cash  or,  at
                              the   election  of  the  Company,   in
                              shares    of    Amended    Series    A
                              Preferred  Stock  (valued  at   $85.00
                              per   share).   See  "Description   of
                              Capital  Stock  -- Preferred  Stock  -
                              -  Amended  Series A  Preferred  Stock
                              -- Dividend Rights."

Liquidation Preference....... $85.00  per  share,  plus  accrued
                              and     unpaid     dividends.      See
                              "Description  of  Capital   Stock   --
                              Preferred  Stock   --  Amended  Series
                              A   Preferred   Stock  --  Liquidation
                              Rights."

Conversion Rights.............Convertible  at  any time after  May  20,
                              1998,  at  the option of  the  holder,
                              unless   previously   redeemed,   into
                              shares   of   Common   Stock   at    a
                              conversion  price of $7.50  per  share
                              of     Common    Stock.    (This    is
                              equivalent  to  a conversion  rate  of
                              11  whole  shares of Common Stock  per
                              share  of  Amended Series A  Preferred
                              Stock.)  Conversion price  is  subject
                              to   adjustment  upon  the  occurrence
                              of  certain  events. See  "Description
                              of  Capital  Stock -- Preferred  Stock
                              ---   Amended   Series   A   Preferred
                              Stock -- Conversion Rights."

Mandatory Conversion Right....The   Company  may,   at   its
                              election,  require the  conversion  of
                              all   the   outstanding   shares    of
                              Amended  Series A Preferred  Stock  at
                              any   time  after  November  20,  1997
                              that   the  Common  Stock  has  traded
                              for  20  trading days  during  any  30
                              consecutive   trading   days   at    a
                              Market   Price   (as  defined   below)
                              equal  to  or  greater  than  150%  of
                              the   prevailing   conversion   price.
                              See  "Description of Capital  Stock  -
                              -    Preferred   Stock    --   Amended
                              Series    A    Preferred   Stock    --
                              Mandatory Conversion Rights."

Special Conversion Rights.....The  conversion  price  of  the
                              Amended   Series  A  Preferred   Stock
                              will   be   reduced  for   a   limited
                              period  in  certain circumstances.  In
                              general,  the  reduction  will   occur
                              if  a  Change  of Control (as  defined
                              below)  or  a Fundamental  Change  (as
                              defined  below)  occurs  at   a   time
                              when  the  Market Value of the  Common
                              Stock  is  below  the then  prevailing
                              conversion   price.    No   adjustment
                              will    occur   upon   a   Fundamental
                              Change   if   a   majority   of    the
                              consideration    received    by    the
                              holders   of  Common  Stock   consists
                              solely   of   Marketable   Stock   (as
                              defined   below)  and  under   certain
                              other       circumstances.         See
                              "Description  of  Capital   Stock   --
                              Preferred  Stock -- Amended  Series  A
                              Preferred     Stock     --     Special
                              Conversion Rights."

Optional Redemption...........Redeemable,  in whole or  in  part,  at
                              the  option  of  the  Company,  on  or
                              after  May  1,  2002, initially  at  a
                              redemption   price   of   $90.00   per
                              share   and,  thereafter,  at   prices
                              declining  to  $85.00  per  share   on
                              and   after  May  1,  2006,  plus  all
                              accrued   and  unpaid  dividends,   if
                              any,  to  the  redemption  date.   See
                              "Description  of  Capital   Stock   --
                              Preferred  Stock -- Amended  Series  A
                              Preferred     Stock    --     Optional
                              Redemption."

Mandatory Redemption..........Mandatorily  Redeemable,   in   whole,
                              on   May  1,  2007,  at  a  redemption
                              price   of  $85.00  per  share,   plus
                              accrued  and unpaid dividends  to  the
                              redemption  date,  payable   in   cash
                              or,  at  the election of the  Company,
                              in  Common  Stock.   See  "Description
                              of  Capital  Stock -- Preferred  Stock
                              --  Amended  Series A Preferred  Stock
                              -- Mandatory Redemption."

Voting Rights.................In addition to any special voting rights
                              granted   by   law,  each   share   of
                              Amended   Series  A  Preferred   Stock
                              entitles  the holder thereof  to  cast
                              the   same  number  of  votes  as  the
                              shares    of    Common   Stock    then
                              issuable  upon conversion  thereof  on
                              any  matter  subject to  the  vote  of
                              the   Common  Stockholders  (currently
                              11  votes  per  share),  and  (i)  the
                              holders   of  the  Amended  Series   A
                              Preferred  Stock will be  entitled  to
                              vote  as  a  separate class  to  elect
                              two  directors  if the  equivalent  of
                              three  semi-annual  dividends  payable
                              on  the  Amended  Series  A  Preferred
                              Stock  (whether  consecutive  or  not)
                              are  in  arrears,  which  rights  will
                              continue     until    the     dividend
                              arrearage  has  been  paid  in   full,
                              and   (ii)   the   approval   of   the
                              holders  of  two-thirds  of  the  then
                              outstanding    Amended    Series     A
                              Preferred   Stock  will  be   required
                              for  the  issuance  of  any  class  or
                              series  of  stock  ranking  prior   to
                              the   Amended   Series   A   Preferred
                              Stock     as    to    dividends     or
                              liquidation  rights  and  for  certain
                              amendments  to  the Company's  Amended
                              and     Restated    Certificate     of
                              Incorporation  that  adversely  affect
                              the   rights   of   holders   of   the
                              Amended  Series  A  Preferred   Stock.
                              See  "Description of Capital  Stock  -
                              -  Preferred  Stock -- Amended  Series
                              A    Preferred   Stock    --    Voting
                              Rights."

Priority of Amended Series A
     Preferred Stock..........The   Amended   Series   A   Preferred
                              Stock  has  priority over  the  Common
                              Stock  with  respect  to  the  payment
                              of  dividends  and  upon  liquidation,
                              dissolution  or  winding  up  of   the
                              Company.

AMEX symbols - Common Stock
and Amended Series A Preferred
Stock.........................XCL; It is anticipated that the Amended Series A
                              Preferred  Stock  will  be  listed  on
                              the  AMEX  and  will trade  separately
                              immediately  after  the  date   hereof
                              under the symbol [o].

      For  additional  information regarding the  Common  Stock  and
Amended  Series  A  Preferred  Stock, see  "Description  of  Capital
Stock  --  Common Stock" and "-- Preferred Stock --  Amended  Series
A Preferred Stock."

                                Risk Factors
                                ------------ 

      See  "Risk  Factors" for a discussion of certain factors  that
should   be   considered  in  evaluating  an   investment   in   the
Securities.

              Summary Historical Financial Information
              ----------------------------------------
 
        The    following   table   represents   summary   historical
consolidated  financial  data of the  Company.   The  balance  sheet
data  as  of  December 31, 1997, has been derived from  the  audited
consolidated    financial   statements   of   the   Company.     The
information  in  this  table  should be  read  in  conjunction  with
"Management's  Discussion and Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and
Results  of  Operations,"  "Selected Consolidated  Financial  Data,"
the   Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  the  notes   thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Year Ended December 31
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1993(a)     1994(b)       1995(c)      1996(e)       1997(g)
                                            -------     -------       -------      -------       -------
                                          (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                     <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>   
Statement of Operations Data:
  Revenues                              $    8,499     $   4,336     $   2,480     $  1,136     $     236
  Operating expenses                         2,449         1,341           985          342           210
  General and administrative expenses        3,840         4,553         4,551        3,487         4,910
  Depreciation, depletion and
     amortization                            5,788         3,292         2,266          579           126
  Operating loss                           (12,518)      (33,875)      (85,673)      (9,793)       (8,058)
  Net interest expense                       1,329         1,831         2,998        2,415         8,450
  Interest income                              141           508           133            8         2,212
  Net loss                                 (15,197)      (36,622)      (87,837)     (12,074)      (13,994)
  Net loss attributable to common
    stock                                  (19,978)      (41,529)      (92,658)     (17,430)      (27,722)
  Net loss per common share
      Basic                                  (2.52)        (3.14)        (5.77)       (0.98)        (1.36)
      Diluted                                (2.52)        (3.14)        (5.77)       (0.98)        (1.36)
  Weighted average common
     shares outstanding - basic              7,933        13,220        16,047       17,705        20,451
  Weighted average common
     shares outstanding - diluted            7,933        13,220        16,047       17,705        20,451
Deficiency of earnings to combined
     fixed charges and preferred
     stock dividends                          (i)           (i)           (i)           (i)         (i)

Balance Sheet Data (at end of
  period):
  Total working capital (deficit)        $ (15,562)    $  (1,563)    $ (24,239)   $ (46,705)   $   22,399
  Total assets                             157,377       149,803        72,336       60,864       119,089
  Long-term debt, net of current
    maturities                              53,965 (d)    41,607(d)     15,644           -- (f)    61,310 (h)
  Stockholders' equity                      84,609        95,200        16,900       11,041        40,825
</TABLE>
____________
(a)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties of $8 million.

(b)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties  of  $25.9 million and provision for  write-down  of
     other  assets  of  $2.2  million and an extraordinary  loss  of
     $1.7 million.

(c)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties  of  $75.3 million and provision for  write-down  of
     other assets of $4.5 million.

(d)      Includes  non-recourse  debt of an aggregate  $0.7  million
     and   $3.7   million  as  of  December  31,  1994   and   1993,
     respectively, included in the Lutcher Moore Debt.

(e)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties  of  $3.85  million;  provision  for  write-down  of
     investment  of  $2.4 million; and loss on sale  of  investments
     of $0.7 million.

(f)      All  of  the Company's debt ($38.02 million) was classified
     as currently due at December 31, 1996.

(g)      Includes  extraordinary  loss for early  extinguishment  of
     debt of $551,000.

(h)      Long  term  debt is net of unamortized discount of  $13,690
     associated  with  the  value allocated to  the  stock  purchase
     warrants issued with the Senior Secured Notes.

(i)      The  earnings  were  inadequate  to  cover  combined  fixed
     charges  and Preferred Stock dividends.  The dollar  amount  of
     the  coverage  deficiency  was $21.3  million  in  1993;  $43.3
     million  in  1994;  $95.7  million in 1995;  $19.8  million  in
     1996; and $36.1 million in 1997.


                                RISK FACTORS

      In  addition to the other information in this Prospectus,  the
following  factors should be carefully evaluated before  buying  any
Securities  covered by this Prospectus. See also the  discussion  on
page    [3]    entitled   "Disclosure   Regarding    Forward-Looking
Statements."

High Degree of Leverage
- -----------------------

       The   Company   is   currently  highly   leveraged.    Future
operations   will  be  significantly  affected  by  its   level   of
indebtedness.  Much  of  its  cash  flow  from  operations  will  be
dedicated  to  interest payments. Large amounts  of  money  will  be
required  to  continue its operations in China.   Covenants  in  the
Indenture   governing  the  Notes  (the  "Indenture")  require   the
Company  to  meet  certain financial tests and limit  the  Company's
ability  to  dispose of assets or to borrow additional funds.  These
covenants  may  affect  the  Company's  business  flexibility,   and
could possibly limit acquisition activity.

      The  Company's  ability to meet its debt  service  obligations
and   to  reduce  its  indebtedness  will  depend  upon  its  future
performance.   This,   in   turn,  will   depend   upon   successful
completion  of  the activities called for in the ODP, the  Company's
access  to  additional  capital,  general  economic  conditions,  as
well  as  on financial, business, and other factors, many  of  which
are beyond the Company's control.

Restrictions Imposed by Terms of the Company's Indebtedness
- -----------------------------------------------------------

      The  Indenture  restricts, among other things,  the  Company's
ability  to  incur additional debt, incur liens, pay  dividends,  or
make  certain  other  restricted  payments.   It  also  limits   the
Company's  ability  to consummate certain asset  sales,  enter  into
certain   transactions  with  affiliates,  enter  into  mergers   or
consolidations,  or  dispose  of  substantially  all  the  Company's
assets.  The  Company's ability to comply with  such  covenants  may
be  affected  by  events beyond its control. The breach  of  any  of
these  covenants could result in a default.  A default  could  allow
holders  of  the  Notes  to  declare  all  amounts  outstanding  and
accrued   interest   immediately  due  and  payable.   Absent   such
payment,  the  holders could proceed against any collateral  granted
to  them  to  secure such indebtedness, which includes  all  of  the
stock  of  the  Company's principal operating subsidiary,  XCL-China
Ltd.  ("XCL-China"),  which  has guaranteed  such  indebtedness.   A
foreclosure  on  the  stock  of  XCL-China  could  trigger  Apache's
right  of  first  refusal  under  the  Participation  Agreement   to
purchase  such  stock  or  its  option  to  purchase  the  Company's
interest  in  the  Contract.  There can be  no  assurance  that  the
assets  of  the  Company  and XCL-China (a "Subsidiary  Guarantor"),
or  any  other  Subsidiary Guarantors would be sufficient  to  fully
repay   the   Notes  and  the  Company's  other  indebtedness.   See
"Description of Existing Debt."

Oil and Gas Properties; Capital Expenditures
- --------------------------------------------

      The  Company's total reserves, as of December 31,  1997,  were
all   classified  as  proved  and  unevaluated,  on  a  BOE   basis.
Recovery  of  such  reserves will require both  significant  capital
expenditures  and  successful drilling,  completion  and  production
operations.   The   Company  will  also  have   additional   capital
expenditures for exploration activity on the Block.

      The  Company  plans  to  generate the additional  cash  needed
through  the  sale  or  financing of its domestic  assets  held  for
sale  and  the  completion  of  additional  equity,  debt  or  joint
venture  transactions.   There is no assurance,  however,  that  the
Company  will  be able to sell or finance its assets held  for  sale
or  to  complete  other transactions in the future  on  commercially
reasonable  terms, if at all, or that it will be able  to  meet  its
future  contractual obligations.  If production  from  the  oil  and
gas  properties commences in late 1998 or the first  half  of  1999,
as  anticipated, the Company's proportionate share  of  the  related
cash  flow  will  be  available to help satisfy  cash  requirements.
However,  there  is  likewise  no assurance  that  such  development
will  be  successful  and production will commence,  and  that  such
cash  flow  will  be  available.  See "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  --
Liquidity,  Capital Resources and Management's Plans"  and  "Use  of
Proceeds."    The  Company's  failure  to  meet  certain   financial
obligations   under  the  Joint  Operating  Agreement  between   the
Company  and  Apache  (in  addition to certain  other  actions)  may
trigger  Apache's option to purchase the Company's interest  in  the
Contract.  See "Business -- Apache Farmout."

Reliance on Estimates of Proved Reserves and Future Net Revenue
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

       The  reserve  data  included  in  this  Prospectus  are  only
estimates   and  may  not  prove  to  be  correct.    In   addition,
estimates  of  future  net  revenue from proved  reserves  are  also
estimates  that  may  not  prove  to  be  correct.   In  particular,
estimates  of  crude  oil  and  natural  gas  reserves,  future  net
revenue  from  proved reserves and the PV-10 thereof for  the  crude
oil  and  natural  gas properties described in this  Prospectus  are
based  on  the assumption that the Block is developed in  accordance
with  the  ODP, modified to accelerate production and reduce  costs,
and  that  future  crude oil prices for production  from  the  Block
remain  at  least  at  the  levels assumed for  December  31,  1997.
These  assumptions  include  an assumption  that  the  Company  will
receive  a  premium for the C-D Field oil because of  its  potential
for  use  as  a  lubricating  oil  base  stock,  the  Company's  49%
ownership  in  the  CNPC  lubricating  oil  joint  venture  and  the
Company's   right   under   the  joint  venture   to   market   both
lubricating  oil  and lubrication oil feed stock. These  assumptions
may  prove  to  be  inaccurate.   See "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  --
Liquidity,   Capital   Resources   and   Management's   Plans"   and
"Business -- Oil and Gas Reserves."

Foreign Operations
- ------------------

      The  Company's  future  operations and  earnings  will  depend
upon  the  results of the Company's operations in China.   If  these
operations  are  not  successful, the Company's financial  position,
results of operations and cash flows will suffer greatly.

      The  success  of the Company's operations is subject  to  many
matters  beyond  management's control,  like  general  and  regional
economic   conditions,  prices  for  crude  oil  and  natural   gas,
competition,  and  changes in regulation.  Also, since  the  Company
is  dependent  on  international operations, specifically  those  in
China,   it   will  be  subject  to  various  additional  political,
economic  and  other  uncertainties. The Company's  operations  will
be  subject  to  the  risks of restrictions on  transfer  of  funds;
export  duties,  quotas  and embargoes; domestic  and  international
customs   and  tariffs;  and  changing  taxation  policies,  foreign
exchange   restrictions,  political  conditions,  and   governmental
regulations.

      The  United  States government has publicly  criticized  China
from  time  to  time with respect to various matters.   The  Company
cannot  predict  whether  political  developments  like  these  will
adversely  affect  the  Company's Chinese operations.   The  Company
believes  that  neither  the Chinese nor the U.S.  government  wants
to  impair  U.S.-Chinese  commercial  relations.   The  Company  has
excellent   relations  with  Chinese  governmental  authorities   in
charge of the development of China's energy resources.

      In  recent  months there have been substantial disruptions  in
several  Asian  financial  markets and many  Asian  currencies  have
undergone  significant devaluations.  These events can  be  expected
to  have  negative  near, and possibly long  term,  effects  on  the
flow  of  investment  capital  into and  out  of  Asian  denominated
assets.   As  of  this  time, China has been largely  unaffected  by
these  events.  However, it is impossible to  predict  the  ultimate
outcome  of these events and their possible negative effect  on  the
Company's investments in China.

History of Losses
- -----------------

      The  Company has experienced recurring losses.  For the  years
ended  December  31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and  1997,  the  Company
recorded   net   losses  of  approximately  $15.2   million,   $36.6
million,   $87.8   million,   $12.1   million   and   $14   million,
respectively.   See  "Selected Financial  Data."  There  can  be  no
assurance  that the Company will be profitable in the  future.   See
"Management's  Discussion and Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and
Results  of  Operations"  and the Company's  Consolidated  Financial
Statements  and  the  notes  thereto  included  elsewhere  in   this
report.

Volatility of Oil and Gas Prices; Impact on Company's Profitability
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

      The  Company's  revenue,  profitability  and  future  rate  of
growth  are  substantially  dependent  upon  prevailing  prices  for
crude  oil  and natural gas.  Crude oil and natural gas  prices  can
be  extremely  volatile and in prior years have  been  depressed  by
excess  total  supplies.   Prices are also affected  by  actions  of
the   United   States  and  foreign  governments  and  international
cartels.   Further,  prices are often seasonal.   There  can  be  no
assurance  that  current  levels  for  crude  oil  and  natural  gas
prices  can  be  sustained. Any substantial or extended  decline  in
such  prices  would have a material adverse effect on the  Company's
financial  condition  and results of operations,  including  reduced
cash flow and borrowing capacity.

Operating Hazards; Uninsured Risks
- ----------------------------------

       The  nature  of  the  crude  oil  and  natural  gas  business
involves  many operating hazards such as crude oil and  natural  gas
blowouts,   explosions,   encountering  formations   with   abnormal
pressures,   cratering  and  crude  oil  spills   and   fires,   and
inclement  weather.   Any  of these could result  in  damage  to  or
destruction  of  crude  oil and natural gas  wells,  destruction  of
producing  facilities,  damage to life or  property,  suspension  of
operations,  environmental  damage and  possible  liability  to  the
Company.   In  accordance  with customary  industry  practices,  the
Company  maintains  insurance against some, but  not  all,  of  such
risks  and  losses.   The  Company does not maintain  any  insurance
against  the  risks  of  expropriation and  nationalization  of  its
business  interests in China.  The occurrence of such an  event  not
fully  covered  by  insurance could have a material  adverse  effect
on  the  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  of  the
Company.

Competition
- -----------

      The  oil  and  gas  industry is marked by  strong  competition
from  major  oil  companies and independent operators  in  acquiring
properties  and  leases for the exploration for, and production  of,
crude  oil  and  natural gas.  Competition is  particularly  intense
with  respect  to  the  acquisition of desirable  undeveloped  crude
oil  and  natural  gas  properties.  The  Company  anticipates  such
competition  in connection with any expansion of its  activities  in
China.   The  principal competitive factors in  the  acquisition  of
such  undeveloped crude oil and natural gas properties  include  the
staff  and  data  necessary  to identify,  investigate  and  acquire
interests  in  such  properties, close  working  relationships  with
governmental   authorities  who  control  acquisition,  exploration,
production  and  marketing activities in China,  and  the  financial
resources  necessary to acquire and develop such  properties.   Many
of  the  Company's competitors have substantially greater  financial
resources, staff and facilities.

      The  principal raw materials and resources necessary  for  the
exploration  and  production  of  crude  oil  and  natural  gas  are
interests  in  prospective  properties, drilling  rigs  and  related
equipment   to   explore   for  such  reserves   and   knowledgeable
personnel  to  conduct  all  phases of crude  oil  and  natural  gas
operations.   The  Company must compete for such raw  materials  and
resources   with   both  major  integrated  energy   companies   and
independent  operators.   Although the  Company  believes  that  its
current   operating  and  financial  resources   are   adequate   to
preclude  any  significant  disruption  of  its  operations  in  the
immediate  future,  the  continued availability  of  such  materials
and resources to the Company cannot be assured.

Depletion of Reserves
- ---------------------

      The  rate  of  production  from  crude  oil  and  natural  gas
properties  declines  as  reserves  are  depleted.   Except  to  the
extent   the   Company  acquires  additional  properties  containing
proved  reserves,  conducts successful exploration  and  development
activities  or,  through engineering studies, identifies  additional
behind-pipe  zones  or  secondary  recovery  reserves,  the   proved
reserves  of  the  Company will decline as  reserves  are  produced.
Future  crude  oil  and natural gas production is  therefore  highly
dependent  upon  the  Company's level of  success  in  acquiring  or
finding additional reserves.  See Appendix A attached hereto.

Government Regulation
- ---------------------

      The  Company's  business is subject  to  certain  Chinese  and
United  States  federal,  state,  and  local  laws  and  regulations
relating  to  the  exploration for and development,  production  and
marketing  of  crude oil and natural gas, as well  as  environmental
and   safety   matters.    In  addition,  the   Chinese   government
regulates  various aspects of foreign company operations  in  China.
Such  laws  and regulations have generally become more stringent  in
recent   years   in  the  United  States,  often  imposing   greater
liability  on  a  larger number of potentially responsible  parties.
It  is  not  unreasonable  to expect that the  same  trend  will  be
encountered  in  China.  Because the requirements  imposed  by  such
laws  and  regulations  are  frequently  changed,  the  Company   is
unable  to  predict the ultimate cost of compliance.   There  is  no
assurance  that  laws and regulations enacted  in  the  future  will
not   adversely   affect  the  Company's  financial  condition   and
results of operations.

Dependence on Key Personnel
- ----------------------------

      The  Company depends to a large extent on Marsden  W.  Miller,
Jr.,  its  Chairman  of the Board and Chief Executive  Officer,  for
its  management  and business and financial contacts  in  China  and
its  relationship  with Chinese authorities.  See "Management."  The
unavailability  of Mr. Miller would have a material  adverse  effect
on   the   Company's  business.   The  Company's  success  is   also
dependent  upon  its ability to retain skilled technical  personnel.
While  the  Company  has  not  to date experienced  difficulties  in
employing  or  retaining such personnel, its failure  to  do  so  in
the  future  could adversely affect its business.  The Company  does
not  maintain  key  man life insurance on any of its  executives  or
other personnel.

Limitations on the Availability of the Company's Net Operating Loss 
 Carryforwards
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

       The   Company   has  incurred  net  operating  loss   ("NOL")
carryforwards  as  at  December 31, 1997 of $183  million.   Use  of
the  NOLs  by  the Company are subject to limitations under  Section
382  of  the  Internal  Revenue Code of 1986 relating  to  ownership
changes.  The various stock offerings made by the Company  may  have
triggered  those limits.  Also uncertainties as to  the  future  use
of  the  NOLs  exist  under  the criteria  set  forth  in  Financial
Accounting   Standards   Board   ("FASB")   Statement    No.    109,
"Accounting   for   Income  Taxes."   The  Company   established   a
valuation   allowance  of  $81.1  million  and  $83.6  million   for
deferred tax assets at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

Lack of Public Market
- ---------------------

      There  is  no current public market for the Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock.   It  is anticipated that  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock  will be listed for trading on the  AMEX  and  will
trade  separately  immediately  after  the  date  hereof  under  the
symbol  "[]."  There can be no assurance, however, that  an  active,
liquid market in such stock will develop.

Possible Volatility of Price of the Common Stock
- ------------------------------------------------

      The  market  price of the Common Stock and  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock could be subject to wide fluctuations  in  response
to  quarterly  variations in the Company's  results  of  operations,
changes  in  earnings estimates by analysts, conditions in  the  oil
and gas industry or general market or economic conditions.

No Cash Dividends
- -----------------

      The  Company has not paid any cash dividends to  date  on  the
Common  Stock and there are no plans for such dividend  payments  on
its  Preferred  Stock  or  Common Stock in the  foreseeable  future.
The  Indenture  also limits cash dividends on the  Company's  equity
securities.  So  long  as  there  are  dividend  defaults   on   the
outstanding  shares  of Preferred Stock, under  the  terms  of  such
Stock  the Company is restricted from paying cash dividends  on  the
Common   Stock.  See  "Price  Range  of  Common  Stock,"   "Dividend
Policy,"   "Description  of  Existing  Debt"  and  "Description   of
Capital Stock -- Preferred Stock."

Possible Delisting of Common Stock
- ----------------------------------

      The  AMEX  has, since November 1996, continued to  review  the
Company's  listing  eligibility  since  the  Company  has  not   met
certain  financial requirements for continued listing.  The  Company
intends  to  try to satisfy the Exchange's concerns.  In  the  event
the   Common   Stock  is  delisted  from  the  AMEX   (which   would
presumably   also  include  delisting  of  the  Amended   Series   A
Preferred   Stock),  the  liquidity  of  the  Securities   and   the
Company's  ability  to continue funding its activities  through  the
sale of securities may be significantly impaired.

Certain Anti-takeover Provisions
- --------------------------------

       A  Change  of  Control  or  other  Fundamental  Change  gives
holders  of  Amended  Series A Preferred  Stock  special  conversion
rights  for  45  days. These rights are intended  to  provide  those
holders  with  limited  loss  protection in  certain  circumstances.
The  rights  may  also  render more costly or  otherwise  discourage
certain    takeovers    or   other   business   combinations.    See
"Description  of  Capital  Stock  --  Preferred  Stock  --   Amended
Series A Preferred Stock -- Special Conversion Rights."

       The   Company's   Amended   and   Restated   Certificate   of
Incorporation  contains  provisions  that  the  Board  of  Directors
believes  may  impede  or  discourage  a  takeover  of  the  Company
without  the  support  of the incumbent Board. See  "Description  of
Capital  Stock  --  Common  Stock  --  Special  Charter  and  By-Law
Provisions."

Year 2000 Compliance
- --------------------

      The  Company  has  conducted a review of its computer  systems
to  identify  the systems that could be affected by the "Year  2000"
issue.   The  Year  2000 problem is the result of computer  programs
being  written  using two digits (rather than four)  to  define  the
applicable   year   and   equipment  with  time-sensitive   embedded
components.   Any  of  the  Company's  programs  that   have   time-
sensitive  software  or  equipment that has time-sensitive  embedded
components  may  recognize  a  date using  "00"  as  the  year  1900
rather  than  the year 2000.  This could result in  a  major  system
failure  or  miscalculations.  Although no assurance  can  be  given
because   of  the  potential  wide  scale  manifestations  of   this
problem  which  may  affect the Company's  business,  XCL  presently
believes  that  the  Year  2000 problem will  not  pose  significant
operational  problems for its computer systems  and  that  the  Year
2000  problem  will  not  have a material impact  on  its  costs  of
operations.    The   Company  also  may  be  vulnerable   to   other
companies'  Year 2000 issues.  The inability of the Company  or  any
of   its  principal  vendors  or  customers  to  become  Year   2000
compliant  in  a timely manner could have a material adverse  effect
on  the  Company's  financial condition or  results  of  operations.
See  "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of  Financial  Condition
and Results of Operations -- Year 2000 Compliance."

                       FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING

      The  Company has recently taken steps to simplify its  capital
structure.  Effective  November 10, 1997, the Company  recapitalized
and  combined  the Series A and E Preferred Stock into an  aggregate
of  790,163  shares of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  (including
accrued  and  unpaid dividends paid in kind).  There  are  currently
1,183,115  shares  of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  issued  and
outstanding   with   an   aggregate   liquidation   preference    of
approximately  $101  million.  Effective  January  16,   1998,   the
Series   F  Preferred  Stock  was  mandatorily  converted  into   an
aggregate  of  633,893 shares of Common Stock.  On  March  3,  1998,
the  Company  settled litigation instituted by  the  holder  of  its
Series  B,  Cumulative  Preferred Stock  (the  "Series  B  Preferred
Stock").   The  holder  revoked and withdrew its  redemption  notice
and  sold  its  shares of Series B Preferred Stock and  accompanying
warrants.  The  purchasers  exchanged the  stock  and  warrants  for
44,465   shares   of   Amended  Series  B,  Cumulative   Convertible
Preferred  Stock ("Amended Series B Preferred Stock")  and  warrants
to   purchase   250,000   shares  of  Common   Stock,   subject   to
adjustment,   and  received  2,620  shares  of  Amended   Series   B
Preferred  Stock in payment of all accrued and unpaid  dividends  on
the  Series B Preferred Stock. See "Business -- Litigation."  For  a
description  of  the  material  terms  of  the  Amended   Series   A
Preferred  Stock  and  the Amended Series  B  Preferred  Stock,  see
"Description  of  Capital  Stock  --  Preferred  Stock  --   Amended
Series   A  Preferred  Stock"  and  "--Amended  Series  B  Preferred
Stock."

                             USE OF PROCEEDS

      Each  Selling  Security Holder will receive  all  of  the  net
proceeds  from  the  sale of the Securities owned  by  such  Selling
Security  Holder.   The Company will not receive any  proceeds  from
the  sale  of any Securities, although the Company will receive  the
proceeds  from  any  exercise of the Warrants.  However,  there  can
be  no  assurance  that  the Warrants will be  exercised.   Assuming
all  of  the  Warrants  are  exercised,  the  net  proceeds  to  the
Company  would  be  approximately $64 million.   The  proceeds  from
such  Warrant  exercises, if any, will be used  by  the  Company  to
fund its China projects and for general working capital purposes.

                             CAPITALIZATION

       The   following  table  sets  forth  the  total  consolidated
capitalization  of  the Company at December 31,  1997.   This  table
should  be  read  in  conjunction with  the  Consolidated  Financial
Statements  of  the  Company and the notes  thereto  and  the  other
financial information included elsewhere in this Prospectus.

                                 (in thousands)
      Lutcher Moore Group limited recourse debt      $      2,524
      Total debt, including current maturities:
          13.50% Senior Secured Notes due      
            May 1, 2004, net of unamortized discount       61,310
                                                        ---------
                     Total debt                      $     63,834
                                                        ---------
      Shareholders' equity:
           Preferred stock
                Amended Series A Preferred Stock            1,129
                Series B Preferred Stock                       45
                Series F Preferred Stock                       22
           Common Stock(1)                                    217
           Treasury stock (69,471 shares)                      (1)
           Unearned compensation                          (12,021)
           Additional paid-in capital                     298,588
           Accumulated deficit                           (247,154)
                                                        ---------
           Total shareholders' equity                 $    40,825
                                                        ---------
           Total capitalization                       $   104,659
                                                        =========
_______________________
(1)      Excludes  shares of Common Stock issuable  upon  conversion
  of   Preferred  Stock  or  exercise  of  outstanding  options  and
  warrants  at  December  31,  1997.  See  "Description  of  Capital
  Stock."

                        PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

      The  Common  Stock trades on the AMEX under the  symbol  "XCL"
and  on  the London Stock Exchange.  The following table  shows  the
range  of  the quarterly high and low sales prices on  the  AMEX  to
date  during  1998 and for each quarter during 1997  and  1996.   On
December  17,  1997  the Company effected a one-for-fifteen  reverse
stock  split  of its Common Stock (the "Reverse Stock Split").   The
high  and  low  prices for the periods shown have been  adjusted  to
reflect that Reverse Stock Split.

1998                              High                    Low
- ----                              ----                    ---
    First  Quarter              $   6.50               $  3.50
    Second Quarter
     (through April 30, 1998)       4.94                  3.89

1997
- ----
    First  Quarter              $   5.63               $  2.81
    Second Quarter                  4.69                  2.81
    Third  Quarter                  6.56                  2.81
    Fourth Quarter                 13.13                  3.88

1996
- ----
    First  Quarter           $      6.60               $  2.85
    Second Quarter                  7.50                  2.85
    Third Quarter                   5.70                  1.95
    Fourth Quarter                  3.75                  1.95

                On  April  30,  1998,  the  closing  price  for  the
Common  Stock  on  the AMEX was $4.00.  As of April  30,  1998,  the
Company   had  approximately  3,600  shareholders  of  record   with
respect to its Common Stock.

                           DIVIDEND POLICY

      XCL  has  not paid any cash dividends on the Common  Stock  to
date  and  has no plans for Common Stock cash dividend  payments  in
the  foreseeable  future.   The payment  of  future  dividends  will
depend  on  the  Company's future earnings and financial  condition.
The  Company  is  restricted  from  paying  cash  dividends  on  its
equity  securities under the terms of the Indenture.   In  addition,
so  long  as  there  are any dividend defaults  on  the  outstanding
shares  of  Preferred  Stock, under the  terms  of  such  Stock  the
Company  is  restricted  from paying cash dividends  on  the  Common
Stock.  See  "Risk  Factors -- No Cash Dividends,"  "Description  of
the  Existing  Debt" and "Description of Capital Stock --  Preferred
Stock" herein.

                   SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

       The   following   table  sets  forth  selected   consolidated
financial  data  of the Company for and at the end of  each  of  the
five  years  ended  December  31,  1997  derived  from  the  audited
financial  statements  of  the Company included  elsewhere  in  this
Prospectus  (except  for  1994  and  1993  which  are  not  included
herein)   and,   in   the   opinion  of  Management,   reflect   all
adjustments,    consisting   of   normal   recurring    adjustments,
necessary  for  a  fair  presentation  of  that  information.    The
following   table   should  also  be  read   in   conjunction   with
"Management's  Discussion and Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and
Results  of  Operations" and the Consolidated  Financial  Statements
and notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Year Ended December 31
                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1993(a)       1994(b)     1995(c)       1996(e)      1997(g)
                                              -------       -------     -------       -------      -------
                                                          (In thousands, except per share data)
  <S>                                      <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>   
Statement of Operations Data:
  Revenues                                 $    8,499     $   4,336     $   2,480     $  1,136     $     236
  Operating expenses                            2,449         1,341           985          342           210
  General and administrative expenses           3,840         4,553         4,551        3,487         4,910
  Depreciation, depletion and
     amortization                               5,788         3,292         2,266          579           126
  Operating loss                              (12,518)      (33,875)      (85,673)      (9,793)       (8,058)
  Net interest expense                          1,329         1,831         2,998        2,415         8,450
  Interest income                                 141           508           133            8         2,212
  Net loss                                    (15,197)      (36,622)      (87,837)     (12,074)      (13,994)
  Net loss attributable to common
    stock                                     (19,978)      (41,529)      (92,658)     (17,430)      (27,722)
  Net loss per common share
      Basic                                     (2.52)        (3.14)        (5.77)       (0.98)        (1.36)
      Diluted                                   (2.52)        (3.14)        (5.77)       (0.98)        (1.36)
  Weighted average common
     shares outstanding - basic                 7,933        13,220        16,047       17,705        20,451
  Weighted average common
     shares outstanding - diluted               7,933        13,220        16,047       17,705        20,451
  Deficiency of earnings to combined
     fixed charges and Preferred
     Stock dividends                             (i)           (i)           (i)          (i)           (i)
                                
Balance Sheet Data (at end of
  period):
  Total working capital (deficit)          $  (15,562)    $  (1,563)    $ (24,239)   $ (46,705)   $   22,399
  Total assets                                157,377       149,803        72,336       60,864       119,089
  Long-term debt, net of current
    maturities                                 53,965 (d)    41,607(d)     15,644           -- (f)    61,310 (h)
  Stockholders' equity                         84,609        95,200        16,900       11,041        40,825
</TABLE>
_______________________
(a)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties of $8 million.

(b)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties  of  $25.9 million and provision for  write-down  of
     other  assets  of  $2.2  million and an extraordinary  loss  of
     $1.7 million.

(c)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties  of  $75.3 million and provision for  write-down  of
     other assets of $4.5 million.

(d)      Includes  non-recourse  debt of an aggregate  $0.7  million
     and   $3.7   million  as  of  December  31,  1994   and   1993,
     respectively, included in the Lutcher Moore Debt.

(e)      Includes provision for impairment of domestic oil  and  gas
     properties  of  $3.85  million;  provision  for  write-down  of
     investment  of  $2.4 million; and loss on sale  of  investments
     of $0.7 million.

(f)      All  of  the Company's debt ($38.02 million) was classified
     as currently due at December 31, 1996.

(g)      Includes  extraordinary  loss for early  extinguishment  of
     debt of $551,000.

(h)      Long  term  debt is net of unamortized discount of  $13,690
     associated  with  the  value allocated to  the  stock  purchase
     warrants issued with the Senior Secured Notes.

(i)      The  earnings  were  inadequate  to  cover  combined  fixed
     charges  and Preferred Stock dividends.  The dollar  amount  of
     the  coverage  deficiency  was $21.3  million  in  1993;  $43.3
     million  in  1994;  $95.7  million in 1995;  $19.8  million  in
     1996; and $36.1 million in 1997.

                  SUMMARY OF OIL AND GAS RESERVE DATA

      Based  on the wells drilled to date, Gruy has projected  gross
proved  undeveloped  reserves for the  segments  of  the  C-D  Field
drilled  to  date  of  46.26  million barrels  of  recoverable  oil.
CNODC  has  exercised  its  option to pay  51%  of  all  development
costs   and  receive  51%  of  oil  production.  Consequently,   the
Company's  net  interest  in  such proved  undeveloped  reserves  is
estimated  to be approximately 11.76 million barrels of oil  with  a
PV-10  of  $62.5  million  as  of  January  1,  1998.   The  Company
believes  that  the C-D Field and the remainder of  the  Block  hold
the   potential   for  additional  significant  increases   in   oil
reserves.   See  "Risk  Factors -- Reliance on Estimates  of  Proved
Reserves  and  Future  Net Revenue" and the  Gruy  Report  which  is
attached hereto as Appendix A.

Production, Sales and Cost Data
- -------------------------------

      The  following table sets forth certain information  regarding
the  production  volumes,  revenues,  average  prices  received  and
average  production  costs associated with  the  Company's  sale  of
oil   and  gas  from  properties  held  for  sale  for  the  periods
indicated.

                                        Year Ended December 31,
                                        -----------------------
                                        1997     1996     1995
                                        ----     ----     ---- 
Net Production: (a)
   Gas (MMcf).....................       72       467      1,474
   Oil (MBbl).....................        4         9         19
   Gas equivalent (MMcfe).........       95       522      1,588

Oil and gas sales ($ in 000's)(b)
   Gas............................   $   166   $   955   $ 1,953
   Oil and other..................        70       181       527
                                       -----    ------    ------
       Total oil and gas sales....   $   236   $ 1,136   $ 2,480
                                       =====    ======    ======

Average sales price:
   Gas ($ per Mcf)................      2.28      1.84      1.33
   Oil ($ per Bbl)................     18.34     19.80     19.58
   Gas equivalent ($ per Mcfe)....      2.47      2.18      1.56

Oil and gas costs ($ per Mcfe):
   Production expenses and taxes..      2.41      0.74      0.71
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    of oil and gas properties......     0.81      0.96      1.23
     ________________
     (a)     Excludes gas consumed in operations.
     (b)      Includes  plant products recovered from  treating  and
     processing operations.

      The  following  table  shows the 1997 production  of  oil  and
natural  gas  liquids and natural gas by major fields.  All  of  the
Company's  net  production was attributable to  the  Cox  Field  and
the Frenier Field (on the Lutcher Moore Tract).

                               1997 Net Production
                             -----------------------
                               (MBbls)       (MMcf)
                             ----------    ----------
Field                        Oil     %     Gas     %
- -----                        ---    ---    ---    ---
Cox Field.............       --     --     72     100
Frenier Field.........        4     100     --     --

Oil and Gas Acreage
- -------------------

      The  oil  and  gas acreage in which the Company has  leasehold
or  other  contractual interest at December 31, 1997, and which  are
not  classified  as  assets  held for sale  are  summarized  in  the
following  table.   "Gross"  acres are the  total  number  of  acres
subject  to  the  Contract.  "Net" acres are gross acres  multiplied
by  the  Company's  fractional share  of  the  costs  of  production
before CNODC's reversionary interest.

                                                Undeveloped
                                               -------------
                                               Gross     Net
                                               -----     ---- 
      The People's Republic of China......    48,677    24,338

Drilling Activity
- -----------------

      The  following tables set forth wells drilled by  the  Company
in the periods indicated.

                                    Year Ended December 31,
                      ------------------------------------------------
                           1997             1996               1995
                      -------------     -------------     ------------
United States         Gross     Net     Gross     Net     Gross    Net
- -------------         -----     ---     -----     ---     -----    ---
Exploratory:
    Productive......    --      --        --      --        --      --
    Nonproductive...    --      --        --      --        --      --
                       ----    ----      ----    ----      ----    ----
         Total......    --      --        --      --        --      --

Development:
   Productive.......    --      --        --      --         1      .2
   Nonproductive....    --      --        --      --        --      --
                       ----    ----      ----    ----      ----    ----
        Total.......    --      --        --      --         1      .2

                                      Year Ended December 31,
                        ------------------------------------------------
                             1997            1996             1995 (a)
                        --------------   ------------      -------------
The People's Republic 
  of China              Gross     Net    Gross    Net      Gross     Net
  ------------------    -----     ---    -----    ---      -----     ---
Exploratory:
    Productive......       2      1.0       1     0.5         2      1.0
    Nonproductive...       1      0.5       --     --         1      0.5
                         ----    ----     ----   ----       ----    ----
         Total......       3      1.5       1     0.5         3      1.5
                  
Development:
   Productive.......       --      --       --     --        --       --
   Nonproductive....       --      --       --     --        --       --
                          ----    ----     ----   ----      ----     ----
        Total.......       --      --       --     --        --       --
____________
(a)    Pursuant  to  the  Second Participation Agreement  dated  May
   10,  1995,  between  XCL  and Apache, Apache's  interest  in  the
   Zhao  Dong  Block was increased from 33% to 50%  of  the  Foreign
   Contractor's interest.

Producing Well Data
- -------------------

       At  December  31,  1997,  the  Company  had  interests  in  4
producing  gas  wells  (3.45  net)  in  the  Cox  Field,  which  are
included in assets held for sale.


     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                     AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

       The   following  discussion  and  analysis  should  be   read
together  with  the  Consolidated Financial  Statements,  the  notes
thereto  and  the  supplemental data included  in  this  Prospectus.
References  to Notes in this section of the Prospectus  are  to  the
notes   to   the  audited  Financial  Statements.   See   also   the
discussion  on  page  [3]  entitled "Disclosure  Regarding  Forward-
Looking Statements."

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Management's Plans
- ---------------------------------------------------

      Background
      ----------

      The  Company's  management decided in the  fourth  quarter  of
1995  to  focus  on the Company's operations in China  and  to  sell
its  other  assets.  The excellent well test results  on  the  China
properties  and  the  Company's  reserve  assessments  support  this
decision.  The  Company has, therefore, focused financially  on  (i)
raising   funds   to   meet   capital   requirements   for   Chinese
operations,   (ii)   selling   its  other   properties   and   (iii)
simplifying  its  capital  structure to  make  it  easier  to  raise
capital.   The Company intends to continue these activities  and  to
work   with   Apache  and  CNODC  to  refine  the  ODP   to   reduce
expenditures and accelerate production.

      The  Company  has made significant capital expenditures  since
acquiring  its  interest  in the Block in 1992.   Despite  incurring
losses  since  1992,  the Company, because of the  high  quality  of
the  Block,  has  been  able to obtain all required  funds  for  the
exploration  and  development of the Block. All of  its  contractual
obligations  to  CNODC  and Apache have been  met  and  the  Company
believes that it will continue to do so.

      The  Company's  opinion that it will be  able  to  obtain  the
funds  necessary  to  pay its share of capital expenditures  to  the
point  where  cash flow is sufficient to pay costs is based  on  the
Company's  assessment  of  the ultimate  quantity  of  oil  reserves
which  will be produced from the Block. Presently proven  gross  oil
reserves  under  the  Block  of  approximately  47  million  barrels
represents   only  6.5%  of  the  Company's  independent  engineers'
estimates  of  approximately 725 million of  ultimately  recoverable
gross   oil   reserves  in  all  categories  of  proven,   probable,
possible  and  exploration.   Additionally,  the  Company  believes,
based  on  discussions with the Chinese authorities during the  last
year,  that  it  may acquire additional oil and gas exploration  and
development  blocks in China, with proven oil reserves,  which  will
further  enhance  the  Company's ability to timely  obtain  adequate
funds for its obligations in China.

      Additional  funds may be available from a number  of  sources,
including  cash  flow  from production on the  Block,  the  sale  or
recapitalization  of the Lutcher Moore Tract and  the  other  assets
held  for  sale, project financing, increasing the amount of  senior
secured  debt,  supplier  financing,  additional  equity,  including
the  exercise  of  currently  outstanding  warrants  to  buy  common
stock  and  joint  ventures  with  other  oil  companies.  Based  on
continuing   discussions   with   major   stockholders,   investment
bankers,   potential  purchasers  and  other  oil   companies,   the
Company  believes  that such funds will be available.  There  is  no
assurance,  however,  that  such funds will  be  available  and,  if
available,  that  they will be available on commercially  reasonable
terms,  or  that  sufficient cash flow will be  available  from  the
Block.  New  debt  will  require approval  of  the  holders  of  the
Company's long term debt.  See "Risk Factors."

      Liquidity and Capital Resources
      -------------------------------

      The  Company  offered and sold $75 million of  Notes  and  $25
million  of  equity on May 20, 1997.  During 1997  such  funds  were
used  to  pay  costs of the offering, the Company's 1997 exploration
and  development  costs and $38 million of debt.   At  December  31,
1997,  the  Company had an unrestricted operating  cash  balance  of
$22.0  million  and restricted cash held in escrow for  the  payment
of  interest  on  the Notes of $10.3 million.  The Company  had  net
working capital of $22.4 million.

      As  a  result of the Company's decision to focus on China  and
sell  its  U.S.  assets,  the Company presently  has  no  source  of
material   revenues.   Revenues  for  1997  were   $236,000   versus
$1,136,000  in  1996.  The Company incurred a loss for  fiscal  1997
of  $13,994,000  and  expects  to incur  a  loss  in  1998  as  well
because  production  and related cash flow from  the  Block  is  not
expected until late 1998 at the earliest.

      Management's Plan
      ------------------

      The  Company's unrestricted cash will be required for  working
capital  and  exploration, development and  production  expenditures
on   the  Block.  CNODC  has  given  written  notice  that  it  will
participate  as  to  its full 51% share of the  C-D  Field  and  has
urged  that  production begin during 1998.  Except  for  exploratory
wells  on  which Apache has an obligation to pay for  the  Company's
costs,  the  Company  is  required to fund 50%  of  all  exploration
expenditures   and   24.5%   of  all  development   and   production
expenditures.   The  Company estimates  that  its  share  of  actual
development  expenditures for the C-D Field  for  the  remainder  of
1998  will  be  approximately $8 million, which  is  available  from
current  unrestricted  cash reserves.  The  Company  estimates  that
its  share  of  unpaid  exploration expenses for  the  remainder  of
1998  will  be  approximately $13 million.   The  Company  presently
projects  and  plans  that  these  funds  will  be  available   from
current  unrestricted cash reserves and a portion  of  the  proceeds
from  the  sale  or  refinancing of the Lutcher  Moore  Tract.   The
Company  estimates that its share of development expenses  for  1999
will  be  approximately  $22  million. After  expenditure  of  those
1998   and   1999  projected  development  expenses,   the   Company
projects  that  proceeds  from production will  pay  for  additional
expenditures.   After  participation in  the  projected  exploration
program  for  1998, the Company presently projects  and  plans  that
1999  development  funds  will be available  from  proceeds  from  a
portion  of  the sale of Lutcher Moore, a  financing  of  the  final
payment  which  Apache  owes  XCL  for  the  1995  purchase  of   an
additional  8.325%  interest in the C Field and  proceeds  from  the
early  exercise  of at least a portion of the currently  outstanding
warrants  to  purchase  common  stock.   Furthermore,  although  the
Company   believes   that  by  the  end  of  1998   all   obligatory
exploration  wells  will have been drilled, the Company  anticipates
that  additional  exploration wells will  be  drilled  during  1999.
Funds  for  these exploratory wells will be obtained from  the  same
sources.   Again,  there is no assurance that the sources  of  funds
projected  in  this paragraph will be available.  If not  available,
the  Company  plans to utilize other sources of funds,  as  referred
to above under "Background."

      Due  to the successful results of the  D-3 and C-4 Wells,  the
1998   work   program  and  budget  exceed  the  Company's   initial
preliminary  projections earlier in 1997.   This  results  from  the
necessity  of  drilling at least one appraisal well  offsetting  the
C-4  exploratory well and the decision to extend the  Contract  into
its  third  exploratory  period because of the  successful  drilling
of  the  D-3  and  C-4 wells.  XCL, Apache, and  CNODC  are  working
together  to  reduce capital costs for the Block  and  to  determine
whether  the commencement of production from the C-4 Well  area  can
be  accelerated into late 1998.  This work has already  resulted  in
reductions   of   estimated  capital  costs  of  approximately   $35
million  based  on  a  change  in  the  conceptual  design,  and   a
determination   that   it  is  technically  feasible   to   commence
production  from  the  C-4 well area in 1998.  The  Company,  Apache
and  CNODC  have  now  all agreed to make every  effort  to  achieve
initial production in 1998.

      Longer  term liquidity is dependent upon the Company's  future
performance,  including  commencement of  production  in  China,  as
well  as  continued  access  to capital markets.  In  addition,  the
Company's   efforts   to  secure  additional  financing   could   be
impaired if its common stock is delisted from the AMEX.

      Although  the Company is not obligated to make any  additional
capital  payments  to  such  projects, the  Company  may  also  have
capital  requirements for its lubricating oil  and  coalbed  methane
projects.   The  Company  believes  that  both  businesses  will  be
successful  and  grow  and  that the Company  will  make  additional
investments in the businesses.

Other General Considerations
- ----------------------------

      Pursuant  to  the  Company's December 17,  1997  shareholders'
meeting,  whereby  several  compensation plans  were  approved,  the
Company  recorded  unearned  compensation  of  approximately   $12.8
million.   This  amount  will  be  amortized  ratably  over   future
periods  of  up to five years and is recorded as a non-cash  expense
in  the  Statement of Operations.  Because certain of  these  awards
are   based   on  market  capitalization  there  may  be  additional
amounts  which  may become payable.  Approximately $0.9  million  of
compensation  expense was recorded in connection with  these  awards
during 1997.

      The  Company  believes  that inflation  has  had  no  material
impact  on  its  sales,  revenues or  income  during  the  reporting
periods.  In  light  of  increased oil and gas exploration  activity
worldwide,  and  in  the  Bohai Bay in particular,  increased  rates
for  equipment and services, and limited rig availability  may  have
an impact in the future.

      The  Company  is  subject  to existing  domestic  and  Chinese
federal,   state   and   local   laws  and   regulations   governing
environmental  quality and pollution control.   Although  management
believes  that  such  operations  are  in  general  compliance  with
applicable  environmental regulations, risks  of  substantial  costs
and  liabilities are inherent in oil and gas operations,  and  there
can  be  no  assurance that significant costs and  liabilities  will
not be incurred.

New Accounting Pronouncements
- -----------------------------

      In  June  1997,  the  FASB  issued SFAS  No.  130,  "Reporting
Comprehensive  Income," which is effective for  the  Company's  year
ending  December 31, 1998.  SFAS No. 130 establishes  standards  for
the  reporting  and  displaying  of  comprehensive  income  and  its
components.   The  Company will be analyzing  SFAS  No.  130  during
1998  to  determine  what, if any, additional  disclosures  will  be
required.

      In  June  1997,  the  FASB Issued SFAS No.  131,  "Disclosures
about  Segments  of  an Enterprise and Related  Information,"  which
is  effective  for  the  Company's year  ended  December  31,  1998.
This  statement  establishes standards for reporting of  information
about  operating segments.  The Company will be analyzing  SFAS  No.
131  during  1998 to determine what, if any, additional  disclosures
will be required.

Results of Operations
- ---------------------

1997 compared to 1996
- ---------------------

       The  Company  incurred  a loss of $14  million  in  1997,  as
compared  with  a  loss  of $12 million in 1996.   Included  in  the
loss   for   1997  is  a  charge  of  $0.9  million   for   non-cash
compensation  charges,  related to stock and  appreciation  options,
which  are  classified in general and administrative  expenses.   In
addition,  1997  includes  a $2.8 million  provision  for  estimated
settlements  in  connection  with various  disputes  and  litigation
matters.   Such  amount is reflected in Other in  the  Statement  of
Operations.   In  addition, $0.6 million of non-cash charges  relate
to early extinguishment of debt.

      Interest  expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased  $6.0
million  in  1997 primarily as a result of increased borrowings  and
higher  interest  rates  on  the new debt.   In  addition,  interest
expense  includes  amortization of  $1.3  million  relating  to  the
value  assigned  to  warrants  issued  with  the  $75  million  debt
offering completed in May 1997.

      The  net  loss  for  1996  includes a  $3.85  million  noncash
charge  for  the  provision of impairment of domestic  oil  and  gas
properties  classified  as held for sale.  The  loss  in  1996  also
reflects  the  effect of a $2.4 million write-down and $0.7  million
loss on sale of the Company's investments.

      Oil  and  gas revenues from properties held for sale  for  the
year   ended   December   31,  1997  were  $236,000,   compared   to
approximately  $1.1 million during 1996. Revenues will  continue  to
decline  as  the Company completes its announced program of  selling
substantially  all  of  its  U.S.  producing  properties.   Interest
income  increased  $2.2 million during the year ended  December  31,
1997,  compared  with 1996.  The primary reason  for  this  increase
was  the  interest  earned on the $75 million held  in  escrow  from
the Note Offering.

       As   the   Company  continues  to  focus  its  resources   on
exploration  and  development  of the  Block,  future  oil  and  gas
revenues  will  initially  be directly  related  to  the  degree  of
drilling  success  experienced.  The  Company  does  not  anticipate
significant  increases in its oil and gas production in  the  short-
term  and expects to incur operating losses until such time  as  net
revenues from the China projects are realized.

      General  and  administrative expenses increased  $1.4  million
during  1997  as compared with 1996, as reflected in  the  following
table.

                                        1997               1996
                                        ----               ----
                                              (thousands)
Payroll, benefits and travel          $  1,554         $  1,683
Non-cash compensation cost                 853               --
Legal and professional                   1,284              510
Public company and corporate expenses      574              539
Lafayette office expense                   304              374
Corporate insurance                        341              381
                                        ------           ------
                                      $  4,910         $  3,487
                                        ======           ======

      The  increase in legal and professional fees of $774,000  were
principally  related  to  fees  of  $214,000  on  one  lawsuit,   an
increase  of  $287,000 for outside consulting and the  remainder  of
the   increase  for  general  and  corporate  legal  and  accounting
services.

  1996 compared to 1995
  ---------------------

      The  Company  reported a net loss for  fiscal  1996  of  $12.1
million  before preferred dividends of $5.4 million, or a  total  of
$0.07  per  share, compared to a net loss for fiscal 1995  of  $87.8
million  before preferred dividends of $4.8 million,  or  $0.38  per
share.   The  net  loss  for 1996 includes a $3.85  million  noncash
charge   for   impairment  of  domestic  oil  and  gas   properties,
classified  as  assets  held  for  sale.   The  loss  in  1996  also
reflects  a  $2.4 million write-down and $0.7 million  loss  on  the
sale of the Company's investments.

      The  net  loss  for  1995  includes a  $75.3  million  noncash
charge  for  the  provision of impairment of domestic  oil  and  gas
properties.   The  carrying amounts of the Company's  properties  in
Texas  were written down by $16.5 million during 1995, in  order  to
comply  with  the  ceiling limitation prescribed by the  Commission.
This   was  principally  due  to  downward  revisions  in  estimated
reserves  in  the  second  quarter and  reduced  present  values  of
reserves  attributable to delays in development  drilling  scheduled
in  the  third quarter.  During the fourth quarter, to  reflect  the
expected  results of its announced program to divest itself  of  its
U.S.  oil  and  gas properties, the Company recorded  an  additional
$58.8  million  noncash write-down, reducing the recorded  value  of
its  domestic  oil  and  gas  properties  to  their  estimated  fair
market  value.   The loss in 1995 also reflects  the  effects  of  a
$4.5   million  write-down  of  the  Company's  other   assets   and
investments.

      Earnings  per  common share are based on the weighted  average
number   of   shares   of  common  and  common   equivalent   shares
outstanding:  265,573,020  for 1996,  compared  to  240,707,015  for
1995.   The  increase  for 1996 primarily related  to  the  sale  of
approximately  3.8 million shares of Common Stock  in  Regulation  S
unit  offerings in March and April 1996, approximately  2.8  million
units   in   a  private  placement  concluded  in  September   1996,
approximately  1.5  million  shares  of  Common  Stock   issued   as
consideration   for   a  consulting  agreement,  approximately   5.5
million  shares  of  Common  Stock issued  in  respect  of  warrants
exercised  in  November  and December 1996  and  approximately  12.8
million  shares  of Common Stock issued in payment  of  interest  on
the  Subordinated  Debt,  all  as  set  forth  in  the  Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders' Equity.  See Notes 6 and 7.

      Oil  and  gas revenues from properties held for sale  in  1996
were  $1.1  million as compared to $2.5 million in  1995,  primarily
due  to  continued reduction in volume sold.  The Company  does  not
anticipate  material revenues until late 1998 at the  earliest  when
production in China may commence.

       General  and  administrative  expenses  for  1996  were  $3.5
million   as  compared  to  $4.6  million  in  1995.   General   and
administrative  costs  are expected to remain  relatively  unchanged
during   the  upcoming  year.   Operating  costs  are  expected   to
decline  due  to  the further disposition of domestic  oil  and  gas
properties.

      Interest  expense  decreased in 1996,  due  primarily  to  the
Company's  principal  payments  on its  institutional  debt  in  the
first quarter of 1996.

Subsequent Events
- -----------------

      Effective January 16, 1998, the Series F Preferred  Stock  was
mandatorily  converted  into  an  aggregate  of  633,893  shares  of
Common  Stock.   Due to the Series F Preferred Stock being  redeemed
and  the  Series A and E Preferred Stock being converted to  Amended
Series  A  Preferred Stock, the Company's Preferred  Stock  dividend
obligations  in  respect of such securities  have  been  eliminated.
The  effect  of the recapitalization of the Series A and the  Series
E  Preferred  Stock  has resulted in an increase  in  the  Company's
Preferred  Stock  dividend  obligations  of  $3.7  million  annually
which  can  now  be  paid  in kind in shares  of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock  (valued at $85 per share).  Aggregate  liquidation
preference  increased from $63.3 million  in 1996  to  $103  million
in 1997.

      Effective  December  31,  1997, the Company  entered  into  an
interim  settlement  agreement with  the  holder  of  the  Series  B
Preferred  Stock  whereby the Company paid such  holder  $1  million
as  a  deposit  in  anticipation of  the  settlement  of  a  lawsuit
commenced  by  such holder for a claimed aggregate redemption  price
of  such  stock  of  approximately  $5.0  million  and  accrued  and
unpaid  dividends  to  the  redemption date.  The  final  settlement
took  place  on  March 3, 1998, and the lawsuit was  dismissed  with
prejudice  on  March  9,  1998.  Pursuant  to  the  settlement,  the
holder  of  the  Series  B  Preferred  Stock  sold  the  stock   and
warrants  and  the  buyers exchanged the Series  B  Preferred  Stock
for  Amended  Series  B Preferred Stock and warrants,  returned  the
old  warrants  to the Company for cancellation and received  payment
of  accrued  and  unpaid dividends on the Series B  Preferred  Stock
in  shares  of  Amended  Series B Preferred Stock.  The  $1  million
deposit  was  returned upon receipt of the proceeds  from  the  sale
of the Series B Preferred Stock.

Year 2000 Compliance
- --------------------

      The  Company  has  conducted a review of its computer  systems
to  identify  the systems that could be affected by the "Year  2000"
issue.   The  Year  2000 problem is the result of computer  programs
being  written  using two digits (rather than four)  to  define  the
applicable   year   and   equipment  with  time-sensitive   embedded
components.   Any  of  the  Company's  programs  that   have   time-
sensitive  software  or  equipment that has time-sensitive  embedded
components  may  recognize  a  date using  "00"  as  the  year  1900
rather  than  the year 2000.  This could result in  a  major  system
failure  or  miscalculations.  Although no assurance  can  be  given
because   of  the  potential  wide  scale  manifestations  of   this
problem  which  may  affect the Company's  business,  XCL  presently
believes  that  the  Year  2000 problem will  not  pose  significant
operational  problems for its computer systems  and  that  the  Year
2000  problem  will  not  have a material impact  on  its  costs  of
operations.

      The  Company  also may be vulnerable to other companies'  Year
2000  issues.   The  Company's current estimates of  the  impact  of
the  Year  2000 problem on its operations and financial  results  do
not  include  costs and time that may be incurred  as  a  result  of
any  vendors'  or customers' failure to become Year  2000  compliant
on   a  timely  basis.   The  Company  intends  to  initiate  formal
communications  with  all of its significant vendors  and  customers
with  respect  to  such persons' Year 2000 compliance  programs  and
status.   However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  such  other
companies   will   achieve  Year  2000  compliance   or   that   any
conversions  by  such companies to become Year 2000  compliant  will
be  compatible  with the Company's computer system.   The  inability
of  the  Company  or any of its principal vendors  or  customers  to
become  Year  2000  compliant  in  a  timely  manner  could  have  a
material  adverse  effect on the Company's  financial  condition  or
results of operations.

               SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFFECTING THE COMPANY
                         SINCE MARCH 31, 1998

       Since  March  31,  1998,  the  following  significant  events
affecting the Company have occurred:

      On  April 7, 1998, the Board of Directors declared a  dividend
on  the  Amended  Series  A Preferred Stock, payable  in  additional
shares  of  Amended Series A Preferred Stock valued  at  $85.00  per
share,  at  the  semiannual  dividend rate  of  $4.0375  per  share.
Such  dividend payment resulted in the issuance of an  aggregate  of
53,650  shares  of Amended Series A Preferred Stock  to  holders  of
record on April 15, 1998.

                               BUSINESS

      The  Company's principal business is the exploration  for  and
development  and production of crude oil and natural  gas.  Building
on  the  success  of  its first such project  in  China,  the  joint
venture  on  the  Block (see "Prospectus Summary --  The  Company"),
the   Company's   strategy  is  to  expand  those  operations   and,
selectively,   to   enter  into  additional   energy-related   joint
ventures.   The  Company  is confident that the  undeveloped  energy
resources  of  China  are extensive and that  China's  energy  needs
are  growing  at  a  high rate and will continue to  expand  in  the
foreseeable  future. The Chinese government, further,  has  recently
encouraged  foreign participation in the development of  its  energy
resources,   and   has   demonstrated  a  willingness   to   include
independent  oil and gas exploration companies such as  the  Company
in  additional energy-related joint ventures. On the  basis  of  the
Company's  excellent  relationship with the  Chinese  energy-related
industry   representatives,  it  believes   that   it   can   remain
competitive in that country. See "The Zhao Dong Block," below.

      To  expand  its  energy-related activities in China,  on  July
17,  1995  the Company signed a contract with CNPC United  Lube  Oil
Corporation  to  engage  in  the  manufacturing,  distribution,  and
marketing  of  lubricating  oil  in China  and  in  southeast  Asian
markets.  See  "United/XCL Lube Oil Joint Venture,"  below.  And  on
December   14,   1995,   the   Company  signed   a   Memorandum   of
Understanding  with  the  China  National  Administration  of   Coal
Geology  ("CNACG"),  pursuant  to  which  the  parties  have   begun
cooperative  exploration and development of coalbed methane  in  two
areas of China. See "Coalbed Methane Project," below.

Corporate History; Address; Employees
- -------------------------------------

      Before  1993,  the  Company operated  primarily  in  the  Gulf
Coast  area  of the United States. Formerly The Exploration  Company
of  Louisiana,  Inc.,  XCL  Ltd. was  incorporated  in  Delaware  in
1987.  It  is the successor to a Louisiana corporation of  the  same
name,  incorporated  in  1981.  The  Company's  principal  executive
offices   are  at  110  Rue  Jean  Lafitte,  2nd  Floor,  Lafayette,
Louisiana 70508. Its telephone number is (318) 237-0325.

      As  of December 31, 1997, the Company's employees totaled  23.
No  employees  are  subject  to  any union  contracts.  The  Company
believes it maintains good relations with its employees.

The Zhao Dong Block
- -------------------

     Geology
     -------

      The  Block extends from the shoreline of the Dagang oil  field
complex  on  Bohai  Bay to water depths of approximately  5  meters.
It   encompasses   approximately  197  square  kilometers   (roughly
50,000  gross  acres). The Company believes that a  portion  of  the
Block  is  a  seaward  extension of the  Dagang  oil  field  complex
which   is   one   of  China's  largest.   According  to   published
statistics,  Dagang  has produced over 700 million  barrels  of  oil
and  has  an  estimated ultimate recovery of more than  one  billion
barrels.

       Tertiary  formations  constitute  a  major  portion  of   the
Block's  production, its geology being in many respects  similar  to
the  U.S.  Gulf  Coast. Bohai Bay sediments are  however  non-marine
and  oil  prone,  while  the  U.S. Gulf Coast  sediments  are  open-
marine  and  gas  and condensate prone. Seismic and subsurface  data
appear  to indicate a thick, structured sedimentary section  in  the
contract   area.   Proximity   to  producing   fields   and   highly
productive  test  results  from the wells which  have  been  drilled
suggest excellent source rock.

     Seismic
     -------

      Seismic  data  were  acquired  in  and  around  the  Block  by
shallow  water  and  transition zone  seismic  crews  from  1986  to
1988.  While  the  original processing  of  the  data  was  fair  in
reflection  continuity,  the Company's initial  evaluation  involved
reprocessing  721  km., resulting in dramatic improvement  for  both
structural  and  stratigraphic  interpretation.  This  reprocessing,
plus  390  km. of new seismic data (outlined below), make  available
a  current  total of 1,111 km. of 2D seismic data in and around  the
Block.

      From  1993  through  1995 the Company acquired  an  additional
390  km  of  2D seismic data shot by Dagang Geophysical,  a  Chinese
firm,  all  of which assisted the Company in assessing  the  Block's
potential.

       A   1997  3-D  seismic  program  was  designed  to  delineate
development  well  locations in the C-D Field and to  better  define
exploration  prospects on the remainder of the Block.   The  program
covered    approximately   100   square    kilometers    and    cost
approximately  $5.5 million; the Company's share  was  approximately
$2.75  million.  A similar program (at a comparable  cost)  will  be
undertaken in 1998 to cover most of the rest of the Block.
     
     Drilling Results
     ----------------

      Mapping  of  seismic  events  on  shallow,  medium,  and  deep
reflections  delineated possibly productive lead  areas.  Subsequent
exploratory   drilling  resulted  in  three  successful  discoveries
along   the   Zhao   Bei   fault  system.   Appraisal   tests   have
structurally  and  stratigraphically delineated  the  aerial  extent
of   both   the  "C"  and  the  "D"  segments  of  the  C-D   Field.
Hydrocarbons  have  been found in the Lower Minghuazhen  (Pliocene),
the  Guantao  (Miocene),  and the Shahejie  (Oligocene)  formations.
Appraisal  drilling is planned for 1998 to delineate the  extent  of
the  1997 C-4 discovery located northeast of the C-D Field.  The  C-
4   well   is   productive   from  the   Shahejie   Formation   and,
additionally, from Jurassic and Permian Age sediments.

      The  Company's drilling programs, year by year, have  been  as
follows:

     1994 Drilling
     -------------

           Zhao  Dong  C-1. The first of three Phase  1  exploratory
     wells,  C-1 was spudded in April 1994, and drilled to  a  depth
     of  9,843  feet. Oil was tested in two Pliocene  sands  of  the
     Lower  Minghuazhen  Formation, from perforations  shot  between
     4,278  and  4,462  feet, and yielded a combined  test  rate  of
     2,160  BOPD  with no water. Total net pay for the zones  tested
     was 97 feet.
     
           Zhao  Dong C-2. Spudded and drilled in October 1994,  the
     C-2  appraisal  well was drilled to a depth of 7,134  feet  and
     confirmed  the  C-1  discovery.  Tested  from  four  intervals,
     between  4,267 and 4,481 feet, the combined rate  of  three  of
     the  zones  was  3,640 BOPD with no water. Total  net  pay  for
     the zones tested was 47 feet.
     
     1995 Drilling
     -------------

           Zhao  Dong C-2-2. Drilled directionally in April 1995  to
     a  measured  depth  of  5,625 feet (5,034  feet  true  vertical
     depth),  the  C-2-2  appraisal was shaled out  for  prospective
     sands   in   the   Minghuazhen  and  then  plugged   back   and
     sidetracked as C-2-2A.
     
           Zhao  Dong  C-2-2A.  After plugging  and  abandoning  the
     bottom  section  of the C-2-2 well, the C-2-2A  sidetrack  well
     was  drilled structurally updip of the original wellbore  to  a
     measured  depth  of  5,084 feet (4,956  true  vertical  depth).
     Although  Minghuazhen prospective sands were  present  and  not
     shaled  out,  the objective sands were water wet.  Accordingly,
     the well was plugged and abandoned.

            Zhao   Dong   D-1.  Designed  to  test  the   Ordovician
     Carbonate  section, the D-1 exploratory well  reached  a  depth
     of   8,784   feet   in  June  1995.  Although  no   hydrocarbon
     potential  was  found  in the Ordovician  Carbonates,  oil  was
     found   in   the  Lower  Minghuazhen,  proving  this  shallower
     section  to  be  productive upthrown  to  the  Zhao  Bei  fault
     system.  Drill-stem  testing, with  perforations  at  4,185  to
     4,205  feet,  confirmed hydrocarbons with an  initial  rate  of
     1,330 BOPD. The net pay for this zone was 20 feet.
     
           Although  the D-1 was designed primarily to  test  deeper
     Paleozoic  objectives,  from 3,523 to  6,268  feet  it  yielded
     another  15  sands ranging in age from Pliocene Minghuazhen  to
     Permian  with  hydrocarbon  shows in  mudlogs  and/or  sidewall
     cores.  One  Permian  sand tested water  with  a  trace  of  30
     gravity oil; one Minghuazhen sand tested water with 2% oil.

            Located  on  the  eastern edge  of  the  C-D  structural
     complex,  the  D-1  was  not optimally placed  to  explore  the
     shallower  hydrocarbon-containing sands. But the fact  that  it
     tested  1,330  BOPD  from one sand, tested water  with  smaller
     amounts  of  oil  from  two  other  sands,  and  had  shows  in
     numerous  additional sands, suggests proximity  to  the  limits
     of   a  significant  oil  accumulation.  Accordingly,  the  D-2
     well,  discussed  under 1996 Drilling, below, was  designed  to
     appraise   the  D-1  discovery  at  a  much  higher  structural
     position.  See  also the discussion, immediately  below,  of  a
     parallel  relationship between and among the C-3, C-2,  and  C-
     1 wells.

           Zhao  Dong  C-3.   Although scheduled to  be  drilled  to
     5,004  feet,   this  appraisal  well,  drilled  in  July  1995,
     reached  a  total depth of 6,773 feet. Analysis  of  geological
     information  during  drilling  had  shown  that  the  C-3   was
     structurally  higher  than  both  the  C-1  and  C-2,  and   so
     drilling  continued  to test the Shahejie Formation  until,  at
     approximately  6,595  feet, the Zhao  Bei  fault  was  crossed.
     Eight  different sands had drill-stem tests; seven  were  found
     to  be  productive, as compared to only three and two  for  the
     C-2  and  C-1.  (The C-1 and C-2 did however have oil shows  in
     several  sands  found to be productive in the C-3.)  Cumulative
     rate  potential  was  5,830 BOPD and 460  Mcfpd;  one  Shahejie
     sand  tested  oil  at 1,356 BOPD until water production  began.
     (Initial  analysis  indicates  the  water  was  coned  due   to
     pressure  draw-down  during testing.) Total  net  pay  for  the
     zones tested was 143 feet.

           The  C-3  thus  indicates that Shahejie  Formation  sands
     are    oil   productive   with   significant   appraisal    and
     exploration  potential, both in the C-D  Field  and  over  much
     of   the  as  yet  undrilled  portion  of  the  Block.  Initial
     seismic    stratigraphic    analysis    indicates    additional
     lacustrine fan systems could be present downdip.
     
     1996 Drilling
     -------------

            Zhao  Dong  D-2.  Spudded  in  November  1996,  the  D-2
     appraisal   well   was   designed  to  test   the   Minghuazhen
     (Pliocene)  and Guantao (Miocene) sands upthrown  to  the  Zhao
     Bei   fault   system,  as  well  as  the  Shahejie  (Oligocene)
     Formation  downthrown to a bifurcated fault of the  same  fault
     system.  It  was  drilled to a measured  depth  of  7,501  feet
     (6,180  feet  true  vertical  depth),  on  an  upthrown   fault
     closure   approximately  1.5  km.  west  of  and   structurally
     higher than the D-1 discovery well.

           Five  intervals (six drill-stem tests) from  perforations
     at  3,285  to  5,445  feet (3,277 to 4,950 feet  true  vertical
     depth)  tested  at  a combined rate of 11,571 BOPD,  confirming
     the  lateral  productivity  of several  sands  previously  seen
     productive   and,   in  the  Guantao  Formation,   establishing
     production  in  several new sands. This well also  demonstrated
     much   higher   initial  flow  rates  without  the   need   for
     artificial  lift, one zone flowing 4,370 BOPD  with  774  Mcfpd
     of  gas,  and a second zone flowing 2,471 BOPD with  168  Mcfpd
     of gas.
     
           Sands  seen productive in this well appear to be  present
     over  the  entire  area, adding significantly  to  the  overall
     potential  of the C-D Field as well as the rest of  the  Block.
     Total net pay for the zones tested was 243 feet.
     
     1997 Drilling
     -------------
     
            Zhao  Dong  F-1.  Planned  as  an  exploratory  well  to
     fulfill  Phase  I  drilling commitments, the F-1  was  designed
     to   test   an  1,800+  foot  thick  section  of  the  Shahejie
     Formation   on   a  four-way  dip  structural  closure.    This
     exploratory   well   was   spudded   in   October   1996    and
     directionally  drilled,  from  a  drill  pad   built   at   the
     shoreline,  to  a  measured depth of 14,501 feet  (10,968  true
     vertical  depth).  Severe  mechanical  problems  prevented  the
     well  from  being  fully evaluated, and two sidetrack  attempts
     were   unsuccessful.  Drilling  operations  under   a   turnkey
     contract  have  been  abandoned.  A number  of  Shahejie  sands
     were encountered, with some apparent oil shows.
     
           Zhao  Dong  D-3. The second appraisal well  for  the  D-1
     discovery,  and located approximately 1 km. north of  the  D-1,
     the  D-3  was spudded in June 1997 and drilled to  a  depth  of
     5,740   feet.  Although  no  drill-stem  tests  were  performed
     (since  the  data  collected  were sufficient  to  confirm  the
     productive  nature  of the reservoirs and  since  the  rig  was
     needed  to drill the C-4 Well), using wireline tools,  oil  was
     recovered  from  several sands, most of which  had  tested  oil
     in   the  D-2  and  D-1  wells,  as  well  as  from  three  new
     productive  sands for the "D" segment.  Total net pay  for  the
     productive  zone  was  89 feet. The D-3  Well  thus  solidified
     structural interpretation and confirmed productive areas.
     
           Zhao Dong C-4. An exploratory well designed to test  Pre-
     Tertiary  and  Shahejie  Formations, the  C-4  was  spudded  in
     July  1997,  on  a  separate  structure  approximately  2  kms.
     northeast  of  the  C-1, and was drilled to a  depth  of  8,993
     feet.  Eight  zones tested at a combined rate of  15,349  BOPD,
     6,107  Mcfpd  of  gas,  and 14 barrels of condensate  per  day.
     Total net pay for the zones tested was 209 feet.
     
            The   C-4  proved  the  presence  and  productivity   of
     multiple   Oligocene  Age  Shahejie  sands   on   the   Block's
     northern  portion.  The  C-4 also found  multiple  high-quality
     Cretaceous  and  Jurassic  sands, not encountered  in  previous
     drilling,  present and productive, indicating that  such  sands
     may  be  present and prospective elsewhere. Significantly,  the
     Shahejie,  Cretaceous  and  Jurassic  sands  contained   higher
     gravity  oil  (28  to 38 degree API) and more  gas,  indicating
     higher  reservoir  energy  than  previously  encountered.   All
     zones tested exhibited natural flow.

Exploration Potential
- ---------------------

      Reconnaissance  seismic surveys on  the  Block  have  led  the
Company's   independent   petroleum  engineers   to   identify,   in
addition  to  the  C-D  Field  and  the  C-4  discovery,  twenty-six
prospective  areas  with exploratory potential.  Seismic  data  over
these  prospective  areas  have  been  analyzed  and  the  potential
reserves are being evaluated.

Future Drilling Plans
- ---------------------

      The  Company,  Apache,  and CNODC have  approved  a  five-well
drilling  program  for 1998, which will include  an  appraisal  well
to  appraise  the  C-4  discovery and  four  exploratory  wells,  at
least two of which will be in the "C" and "D" segments.

The Contract
- ------------
       The   Company   acquired  the  rights  to  the   exploration,
development  and production of the Block by executing  a  Production
Sharing   Agreement   with  CNODC,  a  Chinese   state   enterprise,
effective  May  1,  1993  (the "Contract").  The  Contract  includes
the following terms:

      The  Foreign Contractor (the Company and Apache  as  a  group,
working  through  a  participation  agreement)  must  pay  for   all
exploration  costs.   If  a  commercial discovery  is  made  and  if
CNODC   exercises   its  option  to  participate,  development   and
operating  costs  and  allocable remainder oil  and  gas  production
are  shared  up  to 51% by CNODC and the remainder  by  the  Foreign
Contractor.

       The   work   under  the  Contract  is  divided   into   three
categories,     Exploration,     Development     and     Production.
Exploration,  Development  and  Production  operations   can   occur
concurrently  on  different areas of the  Block.   The  Contract  is
not  to  continue  beyond  30 consecutive  years.   All  exploration
work   must  be  completed  during  the  Exploration  Period  (which
expires  April  30,  2000).   The Production  Period  for  each  oil
field  covered by the Contract is 15 years, starting with  the  date
of first production for that field.

     Exploration Period
     ------------------

      Work  performed  and  expenses incurred  during  this  period,
consisting  of  three  phases  totaling  seven  contract  years  and
beginning  as  of  May 1, 1993, are the exclusive responsibility  of
the  Foreign  Contractor.  The  Contract  mandates  certain  minimal
requirements  for  drilling, seismic and  expenditures  during  each
phase  of  the  Exploration  Period.   The  Foreign  Contractor  has
elected  to  enter the third exploration phase (expiring  April  30,
2000).   The  Foreign  Contractor is required to  drill  exploratory
wells  prior  to  the  expiration of the  Exploration  Period.   The
minimum    work   requirements   for   seismic   and   the   minimum
expenditures for the balance of the Contract have been met.

     Development Period
     ------------------

      The  Development  Period for any field discovered  during  the
Exploration  Period  commences on the  date  the  requisite  Chinese
governmental  authority approves the development  plan  for  an  oil
and/or  gas  field.   The  C-D  Field  is  now  in  the  Development
Period.

     Production Period
    ------------------

      The  Production  Period for any oil and/or gas  field  covered
by  the  Contract  (the  "Contract Area")  will  be  15  consecutive
years  (each  of 12 months), commencing for each such field  on  the
date   of  commencement  of  commercial  production  (as  determined
under   the   terms  of  the  Contract).  However,  prior   to   the
Production  Period,  and during the Development Period,  oil  and/or
gas may be produced and sold during a long-term testing period.

     Relinquishment
     --------------

      The  Company expects that no relinquishment will  be  required
until  Exploration  Phase  3  has been concluded.  After  April  30,
2000,  the  portions  of the Contract area, not including  areas  in
which   development   and/or   production   activities   have   been
undertaken, must be relinquished.

     Termination of the Contract
     ---------------------------

      The  Contract  may be terminated by the Foreign Contractor  at
the  end  of  each phase of the Exploration Period, without  further
obligation.   The  parties have elected to go into the  third  phase
of the Exploration Period.

     Post-Production Operating and Exploration Costs
     -----------------------------------------------

      After  commercial  production has begun, the  operating  costs
incurred  in  any  given calendar year for an  oil  field  shall  be
recovered  in  kind  from 60% of that year's oil  production.  After
recovery  of  operating  costs, the 60% is  applied  to  exploration
costs. Unrecovered operating costs shall be carried forward.

      After  recovery  of operating and exploration  costs  for  any
field,   development  costs  shall  be  recovered  by  the   Foreign
Contractor  and  CNODC  from  60% of the remaining  oil  production,
plus deemed interest at 9%.

      Natural  gas shall be allocated according to the same  general
principles,  but  in  order  to ensure reasonable  benefit  for  the
Foreign  Contractor  the allocation percentages  shall  be  adjusted
in the light of actual economic conditions.

      Annual  gross  production ("AGP") of each oil  and  gas  field
shall   be  allocated  in  kind  in  the  following  sequences   and
percentages:

     (1)     5 percent of AGP shall be allocated to pay Chinese
taxes.

      (2)       The  Chinese  government  shall  receive  a  sliding
scale  royalty,  determined on a field by  field  basis,  calculated
as  follows  (as amended by the Ministry and State Taxation  Bureau,
effective January 1, 1995):

          METRIC TONS OF ANNUAL
          CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION               ROYALTY RATE
          (One metric ton is roughly equivalent to seven
           barrels of crude oil)

          Up to and including 1,000,000 ..................  Zero
          1,000,000 to 1,500,000 .........................    4%
          1,500,000 to 2,000,000 .........................    6%
          2,000,000 to 3,000,000 .........................    8%
          3,000,000 to 4,000,000 .........................   10%
          Over 4,000,000.................................. 12.5%

      (3)      60%  of AGP shall be deemed "cost recovery  oil"  and
used  for  cost recovery, first of operating costs, and  second  for
exploration  and  development  costs  (including  deemed  interest).
Cost  recovery  oil  shall not be reduced by  any  royalty  due  the
Chinese government.

       (4)       After  recovery  of  operating,  exploration,   and
development  costs  (including deemed interest),  the  remainder  of
AGP  shall  be  considered  "remainder oil,"  which  shall  then  be
further  divided into "allocable remainder oil" and  "Chinese  share
oil."  Allocable remainder oil shall be calculated for  each  field,
based  upon  a  sliding scale formula applied to each  such  field's
annual   production,  and  shall  be  shared  by  the   parties   in
proportion  to  their respective interests under the  Contract.  All
oil  remaining  after  the  above allocations  shall  be  designated
Chinese   share  oil  and  allocated  to  CNODC  or  other   Chinese
government designee.

Administration of the Contract; Arbitration
- -------------------------------------------

      The  Contract  is  administered by the JMC, consisting  of  an
equal  number  of  representatives designated by CNODC  and  by  the
Foreign   Contractor.  Disputes  must  be  resolved,  first  through
negotiation,  and  then  arbitration  (though  CNODC  may  have  the
right  to  seek resolution in Chinese courts). CNODC has not  waived
sovereign immunity in any proceedings commenced in China.

      If  accepted by the parties, arbitration will be conducted  by
the  China  International Economic and Trade  Commission  under  its
provisional  rules.  If  that  is  not  accepted  by  the   parties,
disputes  may  be  arbitrated by a panel of three arbitrators,  each
party  to  appoint  one  and the third appointed  by  the  two  thus
chosen  or,  failing such appointment, by the Arbitration  Institute
of  the  Stockholm  (Sweden) Chamber of Commerce. Arbitration  shall
be   conducted   under   the  rules  of   the   UN   Commission   on
International  Trade Law of 1976 (subject however to such  rules  as
expressly  provided  in the Contract). Awards  shall  be  final  and
binding on the parties. The Contract is governed by Chinese law.

Apache Farmout
- --------------

       In   March  1994,  by  means  of  a  participation  agreement
("Participation  Agreement"), the Company  farmed  out  a  one-third
interest  in  the  Foreign Contractor's interest  in  the  Block  to
Apache   in   exchange  for  certain  cash  payments  and   Apache's
agreement  to  assume  its  pro  rata  share  of  expenditures   and
liabilities  with  respect  to  exploration  and  development.    As
required  by the Participation Agreement, in June 1994,  Apache  and
the   Company   entered  into  a  Joint  Operating  Agreement   (the
"Operating   Agreement').    To   further   reduce   the   Company's
exploration  capital  requirements and  accelerate  the  development
of  the  Block, the Company and Apache entered into an agreement  on
May  10,  1995  (the "Second Participation Agreement")  pursuant  to
which  Apache increased its interest in the Contract to 50%  of  the
Foreign    Contractor's    interest   and   assumed    operatorship,
obligating  itself  to  pay  100%  of  the  costs  of  drilling  and
testing  four  exploratory  wells  (the  "Carried  Wells")  on   the
Block.   The  drilling  and testing of the C-3,  D-1,  D-2  and  F-1
wells  will  satisfy  the  obligations regarding  the  four  Carried
Wells.   All  of these wells have been drilled and tested  with  the
exception  of the F-1 Well, drilling operations on which  have  been
abandoned.  The  Company does not believe that  such  operations  on
the  F-1  Well  to date satisfy Apache's obligations  to  deliver  a
fourth  Carried  Well.   The  amounts advanced  by  Apache  for  the
Company's  share  of  the  Carried  Wells  are  recoverable  from  a
portion  of the Company's share of cost recovery revenues  from  the
Block.   In  addition, Apache obligated itself to  pay  the  Company
16.667%   of   the   value  of  the  recoverable   proved   reserves
attributable  to  the  portion  of  the  Block  delineated  by   the
drilling  of  the  C-1  and  C-2 and C-3 wells,  the  combined  area
designated  in the agreement as the "C Field," all as agreed  to  by
the  Company  and  Apache  in  the Second  Participation  Agreement.
Payment  for  this  purchase  will be computed  in  accordance  with
evaluation  methodology  as set forth in  the  Second  Participation
Agreement  and  made  to  the Company from  time  to  time  as  each
segment of the field is placed on production.

      In  consideration  of  the  above described  payments,  Apache
assumed  operatorship of the Block and increased its  interest  from
33.33%  to  50%  of  the  Foreign Contractor's  share.   All  future
exploration  expenditures in excess of the  Carried  Wells  will  be
borne  50%  each  by  the Company and Apache.  Under  the  Operating
Agreement,  approval of a successor operator requires  the  vote  of
not  less  than  55% of the Foreign Contractor's  interest;  if  the
operator  reduces  its participating interest to less  than  25%,  a
committee  established  under the Operating Agreement  comprised  of
Apache  and  XCL (the "Operating Committee") shall vote  on  whether
a  successor  operator  should  be  named.   The  appointment  of  a
successor  or  replacement  operator requires  government  approval.
CNODC  has  the  right  to become operator of production  operations
in certain circumstances described in the Contract.

      All  work  under  the  Contract must be  pursuant  to  a  work
program  and  budget approved by the JMC.  Each year, the  Operating
Committee  must  submit a proposed work program and  budget  to  the
JMC.   Operating  Committee  approval  of  this  work  program   and
budget  requires  the  vote of not less  than  55%  of  the  Foreign
Contractor's   interest.   If  55%  of  the   Foreign   Contractor's
interest  does  not  vote in favor of a proposed  work  program  and
budget,  the  operator  must submit the  minimum  work  program  and
budget  necessary  to  meet  the  contractual  obligations  of   the
Foreign Contractor under the Contract.

       Under   the   Participation  Agreement  and   the   Operating
Agreement,  Apache  and  the  Company each  has  a  right  of  first
refusal  with  respect to any sale or transfer of  interest  in  the
Foreign  Contractor's  share of the Contract.   In  addition,  under
the  Participation  Agreement Apache and  the  Company  each  has  a
right  of first refusal with respect to the sale of 50% or  more  of
outstanding  voting  capital stock of their respective  subsidiaries
party   to   the  Contract  and  the  Participation  Agreement.   In
addition,  each party has the option to purchase the  other  party's
interest  in  the  Contract upon the occurrence of  certain  "option
events."  Option events include the failure more than twice  in  one
year   to  pay  sums  due  under  the  Operating  Agreement,   after
receiving  written  notice of default and  failing  to  cure  within
any  applicable  cure  period provided by  the  Operating  Agreement
(if  nonpayment  is  the  subject of dispute and  arbitration  under
the  Operating  Agreement,  it does not  constitute  a  "failure  to
pay"   until   an   arbitral  decision  is  rendered   against   the
nonpayor),  the inability of a party to pay its debts as  they  fall
due   or  a  final  unappealable  order  by  a  court  of  competent
jurisdiction  liquidating  the party or  appointing  a  receiver  to
take  possession  of  all  of the party's assets,  the  transfer  of
more  than  49%  of  the  voting shares  of  the  Apache  subsidiary
holding  Apache's  interest in the Block or XCL-China,  Ltd.  ("XCL-
China"),  the  XCL subsidiary holding XCL's interest in  the  Block,
by  their  respective parents, or certain other defaults  under  the
Operating  Agreement  or  the Contract.   The  consideration  to  be
paid  on  the exercise of the option to purchase is the fair  market
value  of  the  interest assigned.  If the parties cannot  agree  on
the  fair  market value of the interest, it is to be  determined  by
arbitration.   This option runs only to the benefit  of  Apache  and
XCL-China  and  may  not be transferred by either  of  them  to  any
third party.

United/XCL Lube Oil Joint Venture
- ---------------------------------

      On  July  17,  1995, the Company signed a contract  with  CNPC
United  Lube  Oil  Corporation to form a joint  venture  company  to
engage   in   the  manufacturing,  distribution  and  marketing   of
lubricating  oil  in China and southeast Asian markets.   The  joint
venture   has  a  30-year  life  unless  extended.   The  registered
capital  of  the joint venture is $4.9 million, with the Company  to
contribute   $2.4   million  for  its   49%   interest,   the   last
installment  of  which  was paid in late 1997.   As  its  investment
for   51%   of  the  stock,  the  Chinese  contributed  an  existing
lubricating  oil blending plant in Langfang, China, with  a  Chinese
government  appraised  value of $2.5 million.  The  registration  of
the  joint  venture  was  approved by Chinese  authorities  and  the
effective  date  of  the  joint venture is January  1,  1998.  In  a
letter  of  intent  executed contemporaneously  with  the  contract,
the   parties  have  agreed  to  consider  the  feasibility  of  (i)
contributing  to  the  joint  venture a  second  existing  plant  in
southwest  China  and  (ii) other projects,  including  constructing
oil  terminals on the north and south coasts of China  and  engaging
in upgrading certain existing refineries within China.

      The  Langfang  plant is located 50 km. southeast  of  Beijing.
The  facility  is built on a 10-acre site and has been evaluated  on
the  basis of U.S. Gulf Coast costs at a replacement value  of  $7.0
million,  without  taking into account the land  value.   The  plant
currently  produces and markets approximately 5,000 metric  tons  of
lube  oil  per  year.  Approximately $1.5 million of  the  Company's
investment  has  been  allocated to the physical  upgrading  of  the
facility,  including  the  installation of automated  filling  lines
and  packaging  systems.  Upon  completion  of  the  upgrading,  the
plant's  production  capacity  will be approximately  20,000  metric
tons  per  year, assuming one eight hour shift, five days per  week.
Additional   capacity  will  be  available  by  adding  shifts   and
expanding  the  work  week.  Further capital improvements  estimated
to  cost  $15  million  could  increase  capacity  to  approximately
100,000 metric tons per year.

      It  is the Company's opinion that an essential element to  the
success  of  the lube oil business in China will be the  ability  to
distribute  the  product.  In order to assure adequate  distribution
of  the  joint  venture's products, the Company has entered  into  a
memorandum  of understanding with the Coal Ministry in  China  which
is  expected  to be reduced to a formal distribution contract.   The
Coal  Ministry  operates 125 major integrated  distribution  centers
throughout  China  and  the  Company expects  to  market  the  joint
venture's products through this system.

Coalbed Methane Project
- -----------------------

      On  March 31, 1995, the Company signed an agreement  with  the
CNACG,  pursuant  to  which  the parties will  commence  cooperation
for  the  exploration  and development of  coalbed  methane  in  two
areas  in  China.   During  the  study period  contemplated  by  the
agreement,  the  Company will evaluate the properties,  after  which
the  parties  are  expected to enter into a comprehensive  agreement
as  to  the  specifically designated areas, which  may  provide  the
basis  for  coalbed  methane development in other  areas  of  China.
On  December  14,  1995, the Company signed a Memo of  Understanding
with  CNACG  to develop a contract for exploration, development  and
utilization  of  coalbed methane in the two areas.   The  March  31,
1995   agreement  expired  by  its  terms  on  December  31,   1996;
however,  the  Company has been informally advised that  CNACG  will
extend the term of the agreement.

Domestic Properties
- -------------------

      U.S.  Exploration and Production Activities.  The Company  has
sold  substantially  all  of  its U.S. producing  properties  except
for  an  interest  in the Berry R. Cox Field (the  "Cox  Field")  in
South  Texas  and is seeking to sell or joint venture its  interest.
The  Company  holds a 60% to 100% working interest  in  1,265  acres
in  this  field  on which there are currently four  producing  wells
(3.45  net  wells).  The Company's 1997, 1996 and  1995  annual  net
sales  of  natural gas from the Company's interest in the Cox  Field
was  72,200, 467,000  and  1,474,000  Mcf, respectively  on  a  sale
basis.   The  December  1997,  1996  and  1995  gas  price  for  the
Company's  remaining  domestic  properties  was  $2.28,  $1.84   and
$1.33   per   Mcf,   respectively.   During  1996,  litigation   was
instituted  against  the Company in connection with  the  Cox  Field
which  has  effectively impeded the Company's ability to  consummate
a  sale  of  such property.  Upon resolution of the litigation,  the
Company  will  continue  its  efforts  to  divest  itself  of  these
properties.  See "-- Litigation" below.

      Lutcher  Moore Tract.  The Company holds, in partnership  with
one   of  its  subsidiaries,  a  fee  interest  in  a  62,500   acre
undeveloped  tract of Louisiana fee property located  in  Ascension,
St.  James  and  St.  John  the  Baptist  Parishes,  Louisiana  (the
"Lutcher  Moore  Tract").  Expressions of interest to  purchase  the
property  have  been received from several parties and  the  Company
is  presently  evaluating such proposals with  the  intent  to  sell
the  property.   The Company is also evaluating the  possibility  of
developing   the  property  into  a  source  of  wetland  mitigation
credits.  In  connection with the acquisition of the  Lutcher  Moore
Tract,  the  Company's indirect ownership of such tract  is  subject
to   a   first  mortgage,  with  a  current  principal  balance   of
approximately  $2.0  million, and a number of sellers'  notes,  with
an   aggregate  current  principal  balance  of  approximately  $0.5
million  (collectively, the "Lutcher Moore Debt"). Recourse  by  the
holder  of  the  first  mortgage and the  holders  of  the  sellers'
notes  is  limited  to  the Lutcher Moore Tract,  with  neither  the
Company  nor  its wholly-owned subsidiaries, XCL-Land Ltd.  and  The
Exploration Company of Louisiana, Inc., liable for the debt.

Oil and Gas Reserves
- --------------------

       Based   on   the   wells  drilled  to  date,  the   Company's
independent  engineering  firm,  H.J.  Gruy  and  Associates,   Inc.
("Gruy"),   has  projected  gross proved  undeveloped  reserves  for
the  segments  of  the C-D Field drilled to date  of  46.26  million
barrels  of  recoverable  oil.  CNODC has exercised  its  option  to
pay   51%  of  all  development  costs  and  receive  51%   of   oil
production.  Consequently,  the  Company's  net  interest  in   such
proved   undeveloped  reserves  is  estimated  to  be  approximately
11.76  million  barrels of oil with a PV-10 of $62.5 million  as  of
January  1, 1998.  The Company believes that the C-D Field  and  the
remainder   of   the  Block  hold  the  potential   for   additional
significant  increases  in  oil  reserves.   See  "Risk  Factors  --
Reliance  on  Estimates of Proved Reserves and Future Net  Revenues"
and Appendix A attached hereto.

      Gruy  has  been preparing reserve estimates for the  Company's
oil  and gas reserves since August 1996.  Gruy was selected  by  the
Company  for  this  task based upon its reputation,  experience  and
expertise   in  this  area.   Gruy  is  an  international  petroleum
consulting  firm with offices in Houston and Dallas,  Texas.   Their
staff   includes  petroleum  engineers  and  geologic   consultants.
Services   they  provide  include  reserve  estimates,  fair   value
appraisals,   geologic   studies,  expert  witness   testimony   and
arbitration.   In  1997 the Company paid Gruy approximately  $68,400
in  fees  for  reserve  report valuations and  other  services.   No
instructions  were  given and no limitations  were  imposed  by  the
Company  on  the  scope of or methodology to be  used  in  preparing
the reserve estimates.

Offices
- -------

      On  March  31,  1997,  the Company sold  its  office  building
located   at   110  Rue  Jean  Lafitte,  Lafayette,  Louisiana   for
$900,000.   On the same day, the Company entered into a  lease  with
the  purchaser  for one floor (approximately 9,500 square  feet)  of
the  two-story building for a term of 22 months with  an  option  to
extend  for  an  additional eight-month period, at a monthly  rental
of  $7,500  for  the first 21 months and $6,039 for the  last  month
(which  is  offset against mortgage payments due from the new  owner
of  the  building).   The  outstanding  balance  of  the  underlying
mortgage  was  repaid  in full upon the sale  of  the  building.  In
March  1998,  the  Company  entered into a lease  for  approximately
3,400  square  feet  of office space located  at  5487  San  Felipe,
Suite  2110  in  Houston,  Texas.  The lease  expires  December  31,
2000 and has a monthly rental of $4,932.

Litigation
- ----------

      During  December  1993, the Company and  two  of  its  wholly-
owned  subsidiaries,  XCL-Texas, Inc. and  XCL  Acquisitions,  Inc.,
were   sued   in   separate  lawsuits  entitled   Ralph   Slaughter,
Secretary  of  the  Department of Revenue  and  Taxation,  State  of
Louisiana  versus The Exploration Company of Louisiana,  Inc.  (15th
Judicial  District, Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana, Docket  No.  93-
5449);  Ralph  Slaughter,  Secretary of the  Department  of  Revenue
and  Taxation,  State  of  Louisiana versus XCL-Texas,  Incorporated
(15th  Judicial  District,  Parish of Lafayette,  Louisiana,  Docket
No.   93-5450);  and  Ralph  Slaughter,  Secretary,  Department   of
Revenue  and  Taxation  vs. XCL Acquisitions,  Inc.  (15th  Judicial
District,  Parish of Lafayette, Louisiana, Docket  No.  93-5337)  by
the  Louisiana  Department of Revenue for Louisiana State  corporate
franchise  and income taxes for the 1987 through 1991  fiscal  years
in  an  aggregate  amount (including penalties and interest  through
September   1,  1993)  of  approximately  $2.2  million.   Statutory
interest  at  the  rate  of  15% per annum  on  the  principal  will
continue   to  accrue  from  September  1,  1993  until  paid.   The
Louisiana   Department  of  Revenue  has  also  assessed  additional
Louisiana  State  franchise  tax  against  the  Company  and/or  XCL
Acquisitions,  Inc.  for  the  tax  years  1991  through  1996   and
additional  income tax against XCL Acquisitions, Inc.  for  the  tax
years  1991  and 1995 on the same basis as those set  forth  in  the
lawsuits.    The  Company  protested  the  assessments   and   small
adjustments   were  made  by  the  Department   of   Revenue.    The
additional  income tax assessment for the 1991 and  1995  tax  years
is  $89,688  and  the  additional franchise tax assessment  for  the
tax  years  1991  through  1996 totals $1.6 million  plus  statutory
interest  of  15%  per  annum  from the  due  date  until  paid  and
penalties  not  to  exceed 25% of the total  tax  due.  The  Company
believes  that these assessments have been adequately  provided  for
in  the  consolidated financial statements.  The Company  has  filed
answers  to  each  of  these  suits  and  intends  to  defend   them
vigorously.   The  Company  intends  to  continue  to  protest   the
assessments.   The   Company  believes  that  it   has   meritorious
defenses and has instructed its counsel to contest these claims.

      On  July  26,  1996,  three lawsuits were filed  against  XCL-
Texas,  Inc.,  a  wholly-owned subsidiary of the  Company,  entitled
Stroman  Ranch  Company  Ltd.,  el al.  v.  XCL-Texas,  Inc.  (229th
Judicial  District, Jim Hogg County, Texas, Cause No.  4550),  Frank
Armstrong,  et  al.  v.  XCL-Texas, Inc. (229th  Judicial  District,
Jim   Hogg  County,  Texas,  Cause  No.  4551),  and  Stroman  Ranch
Company  Ltd.,  et al. v. XCL-Texas, Inc. (229th Judicial  District,
Jim  Hogg  County,  Texas,  Cause No. 4552).   The  lawsuits  allege
various  claims,  including a claim that one  of  the  oil  and  gas
leases  in  the  Berry  R.  Cox  Field  should  be  terminated.  The
Company  believes  the  claims  made in  the  lawsuits  are  without
merit  and  intends to vigorously defend itself.  The lawsuits  have
prevented the Company from selling its interest in the Cox Field.

      In  July  1997,  China Investment and Development  Corporation
("CIDC"),  holders  of the Company's Series B Preferred  Stock  sued
the  Company  and each of its directors in an action entitled  China
Investment  and  Development Corporation vs. XCL  Ltd.;  Marsden  W.
Miller,  Jr.;  John  T.  Chandler; David A. Melman;  Fred  Hofheinz;
Arthur   W.   Hummel,  Jr.;  Michael  Palliser;   and   Francis   J.
Reinhardt,  Jr. (Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware  in  and
for  New  Castle  County,  Civil Action  No.  15783-NC).   The  suit
alleged  breach  of  (i)  contract, (ii)  corporate  charter,  (iii)
good  faith  and fair dealing and (iv) fiduciary duty  with  respect
to  the  alleged  failure of the Company to redeem CIDC's  Series  B
Preferred  shares  for  a  claimed  aggregate  redemption  price  of
approximately  $5.0  million.   Effective  December  31,  1997,  the
Company  and  CIDC  entered  into an  interim  settlement  agreement
pursuant  to  which the Company paid CIDC $1 million  as  a  deposit
in   anticipation  of  a  final  settlement  and  dismissal  of  the
lawsuit.   On  March 3, 1998, the final settlement took  place  and,
shortly  thereafter, the deposit was returned to XCL.  On  March  9,
1998, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice.

      Other  than  as disclosed above, as of the date hereof,  there
are  no  material  pending legal proceedings  to  which  either  the
Company  or  any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which  any  of
their  properties  are subject which would have a  material  adverse
effect  on  the business or properties of the Company,  taken  as  a
whole.

                              MANAGEMENT

      Officers  of  the  Company and its wholly  owned  subsidiaries
serve  at  the pleasure of the Board of Directors and are  appointed
annually  at  the  meeting  of the Board  of  Directors  immediately
following   the  annual  meeting  of  shareholders.  The   following
individuals  were  officers and directors of  the  Company  and  its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Officer  Director
         Name                            Position                              Age    Since    Since
         ----                            --------                              ---    -----    -----
<S>                         <C>                                                 <C>    <C>      <C> 
Marsden W. Miller, Jr.      Chairman of the Board and Chief
                            Executive Officer of the Company (1)                56     1981     1981
John T. Chandler            Vice Chairman of the Board of the
                            Company and Chairman and Chief 
                            Executive Officer of XCL-China Ltd. (1)(4)          65     1982     1983
Danny M. Dobbs              President and Chief Operating Officer of
                            the Company and President of XCL-China Ltd. (4)     52     1991      --
Benjamin B. Blanchet        Executive Vice President and
                            Director of the Company (1)                         45     1997     1997
Steven B.Toon               Chief Financial Officer of the Company
                                                                                49     1997      --
Richard K. Kennedy          Vice President of Engineering of the
                            Company                                             44     1989      --
R. Carter Cline             Vice President-Land of the Company
                                                                                49     1990      --
Herbert F. Hamilton         Executive Vice President Operations,
                            XCL-China Ltd.(4)                                   61     1995      --
John H. Haslam              Treasurer of the Company                            56     1996      --
Lisha C. Falk               Secretary of the Company                            36     1997      --
Fred Hofheinz               Director of the Company, Attorney at
                            Law (2)(3)                                          59     --       1991
Arthur W. Hummel, Jr.       Director of the Company,
                            Independent Consultant (2)(3)                       77     --       1994
Sir Michael Palliser        Director of the Company,
                            Independent Consultant (2)(3)                       75     --       1994
Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.   Director of the Company,
                            Partner in Carl H. Pforzheimer & Co.(2)(3)          68     --       1992
R. Thomas Fetters, Jr..     Director of the Company,
                            Independent Consultant (2)(3)                       58     --       1997
</TABLE>
_______________

(1)      Member  of  the  Executive Committee.   The  Committee  met
     once   during   1997   and,  subject   to   certain   statutory
     limitations  on  its authority, has all of the  powers  of  the
     Board  of  Directors while the Board is not in session,  except
     the  power  to  declare dividends, make and alter Bylaws,  fill
     vacancies  on the Board or the Executive Committee,  or  change
     the membership of the Executive Committee.

(2)      Member  of  the Compensation Committee.  The Committee  met
     once  in  1997.   It  is  charged with  the  responsibility  of
     administering  and  interpreting  the  Company's  stock  option
     plans;          it          also         recommends          to
     the  Board the compensation of employee-directors, approves the
     compensation  of  other  executives  and  recommends   policies
     dealing with compensation and personnel engagements.

(3)      Member  of the Audit Committee.  The Committee met once  in
     1997.   It  reviews with the independent auditors  the  general
     scope  of  audit coverage.  Such review includes  consideration
     of  the  Company's accounting practices, procedures and  system
     of   internal   accounting  controls.    The   Committee   also
     recommends  to  the  Board  the appointment  of  the  Company's
     independent  auditors,  and  at least  annually  the  Committee
     reviews  the  services performed and the fees  charged  by  the
     independent auditors engaged by the Company.

 (4)       XCL-China  Ltd.  is  an  International  Business  Company
     incorporated  under  the  laws of the British  Virgin  Islands,
     wholly  owned  by the Company, which manages the Company's  oil
     and gas operations in China.

      Under  the  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
as  amended,  and  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the  Company,  the
Board   Directors  is  divided  into  three  classes  of   directors
serving  staggered three-year terms, with one class  to  be  elected
at  each  annual  meeting of shareholders and to hold  office  until
the  end  of  their  term  and  until  their  successors  have  been
elected  and  qualified.   The  current  Class  I  directors,  whose
terms   of   office   expire   at  the  2000   annual   meeting   of
shareholders,  are Messrs. Arthur W. Hummel, Jr.,  Michael  Palliser
and  Benjamin  B.  Blanchet; the current Class II  directors,  whose
terms   of   office   expire   at  the  1998   annual   meeting   of
shareholders,  are  Messrs.  Marsden  W.  Miller,  Jr.,  R.   Thomas
Fetters,  Jr.  and Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.; and the current  Class
III  directors,  whose terms of office expire  at  the  1999  annual
meeting  of  shareholders, are Messrs. John  T.  Chandler  and  Fred
Hofheinz.   On April 7, 1998, Mr. Peter F. Ross was appointed  as  a
Class II director.

       The   Board   held  five  meetings  in  1997.   The   average
attendance  by  directors  at  these  meetings  was  100%,  and  all
directors  attended  100% of the Board and Committee  meetings  they
were scheduled to attend.

      Under  Delaware law and the Bylaws, incumbent  directors  have
the  power  to  fill  any  vacancies  on  the  Board  of  Directors,
however  occurring,  whether  by  an  increase  in  the  number   of
directors,   death,   resignation,   retirement,   disqualification,
removal  from  office  or otherwise.  Any director  elected  by  the
Board  to  fill  a vacancy would hold office for the unexpired  term
of  the  director  whose  place  has  been  filled  except  that   a
director  elected  to  fill a newly-created  directorship  resulting
from  an  increase  in the number of directors, whether  elected  by
the  Board  or shareholders, would hold office for the remainder  of
the   full  term  of  the  class  of  directors  in  which  the  new
directorship  was  created or the vacancy  occurred  and  until  his
successor  is  elected and qualified.  If the size of the  Board  is
increased,  the  additional  directors would  be  apportioned  among
the   three  classes  to  make  all  classes  as  nearly  equal   as
possible.

      The  holders  of  the  Amended Series A  Preferred  Stock  are
entitled  to  cast  the same number of votes (voting  together  with
the  Common  Stock  as a single class) as the number  of  shares  of
Common  Stock  issuable  upon conversion of  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock.

      The  holders  of  the  Amended Series B  Preferred  Stock  are
entitled  to  cast  50  votes per share (voting  together  with  the
Common Stock as a single class).

       There   are  no  arrangements  or  understandings  with   any
directors  pursuant to which they have been elected a  director  nor
are   there   any  family  relationships  among  any  directors   or
executive officers.

Biographical Information
- ------------------------

      MARSDEN  W.  MILLER, JR., Chairman, has been  Chief  Executive
Officer  and a director since the Company's incorporation  in  1981.
He  has  engaged  in the independent domestic and international  oil
business  since  1964 on an individual basis, as a  stockholder  and
officer  in  several  companies and as a  practicing  attorney.   In
addition  to  the  U.S. and China, he has been involved  in  various
aspects  of  the  oil  business in Southeast Asia,  Africa,  Europe,
South  America,  several  former Soviet Republics  and  Canada.  Mr.
Miller graduated from Louisiana State University in 1964.

      JOHN  T.  CHANDLER is Vice Chairman of the Board and  Chairman
and  Chief  Executive Officer of XCL-China.  He joined  the  Company
in  June  1982,  becoming a director in May 1983.  From  1976  until
he  joined  the Company he was the Managing Partner of the  Oil  and
Gas  Group  of GSA Equity, Inc., New York and director of  Executive
Monetary  Management, Inc., the parent company of GSA  Equity,  Inc.
From   1972  to  1976,  he  was  director  and  Vice  President   of
Exploration  and  Production  of  Westrans  Petroleum,  Inc.  and  a
director  of  a  number of its subsidiaries. During 1971  and  1972,
he  was  a  petroleum consultant and manager of the  oil  department
of  Den  norske Creditbank in Oslo, Norway.  Mr. Chandler  was  Vice
President  and  Manager of the Petroleum Department of  the  Deposit
Guaranty  National  Bank  in  Jackson,  Mississippi  from  1969   to
August  1971  and,  from  1967 to February  1969,  was  a  petroleum
engineer   first  for  First  National  City  Bank  (now  known   as
Citibank,  N.A.) and then The Bank of New York. From March  1963  to
July  1967,  he was employed by Ashland Oil and Refining Company  as
a  petroleum  engineer.   From  1959  to  1963,  he  held  the  same
position  with  United Producing Company, Inc., which  was  acquired
by Ashland Oil.

      Mr.  Chandler  graduated  from the Colorado  School  of  Mines
with  a  Professional  degree  in petroleum  engineering  and  is  a
Registered  Professional  Engineer in the  States  of  Colorado  and
Texas,  a  member  of the Society of Petroleum Evaluation  Engineers
and a member of AIME.

      DANNY  M.  DOBBS is the President and Chief Operating  Officer
of   the   Company   effective  December  17,  1997.    Mr.    Dobbs
previously  served as Executive Vice President and  Chief  Operating
Officer  of  the  Company  and  prior to  that  as  Vice  President-
Exploration  of  XCL Exploration & Production, Inc., a  wholly-owned
subsidiary  of  the Company, having joined the Company  in  1985  as
Senior  Exploration Geologist.  From 1981 to 1985 Mr.  Dobbs  was  a
consulting  geologist. From 1976 to 1981, he held  the  position  of
Exploration  Geologist  in the South Louisiana  District  for  Edwin
L.  Cox  in  Lafayette, Louisiana.  He served  in  various  geologic
positions  with  Texaco,  Inc.  from 1971 to  1976,  his  experience
encompassing  management,  structural  and  stratigraphic   mapping,
coordination   of  seismic  programs  and  budget   evaluation   and
preparation.   Mr.  Dobbs holds B.S.  and M.S.  degrees  in  geology
from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

       BENJAMIN   B.  BLANCHET  is  Executive  Vice  President   and
director  of  the Company.  Prior to joining the Company  in  August
1997,  and  since 1983, he was a partner in the law firm of  Gordon,
Arata,  McCollam  &  Duplantis, L.L.P. in its  Lafayette,  Louisiana
office.    During  that  time,  he  practiced  in   the   areas   of
commercial  litigation,  corporate  mergers  and  acquisitions,  oil
and  gas  transactions,  secured  financings,  securities,  tax  and
international   law   matters.   Since   1985,   he   has   provided
substantial  legal  services  to  the  Company,  and  has  been  the
Company's   lead  attorney  in  China.   During  that  period,   Mr.
Blanchet's  activities  in  the  Company's  China  operations   have
become  more  oriented  to  management responsibilities  than  legal
ones.   He  served  on the Management Committee  of  Gordon,  Arata,
McCollam  &  Duplantis,  L.L.P.  from  1991  to  1997  and  as   the
Managing  Partner  of  the  firm for four years  from  1992  through
1995.   He  practiced law with the firm of Monroe &  Lemann  in  New
Orleans  from  1978 through 1983.  He is a member of  the  Louisiana
Bar  and  admitted to practice before the United States  Tax  Court.
Mr.  Blanchet  holds a B.A. degree, with highest  distinction,  from
the  University  of Southwestern Louisiana and a  J.D.,  cum  laude,
from Harvard Law School.

      STEVEN  B.  TOON  has  been  Chief Financial  Officer  of  the
Company  since October 6, 1997.  Prior to joining the  Company,  Mr.
Toon  provided  consulting  services to the  Company,  beginning  in
June  1997.  Since  1995  he has engaged in  private  consulting/CPA
practice  with  various clients in the energy and  services  sectors
in  Houston.  During  the last six months  of  1994,  he  served  as
Chief   Financial  Officer  of  Xavier  Mines,  Ltd.  He  was  Chief
Financial  Officer of Lend Lease Trucks, Inc. prior to the  sale  of
its  assets  to  Ryder  System Inc. in  mid-1994.  From  1977  until
1992,  Mr.  Toon served as Vice President Finance and  Treasurer  of
United  Energy  Resources, Inc. and United Gas  Pipe  Line  Company.
From  1971  to  1977, he was a Vice President in Bank  of  America's
World  Banking  Division.  Mr. Toon holds a B.B.A. degree  from  the
University  of  Houston,  an  M.B.A. degree  from  California  State
University, Fullerton and is a certified public accountant.

      RICHARD  K.  KENNEDY  is  Vice President  of  Engineering  and
responsible  for  certain engineering aspects of the  Company's  oil
and  gas  operations.   From 1987, until he joined  the  Company  in
1989,  he  was  an operations engineer for Wintershall  Corporation.
From  1981  to  1986  he  was with Borden Energy,  originally  as  a
petroleum  engineer  and  later  as  regional  operations   manager.
From  1979  to  1981,  Mr. Kennedy was employed  with  Marathon  Oil
Company  as  a reservoir engineer, then as a drilling engineer.   He
was  employed  with  Shell Oil Company as a petroleum  engineer  and
reservoir  engineer from 1977 to 1979.  Mr. Kennedy  graduated  from
Louisiana   Tech  University  with  a  B.S.  degree   in   petroleum
engineering.   He  is  a  registered professional  engineer  in  the
State  of  Louisiana  and  a  member of  the  Society  of  Petroleum
Engineers.

      R.  CARTER  CLINE  is Vice President-Land, having  joined  the
Company  in  October 1990.  He has over 20 years of exploration  and
management  experience.  From 1982, until joining  the  Company,  he
was  employed  by  Pacific Enterprises Oil Company (USA),  successor
by  merger  to Sabine Corporation, as East Gulf Coast Regional  Land
Manager  in  Houston, Texas.  From 1979 to 1982, he served  as  Vice
President-Land   for  Dynamic  Exploration,  Inc.    in   Lafayette,
Louisiana.   From  1974  to 1979, he served  as  Region  Landman  in
Dallas  and  Division  Land Manager in Houston,  Texas,  for  Sabine
Corporation,  and  from  1971 to 1974  was  employed  by  Getty  Oil
Company  in Houston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana.   Mr.   Cline
holds  a  B.B.A.   degree  in  Petroleum Land  Management  from  the
University  of  Texas  at  Austin  and  is  a  Certified   Petroleum
Landman.

      HERBERT  F.  HAMILTON  is Vice President  Operations  of  XCL-
China,  having joined the Company in 1995.  Mr.  Hamilton  has  more
than   30   years  of  experience  in  the  fields  of  engineering,
construction,  construction  management  and  consulting  on   heavy
civil   works,   offshore   platforms,   submarine   pipelines   and
construction  equipment in over 35 countries.  From  1990  to  1993,
Mr.   Hamilton  served  as  Senior  Project  Manager  for  Earl  and
Wright  in  Houston,  Texas.   From  1993  to  1994,  he  served  as
President  and  a consultant to Planterra, Inc.  in  Houston,  Texas
and  from  1994  until  joining the Company he  was  an  independent
consultant.   Mr.  Hamilton  is a Registered  Professional  Engineer
and   holds   a   B.S.   in  Architectural  Engineering   from   the
University of Texas at Austin.

      JOHN  H.   HASLAM is Treasurer, having joined the  Company  in
1990.   From  1988  until joining the Company, he  was  employed  by
United  Gas  Pipeline  as Credit Manager.  From  1986  to  1988,  he
served  as  Director  of  Internal Audit for  TransAmerican  Natural
Gas  Corporation.   From 1981 to 1986 he was the Audit  Manager  for
ENSTAR  Corporation.  He was with Getty Oil from  1963  until  1981,
as  Audit  Manager  of Joint Venture Operations  and  various  other
accounting  positions.   Mr.   Haslam  holds  a  B.B.A.   degree  in
Marketing from Baylor University.

      LISHA  FALK is Corporate Secretary, having joined the  Company
in  1981.  Since joining the Company Ms. Falk has served in  various
administrative positions, most recently as Assistant Secretary.

       R.  THOMAS  FETTERS,  JR.  is  an  independent  oil  and  gas
consultant.   He  has over 25 years of exploration,  production  and
management  experience, both domestic and  foreign.   From  1995  to
1997  Mr.  Fetters  was  Senior  Vice President  of  Exploration  of
National  Energy  Group,  Inc., Dallas,  Texas,  and  from  February
1990,  until  September 1995, he was Vice President  of  Exploration
of  XCL  Ltd., and President of XCL-China Ltd.  During  1989,  until
joining  the  Company,  he served as Chairman  and  Chief  Executive
Officer  of  Independent Energy Corporation. From 1984 to  1989,  he
served  as  President and Chief Executive Officer of  CNG  Producing
Company  in  New  Orleans,  Louisiana, and  from  1983  to  1984  as
General   Manager  of  the  Planning  and  Technology  Division   of
Consolidated  Natural  Gas Service Co. in Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania.
From  1966  to 1983, he served in various positions, from  Geologist
to   Exploration   Manager,  with  several   divisions   of   Exxon,
primarily   in   the   Gulf   Coast   region   of   the   U.S.   and
internationally,  in  Malaysia  and Australia.   Mr.  Fetters  holds
B.S.   and   M.S.   degrees  in  geology  from  the  University   of
Tennessee.

      FRED  HOFHEINZ is an attorney at law in Houston, Texas.   From
1984   to   1987,   he   served  as  President  of   Energy   Assets
International  Corporation,  a  fund  management  company,   now   a
subsidiary  of  Torch Energy Advisors, serving as  a  consultant  to
Torch  Energy Advisors until 1989. Mr. Hofheinz also served  as  the
Mayor  of  Houston,  Texas from 1974 to 1978.  He,  along  with  his
family,  developed the Astrodome in Houston, and owned  the  Houston
Astros  baseball  team  until 1974. He is founder  and  director  of
United  Kiev  Resources,  Inc., an oil and  gas  production  company
operating  in  the  Republic  of the Ukraine  in  the  name  of  its
wholly-owned   subsidiary,   Carpatsky   Petroleum   Company.    Mr.
Hofheinz  earned  a  Ph.D. degree in Economics from  the  University
of  Texas  and  his law degree from the University of  Houston.   He
was  appointed  as a director by the Board at a meeting  held  March
21, 1991.

      ARTHUR  W.  HUMMEL, JR., a director since April 1994,  is  the
former  U.S.  Ambassador to the People's Republic  of  China  during
the  period  1981  to  1985.   Since his 1985  retirement  from  the
State  Department,  after 35 years of service, he  has  been  active
in   consulting  with  firms  doing  business  in  East  Asia,   and
participating  in  academic and scholarly conferences  in  the  U.S.
and  in  the East Asia region.  He is a member and trustee  of  many
academic,  business,  and  philanthropic organizations  involved  in
international affairs.

      Mr.  Hummel  was born in China.  After education in  the  U.S.
he  returned  to  China  prior to Pearl  Harbor.   Interned  by  the
Japanese,  he  escaped  and  fought with Chinese  guerrillas  behind
the Japanese lines in north China until the end of the war.

      He  obtained an M.A. (Phi Beta Kappa) in Chinese studies  from
the   University   of  Chicago  in  1949,  and  joined   the   State
Department  in  1950.   His early foreign assignments  include  Hong
Kong,  Japan  and  Burma.  He was Deputy Director of  the  Voice  of
America  in  1961-1963;  Deputy Chief of  Mission  of  the  American
Embassy  in  Taiwan,  1965-1968;  Ambassador  to  Burma,  1968-1970;
Ambassador  to  Ethiopia, 1975-1976; Ambassador to  Pakistan,  1977-
1981;  and  Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China,  1981-1985.
He  was  Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia  1976-1977.   He
has  received numerous professional awards from within  and  outside
the Government.

      SIR  MICHAEL PALLISER, a director since April 1994,  was  from
1984  to  1993 Chairman of Samuel Montagu & Co. Limited, the  London
merchant  bank  which was owned by Midland Bank,  of  which  he  was
Deputy  Chairman  from 1987 to 1991, and which is now  part  of  the
Hong  Kong  &  Shanghai Banking Corporation.  He was  Vice  Chairman
of  Samuel  Montagu  from 1993 to 1996. He is a former  Director  of
BAT Industries, Bookers, Eagle Star, Shell and United Biscuits.

      In  1947, he joined the British Diplomatic Service and  served
in  a  variety of overseas and Foreign Office posts before  becoming
head  of the Planning Staff in 1964-1966, Private Secretary  to  the
Prime  Minister,  1966-1969, Minister  in  the  British  Embassy  in
Paris,   1969-1971,  and  the  British  Ambassador   and   Permanent
Representative  to the European Communities in Brussels  from  1971-
1975.   He  was,  from 1975 until his retirement in 1982,  Permanent
Under-Secretary  of  State in the Foreign and  Commonwealth  Office,
and  Head  of the Diplomatic Service.  From April to July  1982,  he
was  a  special adviser to the Prime Minister in the Cabinet  Office
during  the Falklands War.  He was appointed a Member of  the  Privy
Council   in  1983.   Effective  December  31,  1995,  Mr.  Palliser
resigned  as  President  of  the China-Britain  Trade  Group  and  a
director  of  the  UK-Japan 2000 Group, and effective  February  29,
1996,  he  resigned as Deputy Chairman of British  Invisibles.   Mr.
Palliser  is  a  former  member  of  the  Trilateral  Commission,  a
director  of  the  Royal National Theatre. He is currently  Chairman
of  the  Major Projects Association, designed to assist in  and  for
the  handling  of  major  industrial projects.   Mr.  Palliser  also
serves  as  Vice-Chairman  of the Salzburg  Seminar,  a  center  for
intellectual  exchange  based  in  Middlebury,  Vermont,  with   its
conference center in Salzburg, Austria.

      Sir  Michael Palliser was educated at Wellington  College  and
Merton  College,  Oxford.  He saw wartime  service  in  the  British
Army with the Coldstream Guards.

      FRANCIS  J.  REINHARDT,  JR., is a partner  in  the  New  York
investment  banking  firm  of  Carl  H.  Pforzheimer  &   Co.    Mr.
Reinhardt  has  been a partner in the firm for  over  30  years  and
has  held  various  positions, specializing in independent  oil  and
gas     securities,    mergers    and    acquisitions,    placements
participation  and institutional sales since 1956.   Mr.   Reinhardt
holds  a  B.S.   degree from Seton Hall University and received  his
M.B.A.   from  New York University.  Mr.  Reinhardt is a  member  of
the  New  York  Society of Security Analysts, a member  of  and  has
previously  served  as president of the Oil Analysts  Group  of  New
York,  a  member  and past president of the National Association  of
Petroleum   Investment  Analysts  and  a  member  of  the  Petroleum
Exploration  Society of New York.  Mr. Reinhardt also  serves  as  a
director   of   Mallon  Resources  Corporation,  a   Nasdaq   traded
petroleum  and  mining  company, as well as several  privately  held
companies.   Mr.   Reinhardt was appointed  as  a  director  of  the
Company at a Board meeting held December 11, 1992.

      PETER  F.  ROSS, fifty-nine years old, was appointed  Chairman
of  Dawnay Day Capital Markets in March 1998.  Dawnay Day &  Co.  is
a  London  based private investment banking firm.  Mr. Ross  retired
as  Chairman  of  Henderson  Crosthwaite  Institutional  Brokers  on
December  31, 1996, after holding that position since  1987.   Under
Mr.  Ross'  term as Chairman, Henderson Crosthwaite  became  one  of
the   leading  firms  in  London  in  the  area  of  oil   and   gas
placements.    From   1977  to  1986  he  was  head   of   Henderson
Crosthwaite's   institutional   sales   department,   with   special
responsibility   for   the   oil  and  gas   division,   until   its
acquisition by Guinness Mahon Bank in 1986.

      Mr.  Ross was commissioned into the British Army serving  with
the  5th  Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, his last posting  being
to  Libya  where  he  retired  and set  up  an  industrial  services
business.   Following the Islamic Revolution in  1971,  he  returned
to  the  United Kingdom and joined London stockbrokers  Northcote  &
Co.   In  1974,  he  joined  George  Henderson  &  Co.,  becoming  a
partner  in  1975,  upon the merger with Fenn and Crosthwaite.   Mr.
Ross  was  appointed as a director of the Company at  a  meeting  of
the Board held April 7, 1998.

Executive Compensation
- ----------------------

      The  following  table  sets  forth information  regarding  the
total  compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and each  of  the
four  most  highly compensated executive officers of the Company  at
the  end  of  1997, as well as the total compensation paid  to  each
such  individual  for  the  Company's  two  previous  fiscal  years.
Each  of  the  named  individuals has  held  his  respective  office
throughout the entire fiscal year.

                            Summary Compensation Table

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Long Term Compensation
                                                                  -------------------------------------
                                         Annual Compensation             Awards             Payouts
                                        ------------------------  -------------------  ----------------
                                                            (1)       (2)       (3)
                                                           Other  Restricted
   Name and                                               Annual     Stock   Options/  LTIP   All Other
   Principal                            Salary    Bonus   Compen-    Awards    SARs   Payout  Compen-
   Position                    Year       ($)      ($)    sation (4)   (#)      (#)     ($)   sation ($)
   --------                    ----     ------    -----   -------- --------   ------- ------  ----------
<S>                            <C>      <C>         <C>       <C> <C>           <C>      <C>      <C>      
Marsden W. Miller, Jr.         1997     150,000     -         -   1,000,000     -        -        -
Chairman and                                                  -     110,000
  Chief Executive Officer      1996     150,000     -         -        -        -        -        -
                               1995     150,000     -         -        -        -        -        -

John T. Chandler (4)           1997     150,000     -         -     333,333  133,333     -        -
Vice Chairman; Chairman                                              20,000    5,000
  and Chief Executive          1996     150,000     -         -        -        -        -        -
  Officer of XCL-China, Ltd.   1995     150,000     -         -        -       8,000     -        -

Danny M. Dobbs                 1997     136,875     -         -        -     400,000     -        -
President and Chief                                                           25,000     
Operating Officer              1996     135,000     -         -        -       6,466     -        -
                               1995     116,250     -         -        -        -        -        -

Richard K. Kennedy             1997     112,500     -         -        -     266,666     -        -
Vice President                                                                 5,000                               
                               1996      75,000     -         -        -        -        -        -
                               1995      75,000     -         -        -        -        -        -

Herbert F. Hamilton            1997     144,000     -         -        -        -        -        -
Executive Vice President       1996     144,000     -         -        -        -        -        -
  Operations, XCL-China        1995      98,800     -         -        -      13,333     -        -
</TABLE>
_______________

 (1)      Excludes  the  cost  to the Company of other  compensation
     that,  with  respect  to any above named individual,  does  not
     exceed  the  lesser  of  $50,000 or 10%  of  such  individual's
     salary and bonus.

(2)      Represents  grants  of restricted stock  awards  under  the
     Long-Term  Stock  Incentive Plan as  amended  and  restated  in
     1997  (adjusted  as  to  Common Stock to  give  effect  to  the
     Reverse  Stock  Split).   The first line  under  1997  reflects
     restricted  stock  awards for shares of Common  Stock  and  the
     second  line  reflects restricted stock awards  for  shares  of
     Amended   Series   A   Preferred   Stock.    See   "Awards   to
     Management."

(3)      Represents  awards  of  stock  options  granted  under  the
     Company's  Long-Term  Stock  Incentive  Plan  as  amended   and
     restated  in  1997 (adjusted as to Common Stock to give  effect
     to  the  Reverse  Stock  Split).  The  first  line  under  1997
     reflects  non-qualified  stock options  for  shares  of  Common
     Stock   and  the  second  line  reflects  non-qualified   stock
     options  for  shares of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock.  See
     "Awards to Management."

(4)       XCL-China  Ltd.   is  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  the
     Company which manages the Company's operations in China.

(5)      Mr.   Hamilton  commenced employment with  the  Company  on
     April  24,  1995.   As part of his employment  package  he  was
     awarded  options  to  purchase 13,333 shares  of  Common  Stock
     (adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split).

Stock Options
- -------------

      The  Company currently maintains one stock option  plan  which
was  adopted  by shareholders in 1992 and was amended  and  restated
in  1997.  The  plan  is administered by the Compensation  Committee
and  provides  for  the granting of options to  purchase  shares  of
Common  Stock  to  key employees and directors of the  Company,  and
certain  other  persons who are not employees  of  the  Company  but
who   from  time  to  time  provide  substantial  advice  or   other
assistance or services to the Company.

      On  June  2,  1992, shareholders approved the Long-Term  Stock
Incentive  Plan  ("1992 LTSIP").  The 1992 LTSIP  was  adopted  with
the  view  of  conforming  the  Company's  prior  plans  to  certain
regulatory   changes  adopted  by  the  Commission   and   affording
holders  of  previously granted options the opportunity to  exchange
their  options  for  equivalent options under the  1992  LTSIP.   By
action  of  the  Board of Directors, effective  June  1,  1997,  the
1992  LTSIP  was  amended  and restated,  and  certain  awards  were
granted  thereunder, all subject to approval by  shareholders  which
was  secured  at  the Company's Special Meeting in  Lieu  of  Annual
Meeting of Shareholders held on December 17, 1997.

     1997 LTSIP Restatement
     ----------------------

       Nature  of  Awards.      The  1997  LTSIP  Restatement  makes
available  to  the  Compensation  Committee  the  power   to   grant
certain  awards  ("Awards")  to  acquire  shares  of  the  Company's
Preferred  Stock  as  well  as shares of Common  Stock.   In  common
with  the  1992  LTSIP, the 1997 LTSIP Restatement  makes  available
to  the  Compensation  Committee a number of  incentive  devices  in
addition  to  Incentive  Stock  Options  ("ISOs")  (which  are   not
available  with  respect to Preferred Stock) and Nonqualified  Stock
Options  ("NSOs"), including reload options ("ROs") (which  are  not
available  with  respect  to  Preferred  Stock),  restricted   stock
awards  ("RSAs"),  and  performance units  ("PUs")  or  appreciation
options  ("AOs") (which were not authorized under the  1992  LTSIP),
each   of   which  is  described  below  and  in  the   1997   LTSIP
Restatement.   NSOs to acquire Preferred Stock, a new  feature,  may
include  an  accrued  dividend  feature.  The  Board  believes  that
these  award  alternatives will enable the Committee to  tailor  the
type  of  compensation to be granted to key personnel to  meet  both
the   Company's  and  such  employee's  requirements  in  the   most
efficient manner possible.

      Number  of  Awards.      For  Common Stock  Awards,  the  1997
LTSIP  Restatement authorizes an aggregate of 4 million  shares  (as
adjusted   for  the  Reverse  Stock  Split)  of  Common  Stock   for
issuance  pursuant  to awards granted thereunder,  including  grants
to  non-employee  directors.  For Preferred Stock Awards,  the  1997
LTSIP  Restatement  authorizes an aggregate  of  200,000  shares  of
the  Company's  Amended  Series  A Preferred  Stock,  or  any  other
series  of  Preferred  Stock of the Company  as  designated  by  the
Committee with respect to an Award.

      Description  of  Awards.  As set forth  above,  and  like  the
1992   LTSIP,   the   1997   LTSIP   Restatement   authorizes    the
Compensation  Committee  to  grant  NSOs,  ISOs,  ROs   (i.e.,   the
granting  of  additional  options, where an  employee  exercises  an
option  with previously owned stock, covering the number  of  shares
tendered  as  part  of  the  exercise  price),  RSAs  (i.e.,   stock
awarded  to  an employee, subject to forfeiture in the  event  of  a
premature  termination  of employment, failure  of  the  Company  to
meet  certain  performance  objectives  or  other  conditions),  PUs
(i.e.,  share-denominated units credited to the  employee's  account
for   delivery   or  cash-out  at  some  future  date   based   upon
performance   criteria  to  be  determined   by   the   Compensation
Committee),  and  "tax-withholding" (i.e., where  the  employee  has
the  option  of  having the Company withhold shares on  exercise  of
an  award  to  satisfy  tax  withholding requirements).  AOs  (i.e.,
awards  in  which payments are based upon appreciation in shares  or
other  criteria  determined  by the Compensation  Committee)  are  a
new   feature   added  to  the  1992  LTSIP  by   the   1997   LTSIP
Restatement.

      Outside  Director  Awards.  The 1997  LTSIP  Restatement  also
authorizes  the  Board  to  grant Awards to  non-employee  directors
and  to  set  the terms and conditions of such Awards,  without  the
restrictions  previously  set forth in the  1992  LTSIP  which  were
required by certain federal securities law rules since abolished.

      Administration  of Plan.  In keeping with  the  provisions  of
the   1992   LTSIP,   the   Compensation  Committee   will   develop
administration  guidelines  from time  to  time  which  will  define
specific   eligibility  criteria,  the  types  of   awards   to   be
employed,  whether such awards relate to Common Stock  or  Preferred
Stock,  and  the  value  of such awards.   Specific  terms  of  each
Award  will  be  provided  in individual  Award  agreements  granted
each  Award recipient.  Key employees and other individuals  who  in
the  judgment  of the Committee may provide a valuable  contribution
to   the  success  of  the  Company  and  its  affiliates  will   be
eligible.   The  Committee  may establish  different  general  Award
eligibility  criteria  for Awards involving  Preferred  Stock  which
may   require  a  higher  level  of  management  responsibility  and
authority.

      Change  in  Control  Provisions.  The 1997  LTSIP  Restatement
contains   change-in-control  provisions  which  provide  that   the
threshold  for  determining if a "change  in  control  of  XCL"  has
occurred  as  a  result  of  a person or  entity  acquiring  Company
stock   has  been  lowered  from   30%  to  20%  (disregarding   the
acquisition   of   such  stock  by  certain  shareholders   of   the
Company).   The  1997  LTSIP Restatement retains  the  1992  LTSIP's
provisions  pursuant to which a "change in control of XCL"  will  be
deemed  to  occur  as  a  result  of  certain  contested  Board   of
Director  elections.   If  a   "change in  control  of  XCL"  occurs
pursuant  to  the  provisions described above, ISOs  and  NSOs  then
outstanding   will  become  exercisable  in  full,  the   forfeiture
restrictions  on any RSAs to the extent then applicable  will  lapse
and  amounts  payable with respect to PUs and AOs  then  outstanding
will  become  payable  in full.  Also, under  certain  Awards   made
under  the  1997  LTSIP  Restatement  (see  discussion  below)   the
occurrence  of  a  "change  in control of XCL"  could  obligate  the
Company  with respect to making payments with respect to  Awards  in
cash  rather  than  in  kind,  or  in  obligating  the  Company   to
repurchase  individuals' shares of Common Stock or  Preferred  Stock
received  under  certain  1997  LTSIP  Restatement  Awards.    Under
certain  circumstances  which  are  unforeseen  at  this  time,  the
existence  of  the  change  in control protections  for  individuals
receiving  Awards  under  the 1997 LTSIP Restatement  and  resulting
obligations  to  the  Company  may  impede  the  consummation  of  a
change in control of the Company.

      Option  Exercise  Price.   Under the 1997  LTSIP  Restatement,
the  Compensation  Committee shall determine  the  option  price  of
all  NSOs  and  ISOs; provided, however, in the case  of  ISOs,  the
option  price  shall not be less than the fair market value  of  the
Common  Stock  on  the date of grant.  Such "fair market  value"  is
the  average  of  the high and low prices of a share  of  Common  or
Preferred  Stock  traded on the relevant date, as  reported  on  the
Exchange,  or  other national securities exchange, or  an  automated
quotation  system,  or  pursuant to a good  faith  determination  by
the Board of Directors, if not so traded in a public market.

      The  1997  LTSIP Restatement does not extend the term  of  the
1992   LTSIP  and,  therefore,  the  1997  LTSIP  Restatement   will
terminate  (and  no  further  awards  thereunder  will  be   granted
after)  June 2, 2002.  In view of the fact that there is  no  public
market  for  the Amended Series A Preferred Stock, the  fair  market
value  of  the  Amended  Series A Preferred Stock  on  November  10,
1997,  determined  in  good faith by the Board  of  Directors  based
upon  the  last  bid price of the Amended Series A  Preferred  Stock
in  the  PORTAL  Market,  as reported to the Company  by  Jefferies,
was $80.00 per share.

Awards to Management
- --------------------

      On  June  5,  1997, the Board made certain  Awards  under  the
1997   LTSIP  Restatement.   These  Awards  were  approved  by   the
shareholders  of  the  Company in connection with  the  approval  of
the  1997  LTSIP  Restatement voted on at  the  Special  Meeting  of
Shareholders.

      Effective  June  1,  1997, M. W. Miller, Jr.  was  granted  an
Appreciation  Option with respect to appreciation in  the  Company's
total  market  capitalization (as defined) from and  after  June  1,
1997.   See "Appreciation Option for M.W. Miller, Jr." below  for  a
more detailed discussion of such grant.

      The  closing price of the Company's Common Stock on  the  AMEX
on   a  recent  date  is  set  forth  on  the  cover  page  of  this
Prospectus.

      The  following  tables set forth, for those persons  named  in
the  "Summary  Compensation  Table," information  on  stock  options
granted  during  1997  and  all  stock  options  outstanding  as  of
December  31,  1997,  adjusted to reflect the Reverse  Stock  Split.
The  closing  price  on  the AMEX on June 2,  1997  for  the  Common
Stock  was  $0.21875  (which price is not adjusted  to  reflect  the
Reverse  Stock  Split), and the fair market  value  of  the  Amended
Series  A  Preferred Stock, based upon last sales price  information
in  the  Private  Offering,  Resales and Trading  through  Automated
Linkage   ("PORTAL")   Market  of  the   National   Association   of
Securities  Dealers, Inc. as supplied by Jefferies,  was  $85.00  on
June  2,  1997.  Mr. Miller's Appreciation Option (described  below)
is not included because of the indeterminate nature of the Award.

                        Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Potential Realizable Value
                                                                                    at Assumed Annual Rates
                                                                                  of Stock Price Appreciation
                                              Individual Grants                           for Option Term
                      ----------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------
        (a)               (b)           (c)              (d)             (e)         (f)     (g)         (h)
                                     % of Total
                                      Options/
                                        SARs
                                     Granted to
                       Options/     Employees in     Exercise or
                         SARs           Fiscal        Base Price     Expiration
       Name           Granted (#)        Year         ($/Share)         Date      0% ($)     5% ($)     10% ($)
       ----           -----------   ------------     ------------    -----------  -------    ------     -------

<S>                      <C>             <C>            <C>         <C>              <C>   <C>           <C>
M.W. Miller, Jr. (1)     110,000 *       64.7           85.00       June 1, 2007     -     5,880,165     33,601,492

J.T. Chandler (2)        133,333 +        6.7            3.75       June 1, 2007     -       212,641      1,634,758
                           5,000 *        2.9           85.00       June 1, 2007     -       267,280      1,527,341

D.M. Dobbs (3)           400,000 +       20.0            3.75       June 1, 2007     -       637,924      4,904,287
                          25,000 *       14.7           85.00       June 1, 2007     -     1,336,401      7,636,703

R.K. Kennedy (4)         266,666 +       13.3            3.75       June 1, 2007     -       425,282      3,269,516
                           5,000 *        2.9           85.00       June 1, 2007     -       267,280      1,527,341

H.F. Hamilton                  -           -              -                -         -           -             -

</TABLE>
* Amended Series A Preferred Stock.
+ Common Stock.
_______________

      (1)      Effective  June  1,  1997,  M.  W.  Miller,  Jr.  was
granted  an  NSO  to  purchase 110,000 shares of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock  for an option exercise price of $85.00  per  share
(aggregate   purchase   price   of   $9,350,000).    Such   NSO   is
exercisable  as follows:  as to 27,500 shares on June  1,  2000;  as
to  66,000 shares on June 1, 2001, and as to 16,500 shares  on  June
1,  2002.  Mr.  Miller's NSO will expire on  June  1,  2007  or,  if
earlier,  the date his employment is terminated by the  Company  for
cause   or   the  date  he  voluntarily  terminates  his  employment
without good reason.

      (2)      Effective June 1, 1997, John T. Chandler was  granted
an  NSO  to  purchase 133,333 shares of Common Stock  (adjusted  for
the  Reverse  Stock  Split) for an option exercise  price  (adjusted
for   the  Reverse  Stock  Split)  of  $3.75  per  share  (aggregate
purchase  price  of approximately $500,000) and an NSO  to  purchase
5,000  shares  of  Amended Series A Preferred Stock  for  an  option
exercise  price  of  $85.00 per share (aggregate purchase  price  of
$425,000).   Such Common Stock NSO is exercisable  as  follows:   as
to  44,445  shares on June 1, 1999; as to 44,444 shares on  June  1,
2000,  and  as  to  44,444  shares on June  1,  2001.  Such  Amended
Series  A  Preferred Stock NSO is exercisable  as  follows:   as  to
1,250  shares on June 1, 2000; as to 1,750 shares on June  1,  2001;
and  as  to  2,000  shares on June 1, 2002.  Mr.  Chandler's  Common
Stock  NSO  and his Amended Series A Preferred Stock NSO  will  each
expire  on  June 1, 2007 or, if earlier, the date his employment  is
terminated  by  the  Company for cause or the  date  he  voluntarily
terminates his employment without good reason.

      (3)      Effective  June 1, 1997, Danny M. Dobbs  was  granted
an  NSO  to  purchase 400,000 shares of Common Stock  (adjusted  for
the  Reverse  Stock  Split) for an option exercise  price  (adjusted
for   the  Reverse  Stock  Split)  of  $3.75  per  share  (aggregate
purchase  price  of  $1,500,000)  and  an  NSO  to  purchase  25,000
shares  of  Amended Series A Preferred Stock for an option  exercise
price   of   $85.00   per  share  (aggregate   purchase   price   of
$2,125,000).   Such  Common  Stock NSO is  exercisable  as  follows:
as  to  133,334  shares  on June 1, 1999; as to  133,333  shares  on
June  1,  2000;  and  as to 133,333 shares on  June  1,  2001.  Such
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock NSO is exercisable  as  follows:
as  to  6,250 shares on June 1, 2000; as to 8,750 shares on June  1,
2001;  and  as  to 10,000 shares on June 1, 2002. Mr. Dobbs'  Common
Stock  NSO  and his Amended Series A Preferred Stock NSO  will  each
expire  on  June 1, 2007 or, if earlier, the date his employment  is
terminated  by  the  Company for cause or the  date  he  voluntarily
terminates his employment without good reason.

      (4)      Effective  June  1,  1997, Mr.  Richard  Kennedy  was
granted   an  NSO  to  purchase  266,666  shares  of  Common   Stock
(adjusted  for  the  Reverse  Stock  Split)  at  an  exercise  price
(adjusted   for  the  Reverse  Stock  Split)  of  $3.75  per   share
(aggregate  purchase  price  of approximately  $1,000,000),  and  an
NSO  to  purchase  5,000 shares of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock
at  an  exercise  price  of  $85.00 per  share  (aggregate  purchase
price  of  $425,000).  Such  Common  Stock  NSO  is  exercisable  as
follows:   as  to  88,890  shares on June  1,  1999;  as  to  88,888
shares  on  June 1, 2000; and as to 88,888 shares on June  1,  2001.
Mr.  Kennedy's Common Stock NSO will expire on June 1, 2007  or,  if
earlier,  the date his employment is terminated by the  Company  for
cause   or   the  date  he  voluntarily  terminates  his  employment
without  good  reason.  Such Amended Series A  Preferred  Stock  NSO
is  exercisable  as follows:  as to 1,250 shares on  June  1,  2000;
as  to  1,750  shares  on June 1, 2001; and as to  3,000  shares  on
June  1,  2002. Mr. Kennedy's Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  NSO
will  expire  on  August  1,  2007 or,  if  earlier,  the  date  his
employment  is terminated by the Company for cause or  the  date  he
voluntarily terminates his employment without good reason.

            Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
                    and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        (a)               (b)         (c)                 (d)                      (e)
                        Shares                   Number of Securities       Value of Unexercised
                       Acquired                 Underlying Unexercised        in-the-Money
                          on         Value          Options/SARs at          Options/SARs at
                       Exercise     Realized       Fiscal Year-End (#)     Fiscal Year-End ($)(3)     
       Name              (#)           ($)    Exercisable   Unexercisable  Exercisable   Unexercisable
       ----            --------     --------  -----------   -------------  -----------   -------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>   <C>              <C>               <C>          <C>
Marsden W. Miller, Jr.     -            -     334,994 (1)          -             -            -
                           -            -           - (2)      110,000 (2)       -            -
                                              160,000 (3)          -             -            -

John T. Chandler           -            -      75,330 (1)      133,333 (1)       -         558,332
                           -            -           - (2)        5,000 (2)       -            -
                                               74,999 (3)          -             -            -

Richard K. Kennedy         -            -      16,629 (1)      266,666 (1)       -        1,116,664
                           -            -           - (2)        5,000 (2)       -            -

Danny M. Dobbs             -            -      22,653 (1)      402,155 (1)       -        1,675,000
                           -            -           - (2)       25,000 (2)       -            -
                                               38,799 (3)          -             -            -

Herbert F. Hamilton        -            -      13,332 (1)          -             -            -
</TABLE>
______________

(1)      Represents  options  to  purchase shares  of  Common  Stock
     exercisable   under  the  Company's  stock  option   plans   at
     December  31,  1997 (as adjusted to reflect the  Reverse  Stock
     Split).

(2)      Represents options to purchase shares of Amended  Series  A
     Preferred  Stock  exercisable under the  Company's  1997  LTSIP
     Restatement at December 31, 1997.

(3)       Represents   the  aggregate  number  of  five-year   stock
     purchase   warrants,  received  (a)  upon   surrender   of   an
     employment  agreement with the Company, determined  based  upon
     a  formula   whereby each of the individuals was to be  offered
     a  warrant,  based upon the length of time of  employment  with
     the  Company, for a maximum of two shares of Common  Stock  for
     each  dollar  of  compensation remaining to  be  paid  to  such
     individual  under  his agreement (based  upon  the  product  of
     his  highest  monthly  base salary and  the  number  of  months
     remaining  under  his  contract),  at  an  exercise  price   of
     $18.75   per  share,  and  (b)  for  each  dollar   of   salary
     reduction  for the 15-month period commencing January  1,  1993
     through  March  31, 1994, as based on the same formula  and  at
     the  same  exercise  price  used in the  granting  of  warrants
     upon  surrender  of  employment  agreements.   See  "Employment
     Agreements;  Termination  of Employment  and  Change-in-Control
     Arrangements" below.

(4)      At  December  31,  1997, the Company's Common  Stock  price
     was  lower  than the option and/or warrant exercise prices  (as
     adjusted   to  reflect  the  Reverse  Stock  Split)  with   the
     exception of options granted effective June 1, 1997.

(5)      At  December  31,  1997,  the Company's  Amended  Series  A
     Preferred  Stock  price  was  equal  to  the  option   exercise
     price.

           These options were all awarded under the Company's  stock
option  plans  or  the exchange of stock purchase warrants  for  the
surrender  of  employment agreements, all  of  which  are  described
above.

     Appreciation Option for M.W. Miller, Jr.
     ----------------------------------------

      Pursuant  to  the 1997 LTSIP Restatement, the  Board  approved
an  Appreciation  Option for M. W. Miller, Jr., which  was  approved
by  shareholders  at the December 17, 1997 Special  Meeting  of  the
Shareholders.   The  Board determined that the  Appreciation  Option
to  M.  W. Miller, Jr. was in the best interests of the Company  and
its  shareholders, and is required in order to retain  the  services
of   Mr.  Miller,  who  has  been  instrumental  in  developing  the
Company's  China  activities  and  in  successfully  concluding  the
Company's  Offerings.  The Appreciation Option  would  also  provide
Mr.  Miller with additional incentive to increase the value  of  the
Company  based  upon  its  market capitalization,  thereby  directly
benefiting  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  by  increasing  the
value of their investments in the Company.

                    Long-Term Incentive Plans
                   Awards in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Estimated Future Payouts
                                                          Under Non-Stock Price Based Plans
                                                          ----------------------------------   
         (a)             (b)              (c)               (d)           (e)         (f)
                                     Performance or
                     Number of         Other Period
                   Shares, Units     Until Maturation     Threshold     Target     Maximum
         Name     or Other Rights        or Payout         ($ or #)     ($ or #)   ($ or #)
         ----     ---------------    ----------------      --------     --------   --------

<S>                        <C>              <C>               <C>           <C>        <C>
Marsden W. Miller, Jr.     (1)              (1)               (1)           (1)        (1)
</TABLE>
____________

(1)      The  Appreciation  Option  Agreement  provides  Mr.  Miller
with  the  right,  upon  his  payment  of  the  Exercise  Price  (as
defined  below), to additional compensation (payable in cash  or  in
shares   of  Common  Stock  or  Preferred  Stock  or  a  combination
thereof,  as  elected  by  the  Company)  based  upon  5%   of   the
difference  between the market capitalization of the Company  as  of
June  1,  1997  and the market capitalization of the Company  as  of
the  date  that Mr. Miller exercises the Appreciation  Option.   For
purposes   of   the   Appreciation  Option,  the  Company's   market
capitalization  is  the  total fair market value  of  the  Company's
outstanding   shares   of   Common  Stock,   Preferred   Stock   and
outstanding  options  and warrants. In general,  fair  market  value
is  determined  based on the trading price of marketable  securities
and  by  the  Board  of Directors as to the fair  market  value  for
securities  for  which there is no ready market. Fair  market  value
as  of  the  date of exercise of the Option is based on the  average
fair  market  value of the 30-day period immediately  preceding  the
date  of  the  Appreciation Option exercise.  On June  1,  1997  and
December  31,  1997,  the  aggregate market  capitalization  of  the
Company  was  $161,547,223  and  $177,572,416,  respectively.   Upon
exercise  of his Option, in the event the Company elects  to  settle
the  Option  with shares of Stock, Mr. Miller must pay  the  Company
twenty  percent (20%) of the amount he is entitled to  receive  upon
exercise  of  the  Appreciation  Option  (before  any  reduction  as
hereinafter  set  forth),  or  any  increment  thereof,  up  to   an
aggregate  maximum  of $5 million (the "Exercise  Price")  in  cash.
In  the  event the Company elects to settle the Option in cash,  the
amount  of  cash  Mr. Miller will receive will  be  reduced  by  the
amount  of  the  Exercise Price. Because Mr.  Miller's  Appreciation
Option  contemplates  compensation  determined  with  reference   to
increases   in   the   Company's   market   capitalization   without
restriction,  there  is  no  effective  limit  on  the   amount   of
compensation  which may become payable thereunder.  Mr.  Miller  may
exercise  his  Appreciation Option as of any June 1  or  December  1
commencing  June 1, 2002, upon 45 days written notice, in  whole  or
in  10%  increments.   In the event that Mr.  Miller  exercises  his
Appreciation  Option  for  less  than  the  total  amount  available
thereunder,  the  percentage increment as to which it  is  exercised
will  cease  to  be  available  to  create  additional  compensation
opportunity  for  Mr. Miller based upon subsequent  appreciation  in
the  Company's  market  capitalization.  Mr.  Miller's  Appreciation
Option  expires on June 1, 2007 and will remain exercisable  at  any
time  prior  to  such expiration notwithstanding his termination  of
employment  with  the Company unless such employment  is  terminated
by  the  Company for "cause" or is terminated by Mr. Miller  without
"good  reason."   In keeping with the provisions of the  1997  LTSIP
Restatement  discussed  in  "1997  LTSIP  Restatement  -  Change  of
Control  Provisions," in the event of a "change in control  of  XCL"
the  Appreciation  Option  will become immediately  exercisable  and
the  Company  will  be obligated to pay Mr. Miller,  in  cash,  upon
any  exercise of his Appreciation Option, at least 40%  of  the  net
amount  payable.  This obligation may impede the consummation  of  a
change of control of the Company.

Certain Federal Income Tax Effects
- ----------------------------------

      The  following  is a general summary of the principal  federal
income  tax  effects  to  the  Company  under  current  law  of  the
various   awards  which  may  be  granted  under  the   1997   LTSIP
Restatement.   These  descriptions  do  not  purport  to  cover  all
potential tax consequences.

      Section  162(m)  of  the Internal Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as
amended    (the   "Code"),   limits   deductibility    of    certain
compensation  for  the  Company's Chief Executive  Officer  and  the
additional  four executive officers of the Company who  are  highest
paid  and  employed  at  year  end to $1  million  per  year  unless
certain  conditions  are  met  which result  in  compensation  being
characterized  as "performance-based."  Awards under the  Plan  will
not  satisfy  the  conditions necessary to  cause  the  compensation
earned  under  them to qualify as "performance-based"  compensation,
which  is  not subject to the deductibility limit of Section  162(m)
of  the  Code.   It is the position of the Board of  Directors  that
the  approach  necessary  for the design of  incentive  compensation
that  will  satisfy the criteria under Section 162(m)  of  the  Code
would  compromise  the  best  interests  of  the  Company  and   its
shareholders.

      Certain  provisions in the 1997 LTSIP Restatement  may  afford
the  recipient  of  an Award under the 1997 LTSIP  Restatement  with
special  protections  or  payments  which  are  contingent  upon   a
change  in the ownership or effective control of the Company  or  in
the  ownership  of  a substantial portion of the  Company's  assets.
To  the  extent  that they are triggered by the  occurrence  of  any
such  event,  these special protections or payments  may  constitute
"parachute  payments" which, when aggregated with  other  "parachute
payments"   received  by  the  recipient,  could   result   in   the
recipient  receiving  "excess  parachute  payments."   The   Company
would  not  be  allowed a deduction for any such  "excess  parachute
payments"  and  the  recipient of such "excess  parachute  payments"
would  be  subject  to  a nondeductible 20%  excise  tax  upon  such
payments  in addition to income tax otherwise owed with  respect  to
such payments.

Section 401(k) Plan
- -------------------

      In  1989,  the Company adopted an employee benefit plan  under
Section  401(k)  of  the Internal Revenue Code for  the  benefit  of
employees  meeting  certain eligibility requirements.   The  Company
has  obtained  a  favorable determination from the Internal  Revenue
Service  regarding the tax-favored status of this  plan.   Employees
can  contribute  up to 10% of their compensation.  The  Company,  at
its  discretion  and subject to certain limitations, may  contribute
up  to  75%  of the contributions of each participant.  The  Company
did not make any contributions to the 401(k) Plan in 1997.

Compensation of Directors and Other Arrangements
- ------------------------------------------------

      The  Company reimburses its directors for travel  and  lodging
expenses   incurred  in  attending  meetings   of   the   Board   of
Directors.   Effective  January  1,  1990,  directors  (other   than
Messrs.   Hummel and Palliser and those directors who  are  officers
of  the  Company)  were paid an annual retainer of  $18,000  plus  a
fee  of  $1,000 for each Board meeting attended.  In addition,  such
directors  were  paid  a  fee of $1,000 for each  committee  meeting
attended.

      In  April  1994, the Company entered into separate  consulting
agreements  with Messrs.  Hummel and Palliser, upon  their  becoming
directors.   Each of the agreements is terminable by either  of  the
parties   thereto  upon  written  notice  and  provides   that   the
individuals  will  render  consulting services  to  the  Company  in
their  respective  areas of expertise.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of
the  agreements,  each of those directors receives  compensation  at
the  rate  of  $50,000  per annum, which includes  the  compensation
they  would  otherwise be entitled to receive as directors  and  for
attending  meetings  of  the Board.  In addition,  pursuant  to  the
terms  of  the  1992 LTSIP, Messrs. Hummel, Palliser, Reinhardt  and
Hofheinz,  each  a  non-employee director, were each  granted  stock
options  for  6,666  shares of Common Stock  exercisable  at  prices
ranging  from $18.75 to $31.59 per share (adjusted for  the  Reverse
Stock Split).

       In   June   1997,  the  Company  entered  into  a  consulting
agreement  with  Mr.  Fetters,  a  director  of  the  Company.   The
agreement  is  for  a  one-year  term  ending  July  31,  1998,   to
continue  thereafter on a month to month basis.  The  agreement  may
be  terminated  by  either  party on  thirty  days  written  notice.
Pursuant  to the terms of the agreement, Mr. Fetters is  to  consult
with  the  Company  on  all  aspects of the  Company's  exploration,
development  and production projects. For his services  Mr.  Fetters
is  to  receive  $30,000  per annum, which is  in  addition  to  the
compensation  he  receives as a director for attending  meetings  of
the  Board.   In addition to the above compensation, Mr. Fetters  is
entitled   to   receive  a  finder's  fee  on  certain  specifically
identified projects.

      Effective  June 1, 1997, Messrs. Hummel, Palliser,  Reinhardt,
Hofheinz  and  Fetters were each granted nonqualified stock  options
to  purchase  66,666  shares  of  Common  Stock  (adjusted  for  the
Reverse  Stock  Split)  exercisable  at  $3.75  (adjusted  for   the
Reverse  Stock  Split) per share under the 1997  LTSIP  Restatement.
See   "Stock   Options  -  1997  LTSIP  Restatement  -   Awards   to
Management" herein.

      Benjamin  B.  Blanchet,  in  his capacity  as  Executive  Vice
President,  is entitled to a salary of $80,000 per year  for  up  to
80 hours per month of services.

       Effective  August  1,  1997,  the  Company  entered  into   a
Services   Agreement   with   Mr.  Blanchet.    The   Agreement   is
terminable  by  either party at any time without cause.   Under  the
Agreement,  Mr.  Blanchet  is engaged  to  act  as  counsel  to  the
Company  to  perform from time to time such services as the  Company
may  request  of  him  in  that capacity.  In general,  compensation
for  services under the Services Agreement will be at  the  rate  of
$175  per  hour  for  up  to 80 hours per  month.  Also,  under  the
Services   Agreement,  the  Company  has  agreed  to   provide   Mr.
Blanchet  with  office  space, supplies, secretarial  assistance,  a
library     allowance,     professional     liability     insurance,
reimbursement  for  continuing  legal  education  expenses  and  bar
dues.  Under  the Services Agreement, Mr. Blanchet  may,  except  as
prohibited   by   law  or  the  Louisiana  Rules   of   Professional
Responsibility,  represent  other clients  and  engage  in  business
for his own account.

       In  connection  with  his  employment  by  the  Company,  Mr.
Blanchet  received  from  the Company a  $100,000  loan  to  replace
benefits  that  he  forfeited  when he  withdrew  as  a  partner  of
Gordon,  Arata,  McCollam & Duplantis, L.L.P.  to  become  Executive
Vice  President  of  the Company.  The loan is  to  be  repaid  over
eight  years  from annual bonus payments equal to interest,  at  the
rate  of  6.5% per annum, plus one-eighth of the original  principal
balance  to  be  paid by the Company to Mr. Blanchet each  year  and
shall  be  forgiven  in its entirety if (i) the Company  shall  fail
to  pay  timely  any such bonus payment, shall breach  the  Services
Agreement  or  shall  terminate his employment  without  "cause"  or
(ii)  Mr.  Blanchet  terminates his employment with  "good  reason,"
in  either  case  as such terms are defined in the  note  evidencing
such loan.

      Effective  August  1, 1997, Benjamin B. Blanchet  was  granted
an  NSO  to  purchase 400,000 shares of Common Stock for  an  option
exercise  price  of  $3.75 per share (aggregate  purchase  price  of
$1,500,000.00).   Such  Common  Stock  NSO  is  exercisable  as   to
133,334  shares  on August 1, 1999; as to 133,333 shares  on  August
1,  2000  and as to 133,333 shares on August 1, 2001.  On that  same
date  Mr.  Blanchet was granted an NSO to purchase 25,000 shares  of
Amended  Series  A Preferred Stock for an option exercise  price  of
$85.00  per  share  (aggregate purchase price of $2,125,000).   Such
Amended  Series  A Preferred Stock NSO is exercisable  as  to  6,250
shares  on  August  1, 2000; as to 8,750 shares on  August  1,  2001
and  as  to  10,000 shares on August 1, 2002.  Mr.  Blanchet's  NSOs
will  expire  on  August  1,  2007 or,  if  earlier,  the  date  his
employment  is terminated by the Company for cause or  the  date  he
voluntarily terminates his employment without good reason.

       During  1997  all  regular  employees  were  provided  health
insurance,  a  portion  of the premium for  which  is  paid  by  the
Company,  and life and disability insurance based upon a  factor  of
the employee's base salary.

Employment Agreements; Termination of Employment and Change-in-
Control Arrangements
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

      Effective  April  1,  1994, Messrs. M.W.   Miller,  Jr.,  J.T.
Chandler,  D.M.   Dobbs,  and R.C.  Cline, in  their  capacities  as
executive  and  administrative  officers  of  the  Company  and  its
various   subsidiaries,   agreed  to  surrender   their   employment
agreements  in  consideration of the issuance of five-year  warrants
to  purchase Common Stock at an exercise price of $18.75  per  share
(adjusted  for the Reverse Stock Split), subject to customary  anti-
dilution  adjustments.   The  number  of  warrants  issued  to  such
individuals  was  determined based upon a formula  whereby  each  of
the  individuals was offered a warrant to purchase, based  upon  the
length  of  time  of employment with the Company, a maximum  of  two
shares  of  Common  Stock for each dollar of compensation  remaining
to  be  paid to such individual under his agreement (based upon  the
product  of  his  highest  monthly base salary  and  the  number  of
months  remaining  under  his agreement).  Accordingly,  Mr.  Miller
received   warrants  to  purchase  125,000  shares;  Mr.   Chandler,
68,333  shares;  Mr.  Dobbs, 38,333 shares; and Mr.   Cline,  16,666
shares, all adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split.

      Effective  January  1,  1989, the  Company  adopted  a  policy
addressing  severance  upon  separation  from  the  Company.   Under
this  policy  benefits  due  upon  a  change-in-control  as  therein
defined  range  from  three months salary for  employees  with  less
than  one  year  of service to 24 months salary for  employees  with
more than 10 years of service.

Report on Repricing of Options/SARs
- -----------------------------------

      During  the  fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,  there  were
no  repricings  of  stock  options  awarded  to  any  of  the  named
executive officers.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
- -----------------------------------------------------------

       For   the   year  ended  December  31,  1997,  the  following
nonexecutive  directors of the Company, served  as  members  of  the
Compensation  Committee  of  the Board  of  Directors:  Messrs.   M.
Palliser,  A.W.  Hummel,  Jr.,  F.  Hofheinz  (Chairman)  and   F.J.
Reinhardt,  Jr.  None  of the members of the Compensation  Committee
were   formerly,  nor  are  any  members  currently,   officers   or
employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

       Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
       -------------------------------------------------------             
                                
       The   Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  of   Directors
("Committee")  establishes  the  general  compensation  policies  of
the   Company,  establishes  the  compensation  plans  and  specific
compensation  levels  for  executive  officers  and  certain   other
managers,  and  administers the Stock Option  Plans  and  Long  Term
Stock  Incentive  Plan.  The Committee currently  consists  of  four
independent,   nonemployee  directors:  Messrs.  F.  Hofheinz,   who
serves  as  Chairman,  M.  Palliser,  Arthur  W.  Hummel,  Jr.   and
Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.

Compensation Policies and Philosophy
- ------------------------------------

      The  Committee  has  determined that the compensation  program
of  the  Company  should not only be adequate to  attract,  motivate
and  retain  executives,  key employees and  other  individuals  who
the  Company  believes  may make significant  contributions  to  the
Company's   results,  but  should  also  be  linked  to  the   value
delivered  to  shareholders  as  reflected  in  the  price  of   the
Company's Common Stock.

       The   Committee  believes  that  the  cash  compensation   of
executive  officers,  as  well as other  key  employees,  should  be
competitive  with other similarly situated companies  while,  within
the  Company,  being  fair  and  discriminating  on  the  basis   of
personal  performance.   In  general,  in  establishing  total  cash
compensation  for  its  executives, the  Committee  has  taken  into
account  the  median  cash compensation of  executives  employed  by
competitors  including some of the companies reflected in  the  peer
group  identified  in the Performance Graph set forth  below,  which
the   Committee  believes  represent  the  Company's   most   direct
competition   for   executive   talent.   The   Committee   receives
recommendations  from management as to executive  compensation  and,
in  light  of the Company's performance and the economic  conditions
facing  the  Company,  determines  appropriate  compensation  levels
for  recommendation to the Board of Directors.  The  Committee  does
not  assign  relative  weights to individual  factors  and  criteria
used  in  determining  executive  compensation  and  does  not   use
quantifiable  targets in determining compensation.   For  1997,  the
Company  did  not  retain the services of a compensation  consulting
firm.

       Awards   of  stock  options  are  intended  both  to   retain
executives,  key  employees and other individuals  who  the  Company
believes   may  make  significant  contributions  to  the  Company's
results  and  to  motivate them to improve  long-term  stock  market
performance.  Options  are  granted  at  or  above  the   prevailing
market  price  and  will  have  value  only  if  the  price  of  the
Company's Common Stock increases.

      Effective  January  1, 1994, Section 162(m)  of  the  Internal
Revenue   Code  of  1986  (the  "Code")  generally  denies   a   tax
deduction  to  any  publicly held corporation for compensation  that
exceeds  $1 million paid to certain senior executives in  a  taxable
year,    subject    to    an   exception   for    "performance-based
compensation"  as  defined  in  the  Code  and  subject  to  certain
transition   provisions.  Gains  on  the  exercise  of  nonqualified
stock  options  granted  through December  31,  1994,  will  be  tax
deductible  under  the  transition rules.  Restricted  stock  awards
by   definition   granted  after  February   17,   1993,   are   not
deductible.  At present the Committee does not intend  to  recommend
amendment  to  the  Stock  Option  Plans  to  meet  the  restrictive
requirements of the Code.

      The  Committee  believes that annual incentive  awards  should
be  commensurate  with  performance.  It further  believes  that  in
order  to  meet  this  objective it needs to  have  the  ability  to
exercise   its  judgment  or  discretion  to  evaluate   performance
against  qualitative  criteria. It is the Committee's  opinion  that
the  benefits  to  the Company of the use of a qualitative  approach
to  the  compensation  of senior executives  such  as  the  Chairman
outweigh  the  nonmaterial  loss of  a  portion  of  the  deductions
associated with that compensation.

      In  recognition  of the efforts and sacrifices  of  management
that  had  enabled the Company in mid-1997 to be on  track  to  meet
its  1997  goals,  the need to retain existing  management  and  the
need  to  attract qualified and competent personnel, in  June  1997,
the   Board   of   Directors  reassessed  the  need  for   adjusting
management's  compensation to provide for additional  incentives  to
management.   As  a  result  of  this  reassessment,  the  Board  of
Directors   approved  amendments  to  and  a  restatement   of   the
Company's  1992  LTSIP subject to shareholders approval,  which  was
obtained  on  December  17, 1997.  These amendments  generally  made
available  to  the  Committee  the  authority  to  grant  Awards  to
executives  employed  by the Company entitling  such  executives  to
acquire  shares of the Company's Preferred Stock and  Common  Stock.
They  also  made available to the Committee the authority  to  grant
appreciation  awards.   As described in greater  detail  in  "Awards
to  Management,"  the  Board  of  Directors  made,  subject  to  the
approval  of  the  shareholders of the Company, which  was  obtained
on   December  17,  1997,  certain  Awards  under  the  1997   LTSIP
Restatement  effective  as of June 1, 1997  (except  for  awards  to
the  CFO  and  an  Executive  Vice President  which  were  effective
October   6  and  August  1,  1997,  respectively).   The  Committee
believes  that  the  1997 LTSIP Restatement and the  Awards  granted
thereunder   effectively  encourage  retention  and  continuity   of
management,   appropriately   reward   management   for   its   past
performance  and  align the interests of management  with  those  of
the   Company's  shareholders  by  providing  management  with   the
opportunity to share in the creation of the Company's value.

      On  December  17, 1997, the Committee reviewed  the  Company's
1997  financial  results and 1997 nonfinancial goals and  determined
that,  in  light of (i) the Company's continued successful  drilling
results  in  the  Zhao Dong Block in the Bohai Bay  in  China,  (ii)
the   fact   that  top  officials  in  China's  oil  industry   have
indicated  that  the Company will be offered additional  exploration
and   development   rights  in  China  and   (iii)   the   Company's
successful  placement  in  May 1997 of  $100  million  of  Preferred
Stock  and  Notes,  the  proceeds of which allowed  the  Company  to
commence   achieving   its  objectives  in  China,   the   Company's
financial and operating goals for 1997 had been met and exceeded.

Company Performance and Chief Executive Officer Compensation
- ------------------------------------------------------------

       The   Committee,   in   connection   with   determining   the
appropriate  compensation  for  Marsden  W.  Miller,  Jr.  as  Chief
Executive   Officer  ("CEO"),  took  into  account   the   financial
condition  of  the  Company, including its  liquidity  requirements.
It  determined  that  the CEO had been successful  in  disposing  of
assets  and  raising  capital  throughout  the  year.  Taking   into
consideration  the  performance  of  the  CEO,  as   well   as   the
Company's  current  cash  position and near term  requirements,  the
adoption   of   the  1997  LTSIP  Restatement  and   the   NSO   and
Appreciation  Option  awarded  to  the  CEO  under  the  1997  LTSIP
Restatement,  the  Committee decided that  the  1997  awards  should
serve  in  lieu of a cash salary increase or bonus to  the  CEO  for
the present time.

Compensation of Other Executive Officers
- ----------------------------------------

      The  Committee,  in  consultation with the  CEO,  applied  the
information  and  other  factors outlined  above  in  reviewing  and
approving   the  compensation  of  the  Company's  other   executive
officers.

December 17, 1997                  COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

                                   Fred Hofheinz, Chairman
                                   Arthur W. Hummel
                                   Michael Palliser
                                   Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.

Shareholder Return Performance Presentation
- -------------------------------------------

      Set  forth  below  is  a line graph comparing  the  percentage
change   in   the  cumulative  total  shareholder  return   on   the
Company's  Common  Stock  against the AMEX Market  Value  Index  for
the  years  1993  through 1997, with a peer group  selected  by  the
Company  for  the  past five fiscal years. The peer  group  consists
of  the  same  independent  oil and gas exploration  and  production
companies  used  in  last  year's comparison,  namely:  Alta  Energy
Corporation;   Amerac   Energy   Corporation   (formerly   Wolverine
Exploration   Company);   Bellwether  Exploration   Company;   Brock
Exploration  Corporation;  Tom  Brown,  Inc.;  Caspen   Oil,   Inc.;
Chemfirst  Inc.  (formerly  First  Mississippi  Corporation);   Cobb
Resources   Corporation;  Coda  Energy,  Inc.;  Comstock  Resources,
Inc.;   Crystal   Oil   Company;  DeKalb  Energy   Company;   Edisto
Resources  Company;  Energen Corporation;  Forest  Oil  Corporation;
Geodyne  Resources, Inc.; Global Natural Resources,  Inc.;  Goodrich
Petroleum   Corporation   (formerly  Patrick   Petroleum   Company);
Hallador  Pete Company; Hondo Oil & Gas Company; Kelley  Oil  &  Gas
Partners;    Louis   Dreyfus   Natural   Gas   (formerly    American
Exploration  Company); Magellan Petroleum Corporation;  Maynard  Oil
Company;  Monterey  Resources,  Inc.  (formerly  McFarland   Energy,
Inc.);   MSR  Exploration  Limited;  Numac  Energy,  Inc.;   Pacific
Enterprises;  Penn  Virginia Corporation;  Plains  Resources,  Inc.;
Presidio  Oil;  Wainoco  Oil Corporation;  Wichita  River  Oil;  and
Wiser  Oil  Company.  The relevant information with respect  to  the
peer  group  was  furnished by Standard & Poors  Compustat  Service.
The   graph  assumes  that  the  value  of  the  investment  in  the
Company's  Common  Stock  and the peer group  stocks  were  $100  on
January 1, 1992 and that all dividends were reinvested.

             [SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
                                
                 1993       1994       1995      1996       1997 
               Return     Return     Return     Return     Return
               ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
XCL             49.96      72.18      27.73      16.62      24.82
Peer Group     121.87     121.48     153.45     183.12     217.52
AMEX           119.52     108.63     137.32     146.10     171.48
                                
                       SECURITY OWNERSHIP
           OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
- -----------------------------------------------

     The  following  table  sets forth as of March  31,  1998,  the
     individuals or entities known to the Company to own more  than
     5  percent  of  the  Company's outstanding  shares  of  voting
     securities.  As of that date there were 22,926,333  shares  of
     Common  Stock, excluding 69,471 shares held as treasury stock;
     1,129,453  shares  of  Amended Series A Preferred  Stock;  and
     47,085  shares of Amended Series B Preferred Stock issued  and
     outstanding.  Except as otherwise indicated,  all  shares  are
     owned both of record and beneficially.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Amended Series A        Amended Series B
                                  Common Stock (1)     Preferred Stock(2)     Preferred Stock (3)
                               ---------------------   ---------------------  ----------------------
Name and Address               Number of     Percent   Number of     Percent  Number of     Percent
of Beneficial Owner             Shares      of Class    Shares      of Class   Shares       of Class
- -------------------            --------     --------   ---------    --------  --------      --------
<S>                            <C>              <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>
Cumberland Associates
1114 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10036      2,900,228 (4)    11.28     214,909       19.03      --           --

KAIM Non-Traditional, L.P.
1800 Avenue of the Stars,
2nd Floor
Los Angeles, California 90026  4,858,366 (4)(5) 18.08     311,908 (6)    27.62   47,085         100

Mitch Leigh
29 West 57th Street
New York, New York  10019      1,487,341 (4)(7)  8.33         --           --      --            --

Marsden W. Miller, Jr.
110 Rue Jean Lafitte, 2nd Floor
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508     1,665,713 (4)(8)  7.11         --           --      --            --
</TABLE>
______________
(1)      This table includes shares of Common Stock issuable upon
     conversion  of  the  shares of Amended  Series  A  Preferred
     Stock.   Each share of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  is
     convertible into approximately 11 shares of Common Stock.

(2)      The  holders  of  Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  are
     entitled  to cast the same number of votes as the shares  of
     Common   Stock   then   issuable  upon  conversion   thereof
     (currently  11 votes) on any matter subject to the  vote  of
     Common Stockholders.

(3)      Each  share  of  Amended Series  B  Preferred  Stock  is
     convertible into approximately 26.3 shares of Common  Stock,
     if  the  Common Stock issuable on conversion  has  not  been
     registered  and  21 shares of Common Stock,  if  the  Common
     Stock issuable on conversion has been registered, subject to
     adjustment,  on  or after August 31, 1998.   Each  share  of
     Amended Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to 50 votes per
     share.

 (4)       Includes   shares  issuable  upon  the   exercise   of
     outstanding stock purchase warrants exercisable  within  the
     next 60 days.

 (5)      Includes  16,874 shares owned by Richard  A.  Kayne,  a
     director,  CEO  and  President of Kayne Anderson  Investment
     Management,   Inc.,  the  general  partner  of   KAIM   Non-
     Traditional,  L.P. ("KAIM LP"). The shares  over  which  Mr.
     Kayne has sole voting and dispositive power are held by  him
     directly  or by accounts for which he serves as  trustee  or
     custodian.  The shares over which Mr. Kayne and KAIM LP have
     shared voting and dispositive power are held by accounts for
     which  KAIM  LP serves as investment adviser (and,  in  some
     cases  as  general  partner). KAIM LP  disclaims  beneficial
     ownership  of these shares, except to the extent  that  they
     are  held  by  it  or attributable to it by  virtue  of  its
     general  partner  interests in certain limited  partnerships
     holding   such  shares.   Mr.  Kayne  disclaims   beneficial
     ownership  of  the  shares  reported,  except  those  shares
     attributable  to  him by virtue of his limited  and  general
     partner interests in such limited partnerships and by virtue
     of  his indirect interest in the interest of KAIM LP in such
     limited partnerships.

(6)     Includes 2,610 shares owned by Richard Kayne, a director,
     CEO  and  President of Kayne Anderson Investment Management,
     Inc.,  the  general  partner of KAIM  Non-Traditional,  L.P.
     ("KAIM LP")  The shares over which Mr. Kayne has sole voting
     and  dispositive  power  are held  by  him  directly  or  by
     accounts  for which he serves as trustee or custodian.   The
     shares  over which Mr. Kayne and KAIM LP have shared  voting
     and dispositive power are held by accounts for which KAIM LP
     serves  as investment adviser (and, in some cases as general
     partner).  KAIM LP disclaims beneficial ownership  of  these
     shares,  except to the extent that they are held  by  it  or
     attributable  to  it  by  virtue  of  its  general   partner
     interests  in  certain  limited  partnerships  holding  such
     shares.   Mr.  Kayne disclaims beneficial ownership  of  the
     shares reported, except those shares attributable to him  by
     virtue of his limited and general partner interests in  such
     limited  partnerships and by virtue of his indirect interest
     in the interest of KAIM LP in such limited partnerships.

(7)      Includes 104,132 shares owned by Mr. Leigh's wife.  Does
     not  include shares and warrants held in custodial and trust
     accounts  for  Mr. Leigh's minor children, which  Mr.  Leigh
     does  not  control. Mr. Leigh disclaims beneficial ownership
     of all shares held by his wife and minor children.

(8)      Includes  shares  issuable upon the  exercise  of  stock
     options  exercisable within the next 60 days; and  1,000,000
     shares  of  restricted stock subject to  certain  forfeiture
     provisions.

Security Ownership of Management
- ---------------------------------

      The  following table sets forth information concerning  the
shares  of the Company's Common Stock owned beneficially by  each
director of the Company, and all directors and executive officers
as  a  group  as  of March 15, 1998. As of that date  there  were
22,926,333   shares  of  Common  Stock  issued  and  outstanding,
excluding  69,741 shares of Common Stock held as treasury  stock,
and  1,129,453 shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock  issued
and outstanding. The mailing address for all such individuals  is
XCL  Ltd.,  110 Rue Jean Lafitte, 2nd Floor, Lafayette, Louisiana
70508.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Common Stock         Amended Series A Preferred Stock
                            _____________________________     __________________________
                               Number            Percent       Number        Percent
 Name of Beneficial Owner     of Shares         of Class      of Shares     of Class
 ------------------------     ---------         --------      ---------     --------

<C>                          <C>                     <C>          <C>           <C>
Marsden W. Miller, Jr.       1,665,713 (1)(2)(3)(4)  7.11         --            --
John T. Chandler               554,940 (1)(2)(3)(4)  2.40       20,000 (2)     0.02
Benjamin B. Blanchet               200 (5)            --          --            --
Fred Hofheinz                    6,666 (3)           0.03         --            --
Arthur W. Hummel, Jr.            6,666 (3)           0.03         --            --
Sir Michael Palliser             6,666 (3)           0.03         --            --
Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.       40,798 (3)(6)        0.18         --            --
R. Thomas Fetters, Jr.          62,699 (4)           0.27         --            --
All directors and officers 
of the Company as a group 
 (15 persons)                2,484,064 (3)(4)       10.83       20,000 (2)     0.02
</TABLE>
____________

(1)      Includes  13,333 shares which are subject to  an  option
     granted  under agreement dated October 1, 1985 in  favor  of
     John  T.   Chandler.  Such shares are also included  in  Mr.
     Chandler's  holding  inasmuch as  the  option  is  presently
     exercisable.   For  purposes of the total  holdings  of  the
     group, the shares are included solely in Mr.  Miller's share
     holdings.
(2)      Includes  shares of restricted stock awarded to  Messrs.
     Miller  and Chandler which are subject to certain forfeiture
     provisions.
(3)      Includes  shares of Common Stock which may  be  acquired
     pursuant to options which are exercisable within 60 days.
(4)      Includes  shares of Common Stock which may  be  acquired
     pursuant  to stock purchase warrants exercisable  within  60
     days.
(5)     Represents shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Blanchet's
     children.   Mr. Blanchet disclaims beneficial  ownership  of
     these shares.
(6)      Includes 6,666 shares of Common Stock owned by  Carl  H.
     Pforzheimer  &  Co.  of  which Mr. Reinhardt  is  a  general
     partner  and  13,333 shares owned by Petroleum  and  Trading
     Corporation  of  which  Mr.  Reinhardt  is  an  officer  and
     director.   Mr. Reinhardt disclaims beneficial ownership  of
     the shares owned by Petroleum and Trading Corporation.


                    DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING DEBT

General
- -------

      The  Company's  only outstanding long-term indebtedness  is
represented  by  the  Notes issued in connection  with  the  Note
Offering  concluded on May 20, 1997.  The Notes  are  limited  in
aggregate  principal amount to $75 million.  The Notes  represent
senior obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of
payment  with all indebtedness of the Company and senior  to  any
indebtedness  that is expressly subordinated to the  Notes.   The
Notes are secured by (i) a pledge of all the capital stock of XCL-
China  and  any other future restricted subsidiary and  (ii)  the
subsidiary  guarantees  of  XCL-China and  any  other  Subsidiary
Guarantor.  The Notes will mature on May 1, 2004.  The Notes bear
interest at the rate of 13.50% per annum, payable semiannually on
May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing November 1, 1997.

     The Notes were issued pursuant to the terms of the Indenture
with Fleet National Bank as the original Trustee.  The Trustee is
now  State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut N.A.  The
terms  of  the Indenture are also governed by certain  provisions
contained  in  the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.   The
Indenture  contains customary representations and  warranties  by
the Company as well as certain affirmative and negative covenants
briefly  described  elsewhere  in  this  Prospectus.   See  "Risk
Factors  --  Restrictions  Imposed  by  Terms  of  the  Company's
Indebtedness."

      The  Company also had $2.5 million in limited recourse debt
outstanding as of December 31, 1997, which was collateralized  by
the  Lutcher Moore Tract. Expressions of interest to purchase the
property have been received from several parties and the  Company
is  presently evaluating such proposals with the intent  to  sell
the property.  The Company is also evaluating the possibility  of
developing  the  property  into a source  of  wetland  mitigation
credits.   See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition  and  Results  of Operations,"  "Business  --  Domestic
Properties."

                  DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

      The authorized capital stock of XCL consists of 500,000,000
shares  of  common  stock,  par value $0.01  per  share  ("Common
Stock"), and 2,400,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00
per   share  ("Preferred  Stock"),  70,000  of  which  have  been
designated  Amended  Series B, Cumulative  Convertible  Preferred
Stock, and 2,085,000 of which have been designated Amended Series
A, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.

     Common Stock
     ------------

General
- -------

     As of March 31, 1998, there were 22,926,333 shares of Common
Stock outstanding, excluding 69,471 shares held in treasury, held
by  approximately 3,600 stockholders of record.  Common Stock  is
not  redeemable, does not have any conversion rights and  is  not
subject  to  call.  Holders of shares of  Common  Stock  have  no
preemptive  right to maintain their percentage  of  ownership  in
future offerings or sales of stock of XCL.  Holders of shares  of
Common  Stock  have  one  vote per  share  in  all  elections  of
directors  and  on  all  other matters submitted  to  a  vote  of
stockholders of XCL.  The holders of Common Stock are entitled to
receive dividends, if any, as and when declared from time to time
by  the  Board of Directors of XCL out of funds legally available
therefor (subject to restrictions in the Indenture and any credit
agreement).  Upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of  the
affairs  of XCL, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled  to
participate equally and ratably, in proportion to the  number  of
shares  held, in the net assets of XCL available for distribution
to holders of Common Stock.  The shares of Common Stock currently
outstanding  are, and the shares of Common Stock  underlying  the
Warrants  offered  hereby when issued will  be,  fully  paid  and
nonassessable.

     Effective December 17, 1997, the Company effected a one-for-
fifteen  reverse stock split of its outstanding shares of  Common
Stock.

      The  United  States registrar and transfer  agent  for  the
Common   Stock  is  ChaseMellon  Shareholder  Services,   L.L.C.,
Overpeck Centre, 85 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, New  Jersey
07660,  (Telephone No.  1-800-851-9677).  The transfer agent  for
the Common Stock in the United Kingdom is IRG plc, Balfour House,
390/398 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1NQ, England (Telephone  No.
0181-478-8241).

Special Charter and By-Law Provisions
- -------------------------------------

      General  Effect.   The Board of Directors  of  the  Company
believes  that  certain provisions in its  Amended  and  Restated
Certificate   of  Incorporation,  as  amended  ("Certificate   of
Incorporation") and the Amended and Restated By-Laws of XCL  (the
"By-Laws") will effectively reduce the possibility that  a  third
party  could  effect  a  sudden or surprise  change  of  majority
control  of  the  Company's  Board of Directors  or  successfully
complete  a takeover of XCL without the support of the  incumbent
Board of Directors.

      Certain provisions in the Certificate of Incorporation  and
By-Laws of XCL may have significant effects on the ability of the
stockholders  of XCL to change the composition of  the  incumbent
Board of Directors and to benefit from certain transactions  that
are opposed by the incumbent Board of Directors.

     XCL has adopted a number of provisions in its Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws that might discourage certain types  of
transactions  that  involve an actual  or  threatened  change  of
control  of  XCL.  The provisions may make it more difficult  and
time  consuming  to  change majority  control  of  the  Board  of
Directors,  and  thus  reduce  the vulnerability  of  XCL  to  an
unsolicited offer to acquire XCL, particularly an offer that does
not  contemplate  the  acquisition of all  of  XCL's  outstanding
shares.  As more fully described below, the Board believes  that,
as  a  general rule, such unsolicited offers are not in the  best
interests of XCL and its stockholders at this time.

      The  Board of Directors of XCL believes that the threat  of
removal  of  XCL's  management, in the case of  a  takeover  bid,
severely  curtails  its ability to negotiate effectively  with  a
potential  purchaser  of  XCL or its  subsidiaries.   In  such  a
situation,  management is deprived of the  time  and  information
necessary to evaluate the takeover proposal, to study alternative
proposals, and to help ensure that the best transaction involving
XCL  is ultimately undertaken.  The Board believes a takeover  of
XCL  without  prior  negotiation with XCL's management  would  be
detrimental to XCL and its stockholders.  Consequently, the Board
thinks  that the benefits of protecting its ability to  negotiate
with  the  proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal  to
take  over  or  restructure  XCL outweigh  the  disadvantages  of
discouraging  such proposals.  The Certificate  of  Incorporation
makes  it  more difficult for a holder of a substantial block  of
Common  Stock to acquire control of, or to remove, the  incumbent
Board  and  could  thus have the effect of entrenching  incumbent
management.  At the same time, the anti-takeover provisions  help
ensure that the Board, if confronted by a surprise proposal  from
a  third party who has recently acquired a block of Common Stock,
will have sufficient time to review the proposal and alternatives
to  it  and  to  seek  better  proposals  for  its  stockholders,
employees, suppliers, customers, and others.

      The  anti-takeover  provisions are  intended  to  encourage
persons  seeking  to acquire control of XCL to initiate  such  an
acquisition   through   arm's-length  negotiations   with   XCL's
management   and   Board  of  Directors.   The   Certificate   of
Incorporation could have the effect of discouraging a third party
from  making  a  tender offer or otherwise attempting  to  obtain
control  of  XCL, even though such an attempt might be beneficial
to XCL and its stockholders.

      Fair Price Provision.  The purchaser in corporate takeovers
often  pays  cash to acquire a controlling equity interest  in  a
corporation  and  then  arranges a  transaction  to  acquire  the
balance  of  the  shares  for a lower  price  or  less  desirable
consideration (frequently securities of the purchaser that do not
have an established trading market at the time of issue) or both.
This  practice is known as "two-tier pricing" and tends (and  may
be  designed)  to cause stockholders to accept the initial  offer
for  fear  of  becoming  minority stockholders  in  a  controlled
corporation  or  being forced to accept a  lower  price  or  less
favorable  consideration  for their shares.   To  alleviate  this
problem,  XCL has included in its Certificate of Incorporation  a
provision  (the "Fair Price Provision") designed to  assure  that
all stockholders of XCL will receive substantially the same price
for  their shares in transactions in which XCL is acquired in two
or more steps.

      The  Fair Price Provision discourages two-step acquisitions
of  XCL  by  requiring  that mergers and certain  other  business
combinations  involving  XCL and any Interested  Stockholder  (as
hereinafter  defined) either (1) meet certain minimum  price  and
procedural  requirements, (2) be approved by a  majority  of  the
members of XCL's Board of Directors who are unaffiliated with the
Interested   Stockholder  and  who  were  directors  before   the
Interested Stockholder became a 20% stockholder, (3) be  approved
by  the favorable vote of at least 67% of the voting power of the
Voting  Stock and a majority of the outstanding shares of  Voting
Stock  (as  hereinafter defined) held by persons who are  neither
Interested    Stockholders   nor   affiliates    of    Interested
Stockholders, or (4) be approved by the holders of at  least  80%
of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock.

      The Fair Price Provision is designed to prevent a purchaser
from  utilizing  two-tier  pricing  and  similar  tactics  in  an
attempted  takeover of XCL.  It has the overall effect of  making
it  more difficult to acquire and exercise control of XCL and may
provide  officers and directors with enhanced ability  to  retain
their  position  in  the  event of a takeover  bid.   It  is  not
designed  to prevent or discourage all tender offers for  control
of  XCL.   The Fair Price Provision does not preclude an  offeror
from  making a tender offer for some of the shares of XCL's stock
without  proposing a Business Combination (as defined  below)  in
which  the  remaining shares of stock are purchased.  Except  for
the   restrictions  on  Business  Combinations,  the  Fair  Price
Provision will not prevent a holder of a controlling interest  of
the  XCL  Common  Stock  from  exercising  control  over  XCL  or
increasing its interest in XCL.  The Board will support or oppose
any  future  takeover  proposal,  whether  or  not  the  proposal
satisfies  the  fair  price  requirements  for  the  Fair   Price
Provision, if the Board determines that its support or opposition
is in the best interests of XCL's stockholders.

      The  Fair Price Provision will not limit the ability  of  a
third  party  to effect a Business Combination, as long  as  such
third  party  owns (or can obtain the affirmative  votes  of)  at
least  80%  of the outstanding shares of all classes  of  capital
stock  entitled  to vote generally in the election  of  directors
(the "Voting Stock").

      Certain  Definitions Used in the Fair Price Provision.   An
"Interested  Stockholder" is defined in the Fair Price  Provision
as  anyone  who  is the beneficial owner of 20% or  more  of  the
Voting  Stock, and includes any person who, in a transaction  not
involving  a public offering, is an assignee of or has  succeeded
to any shares of Voting Stock of XCL that were at any time within
the  prior  two-year period beneficially owned by  an  Interested
Stockholder.   The  term  "beneficial  owner"  includes   persons
directly and indirectly owning or having the right to acquire  or
vote  the stock.  The Board of Directors of XCL considers that  a
20%   holding,   which  is  four  times  the  minimum   ownership
requirement   imposed  in  connection  with   various   reporting
requirements  under the Exchange Act for stockholders  of  public
companies, is appropriate to define an Interested Stockholder.

        A   "Business   Combination"   includes   the   following
transactions:  (1)  a  merger  or consolidation  of  XCL  or  any
subsidiary  with  an Interested Stockholder  or  with  any  other
company  or entity that is, or after such merger or consolidation
would be, an affiliate of an Interested Stockholder; (2) the sale
or  other disposition by XCL or a subsidiary of assets having  an
aggregate  fair  market value equal to 10% or  more  of  the  net
assets  of  XCL  or  more  if an Interested  Stockholder  (or  an
affiliate  thereof)  is  a  party to  the  transaction;  (3)  the
issuance or transfer of stock or other securities of XCL or of  a
subsidiary  to a person or entity that, immediately  before  such
issuance, is an Interested Stockholder (or an affiliate  thereof)
in  exchange  for  cash  or property (including  stock  or  other
securities) having an aggregate fair market value equal to 10% or
more  of  the net assets of XCL; (4) the adoption of any plan  or
proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of XCL proposed by or
on behalf of an Interested Stockholder (or an affiliate thereof);
or  (5)  any  reclassification  of securities,  recapitalization,
merger  with  a  subsidiary  or other transaction  that  has  the
effect,  directly or indirectly, of increasing the  proportionate
share  of  the outstanding stock (or securities convertible  into
stock) of any class of XCL or any of its subsidiaries owned by an
Interested Stockholder or affiliate.

      A  "Disinterested Director" is a member  of  the  Board  of
Directors  of XCL who is not affiliated with or a nominee  of  an
Interested  Stockholder  and was a director  of  XCL  immediately
before  the  time the Interested Stockholder became an Interested
Stockholder, and any successor to such Disinterested Director who
is  not affiliated with or a nominee of an Interested Stockholder
and was recommended for nomination or election to the Board by  a
majority of the Disinterested Directors then on the Board.

      Requirements for Certain Business Combinations Without  the
Fair Price Provision.  If XCL's Certificate of Incorporation  did
not  include  the  Fair Price Provision, mergers, consolidations,
the  sale of substantially all of the assets of XCL, the adoption
of   a  plan  of  dissolution  of  XCL  and  reclassification  of
securities  and recapitalizations of XCL involving amendments  to
the  Certificate of Incorporation would require approval  by  the
holders  of  a majority of the voting power of the Voting  Stock.
Certain   other  transactions,  such  as  sales  of   less   than
substantially all of the assets of XCL, certain mergers involving
a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of XCL  and  recapitalizations  and
reclassifications not involving amendments to the Certificate  of
Incorporation would not require stockholder approval.

      Requirements  for Certain Business Combinations  Under  the
Fair Price Provision.  Under the Fair Price Provision, it will be
a   condition  to  a  Business  Combination  with  an  Interested
Stockholder  that the transaction either (1) meet  certain  price
criteria and procedural requirements (discussed below), or (2) be
approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors, or (3)  be
approved  by  the favorable vote of at least 67%  of  the  voting
power  of  the  Voting Stock and a majority  of  the  outstanding
shares of Voting Stock held by persons who are neither Interested
Stockholders or affiliates of Interested Stockholders, or (4)  be
approved  by  the favorable vote of at least 80%  of  the  voting
power  of  the  Voting Stock.  If the minimum price criteria  and
procedural requirements are met or the requisite approval of  the
Disinterested Directors is obtained with respect to a  particular
Business  Combination, then the normal requirements  of  Delaware
law  will  apply,  and only a majority vote  of  the  outstanding
Voting  Stock  will be required or, for certain  transactions  as
noted  above,  no  stockholder vote will be  necessary.   If  the
minimum price criteria and procedural requirements are not met or
the  requisite  approval of the Disinterested  Directors  is  not
obtained,  or  the requisite vote of shareholders not  affiliated
with  the Interested Stockholder is not obtained, then a Business
Combination  with an Interested Stockholder will require  an  80%
stockholder  vote.  One consequence of the Fair Price  Provision,
therefore, is that additional time and expense would be  required
to effect certain Business Combinations due to the need to hold a
special stockholders' meeting.

      Exceptions to Higher Vote Requirements under the Fair Price
Provision.  The 80% affirmative stockholder vote contemplated  by
the Fair Price Provision will be required only if (1) the minimum
price  criteria and procedural requirements described  under  (a)
and  (b)  below are not satisfied or (2) the transaction  is  not
approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors or (3)  the
requisite vote of shareholders not affiliated with the Interested
Stockholder is not obtained.

      (a)      Minimum Price Criteria.  In a Business Combination
involving cash or other consideration paid to XCL's stockholders,
the  consideration  must  be either cash  or  the  same  type  of
consideration used by the Interested Stockholder in acquiring the
largest  portion  of  its Voting Stock before  the  first  public
announcement  of  the terms of the proposed Business  Combination
(the  "Announcement Date").  In addition, the fair  market  value
(calculated in accordance with the Fair Price Provision)  of  the
consideration to be paid on the date the Business Combination was
consummated  (the "Consummation Date") must meet certain  minimum
price criteria described herein.

      In  the  case  of payments to holders of Common  Stock  and
Preferred Stock, the fair market value per share of such payments
must  be at least equal in value to the higher of (1) the highest
price  per share (including brokerage commissions, transfer taxes
and  soliciting dealers' fees) paid by the Interested Stockholder
in  acquiring any shares of such class or series of stock  during
the   two  years  before  the  Announcement  Date  (even  if  the
Interested Stockholder was not an Interested Stockholder  at  the
time of any such acquisitions) or in the transaction in which  it
became  an Interested Stockholder (whichever is higher),  or  (2)
the  fair market value per share of such class or series of stock
on  the  Announcement Date or on the date on which the Interested
Stockholder  became an Interested Stockholder (the "Determination
Date"),  whichever is higher; provided, however, the  holders  of
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive an amount  at  least
equal   to   the   highest  preferential  amount   payable   upon
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of XCL applicable  thereto
if the Interested Stockholder has not previously purchased shares
of  Preferred  Stock  or such price paid for Preferred  Stock  is
lower   than   such  preferential  amount.   If  the   Interested
Stockholder purchased any shares of Common Stock during the  two-
year period before the Announcement Date, the minimum price might
be  fixed  based  on a purchase occurring as long  as  two  years
before the Announcement Date. If the Determination Date was  more
than  two  years before the Announcement Date, then  the  minimum
price  could  be set as of such earlier date.  If the  Interested
Stockholder  did not purchase any shares of Common  Stock  during
the  two-year  period  before the Announcement  Date  or  in  the
transaction  on  the  Determination Date in which  it  became  an
Interested   Stockholder  (e.g.,  if  it  became  an   Interested
Stockholder through the acquisition of shares of another class of
Voting Stock), the minimum price would be as determined under (2)
above.

     For example, if the acquisition by an Interested Stockholder
of its Common Stock interest was by cash purchases in open market
transactions and the highest price paid per share of Common Stock
during  the  previous two years (including in the transaction  in
which  it  became  an  Interested  Stockholder)  was  $5.00,  and
assuming that the fair market values per share of Common Stock on
the  Determination Date and on the Announcement Date  were  $4.00
and  $4.50, respectively, the amount required to be paid  to  the
holders  of  Common Stock would be the amount per share  in  cash
equal  to  the higher of (1) $5.00 (the highest price paid),  and
(2)   $4.50  (fair  market  value  on  the  Announcement   Date).
Accordingly,  in order to comply with the Fair Price  Provision's
minimum  price  criteria,  the Interested  Stockholder  would  be
required  to pay at least $5.00 per share in cash to  holders  of
Common  Stock  in  the Business Combination.  If  the  Interested
Stockholder  did not purchase any shares of Common  Stock  during
the  two-year  period  before becoming an Interested  Stockholder
(e.g.,  if  it  became  an  Interested  Stockholder  through  the
acquisition  of  shares of another class of  Voting  Stock),  the
minimum  price payable under the Fair Price Provision for  shares
of   Common  Stock  would  be  the  fair  market  value  on   the
Announcement  Date  or on the Determination  Date,  whichever  is
higher, resulting in a price, in the foregoing example, of  $4.50
per  share  in  cash.  All such prices shall  be  subject  to  an
appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend,  stock
split, subdivision, combination of shares or similar event.

     In the case of payments to holders of any class or series of
XCL's Voting Stock other than Common Stock, the fair market value
per  share of such payments must be at least equal to the  higher
of  (a)  the  highest price per share determined with respect  to
such class or series of stock in the same manner as described  in
clauses  (1)  and  (2) of the preceding paragraphs,  or  (b)  the
highest  preferential amount per share to which  the  holders  of
such class or series of Voting Stock are entitled in the event of
a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of XCL.

      Under the minimum price requirements, the fair market value
of  non-cash consideration to be received by holders of shares of
any  class  of Voting Stock in a Business Combination  is  to  be
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of XCL.

      Under  the Fair Price Provision, the Interested Stockholder
is  required to meet the minimum price with respect to each class
of  stock  before  proposing the Business  Combination.   If  the
minimum price criteria and the procedural requirements (discussed
below)  are  not met with respect to each class of Voting  Stock,
then an 80% vote of stockholders will be required to approve  the
Business  Combination unless the transaction is approved  by  the
favorable vote of at least 67% of the voting power of the  Voting
Stock  and  a majority of the outstanding shares of Voting  Stock
held  by  persons  who  are neither Interested  Stockholders  nor
affiliates  of Interested Stockholders, or by a majority  of  the
Disinterested Directors.

      If  the  proposed  Business Combination  does  not  involve
receipt  by  the  other  stockholders of XCL  of  cash  or  other
property,  such  as  a  sale of assets or an  issuance  of  XCL's
securities to an Interested Stockholder, then the price  criteria
discussed  above  will not apply and an 80% vote of  stockholders
will  be  required  unless the transaction  is  approved  by  the
favorable vote of at least 67% of the voting power of the  Voting
Stock  and  a majority of the outstanding shares of Voting  Stock
held  by  persons  who  are neither Interested  Stockholders  nor
affiliates  of Interested Stockholders, or by a majority  of  the
Disinterested Directors.

      (b)      Procedural  Requirements.  Under  the  Fair  Price
Provision,  unless  the Business Combination  is  approved  by  a
majority of the Disinterested Directors, the Business Combination
will be subject to the 80% stockholder vote requirement, even  if
it satisfies the minimum price criteria, in each of the following
situations:

          (1)     If XCL, after the Interested Stockholder became
     an Interested Stockholder, (i) reduced the rate of dividends
     paid  on  the  Common  Stock  (unless  such  reduction   was
     necessary  to reflect any subdivision of the Common  Stock),
     or  (ii)  failed  to  increase  the  rate  of  dividends  as
     necessary  to  reflect any reclassification  (including  any
     reverse  stock  split), recapitalization, reorganization  or
     any similar transaction which has the effect of reducing the
     number  of  outstanding shares of Common Stock, unless  such
     reduction  was  approved by a majority of the  Disinterested
     Directors.   This  provision  is  designed  to  prevent   an
     Interested Stockholder from attempting to depress the market
     price  of  the  Common  Stock before  proposing  a  Business
     Combination by reducing dividends on the Common  Stock,  and
     thereby  reducing  the consideration  required  to  be  paid
     pursuant  to the minimum price provisions of the Fair  Price
     Provision.

           (2)      If  the  Interested Stockholder acquired  any
     additional  shares of Voting Stock except in the transaction
     pursuant to which it became an Interested Stockholder.  This
     provision  is intended to prevent an Interested  Stockholder
     from  purchasing additional shares of Voting  Stock  without
     compliance with the provisions of the Fair Price Provision.

           (3)      If  the Interested Stockholder, at  any  time
     after  it  became  an  Interested  Stockholder,  whether  in
     connection   with  the  proposed  Business  Combination   or
     otherwise,  received  the benefits  of  any  loss  or  other
     financial assistance or tax advantage provided by XCL (other
     than  proportionately as a stockholder).  This provision  is
     intended  to  deter  an  Interested Stockholder  from  self-
     dealing or otherwise taking advantage of its equity position
     in  XCL  by  using XCL's resources to finance  the  proposed
     Business Combination or otherwise for its own purposes in  a
     manner not proportionately available to all stockholders.

       Under  the  Fair  Price  Provision,  unless  the  Business
Combination  is  approved  by  a majority  of  the  Disinterested
Directors, to avoid the 80% stockholder vote requirement even  if
the  other  conditions  described  above  are  met,  a  proxy  or
information statement disclosing the terms and conditions of  the
proposed Business Combination and complying with the requirements
of  the proxy rules promulgated under the Exchange Act will  have
to  be  mailed to all stockholders of XCL at least 30 days before
the  consummation of a Business Combination.  This  provision  is
intended to ensure that XCL's stockholders will be fully informed
of  the terms and conditions of the proposed Business Combination
even  if  the  Interested Stockholder is  not  otherwise  legally
required to disclose such information to stockholders.

      NONE  OF  THE  MINIMUM  PRICE  OR  PROCEDURAL  REQUIREMENTS
DESCRIBED  ABOVE WILL APPLY IN THE CASE OF A BUSINESS COMBINATION
APPROVED  BY  A  MAJORITY OF THE DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS  OR  THE
FAVORABLE VOTE OF 67% OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES AND A MAJORITY OF
THE  SHARES  HELD  BY  PERSONS  WHO ARE  NEITHER  THE  INTERESTED
STOCKHOLDER NOR AFFILIATES OF THE INTERESTED STOCKHOLDER, AND, IN
THE  ABSENCE OF SUCH APPROVAL, ALL OF SUCH REQUIREMENTS WILL HAVE
TO BE SATISFIED TO AVOID THE 80% STOCKHOLDER VOTE REQUIREMENT.

      Classified Board.  XCL's Board of Directors is divided into
three  classes  of directors serving staggered three-year  terms,
with  one class of directors to be elected at each annual meeting
of  shareholders to hold office until the end of  their  term  or
until their successors have been elected and qualified. Directors
may not be removed without cause except upon the affirmative vote
of  the holders of 67% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock.
This  provision makes it more difficult to effect an  involuntary
change in incumbent management.

       No   Cumulative   Voting.   Neither  the  Certificate   of
Incorporation nor the By-Laws permit cumulative voting.  Thus,  a
purchaser  of a block of Common Stock representing  less  than  a
majority  of  the  outstanding shares will have no  assurance  of
proportional representation on the Board of Directors.

      No  Action  by Stockholder Consent.  Delaware law  provides
that,  unless a corporation's certificate of incorporation denies
the right, stockholders may act by a written consent executed  by
the  holders  of a majority of the outstanding shares  of  voting
stock   without   holding  a  special  or   annual   meeting   of
stockholders.  The Certificate of Incorporation prohibits  action
that  is  required  or permitted to be taken  at  any  annual  or
special  meeting of stockholders of XCL from being taken  by  the
written   consent  of  stockholders  without  a  meeting   unless
authorized  by  a majority of the Disinterested  Directors.   The
intent  of  this  provision is to provide  an  open  forum  at  a
stockholders' meeting for all stockholders to have  a  chance  to
attend  and be heard.  This provision could have an anti-takeover
effect  and tend to entrench management by forcing the holder  or
holders of a majority of the outstanding stock to exercise  their
prerogatives  of  majority  ownership  only  by   voting   at   a
stockholders' meeting rather than by written consent.

      Supermajority  Voting.   The Fair Price  Provision  may  be
altered, amended, or repealed only if the holders of 80% or  more
of  the  outstanding  shares of Voting  Stock  entitled  to  vote
thereon  or 67% or more of the outstanding shares voting together
with  a majority of the outstanding shares held by persons  other
than the Interested Stockholder and its affiliates, vote in favor
of  such  action.  The other anti-takeover provisions and certain
other  provisions  in  the Certificate of  Incorporation  may  be
altered, changed, amended, or repealed only if the holders of 67%
or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of XCL entitled
to  vote  thereon  vote  in favor of such action.   Without  this
supermajority  voting, the beneficial effects of  the  provisions
requiring  such greater percentage of vote could be nullified  by
subsequent amendments approved by a vote of the holders of only a
majority of Common Stock.

     Preferred Stock
     ---------------

General
- -------

      Under  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  the  Board  of
Directors  of  XCL  may direct the issuance of  up  to  2,400,000
shares of Preferred Stock, in one or more series and with rights,
preferences,  privileges,  and restrictions,  including,  without
limitation,  dividend rights, voting rights,  conversion  rights,
terms  of  redemption, and liquidation preferences, that  may  be
fixed or designated by the Board of Directors without any further
vote  or action by XCL's stockholders.  The following description
of   Preferred  Stock  sets  forth  certain  general  terms   and
provisions  of  the  four  series of Preferred  Stock  which  are
currently issued and outstanding.  As discussed elsewhere in this
Prospectus,  effective November 10, 1997,  the  Company  amended,
recapitalized  and combined the outstanding shares  of  Series  A
Preferred  Stock  and  Series E Preferred Stock  into  shares  of
Amended Series A Preferred Stock which, together with the Amended
Series   A   Preferred  Stock  issued  in  the  Equity  Offering,
constituted  a  single  class of approximately  $93  million  (in
aggregate  liquidation preference) of Amended Series A  Preferred
Stock  at  that time.  The shares of Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock   currently  outstanding  have  an  aggregate   liquidation
preference of approximately $101 million.  Effective  January 16,
1997, the Series F Preferred Stock was mandatorily converted into
633,893  shares of Common Stock.  On March 3, 1998, the Series  B
Preferred  Stock  was  sold  by  the  holder  thereof,  and   the
purchasers exchanged the shares of Series B Preferred  Stock  for
an  aggregate 44,465 shares of Amended Series B Preferred  Stock.
In  addition,  such  purchasers were issued an  additional  2,620
shares (in the aggregate) of Amended Series B Preferred Stock  in
payment of accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred
Stock. The description of Preferred Stock set forth below and the
description  of  the  terms of a particular series  of  Preferred
Stock  do  not purport to be complete and are qualified in  their
entirety by reference to the Certificate of Incorporation and the
certificate of designation relating to that series.

     The rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions of the
Preferred  Stock  of  each  series shall  be  as  stated  in  the
Certificate  of  Incorporation and,  to  the  extent  not  stated
therein,  may be fixed by the certificate of designation relating
to  such  series, which shall specify the terms of the  Preferred
Stock as follows:

           (a)     the maximum number of shares to constitute the
     series and the distinctive designations thereof;

           (b)     the annual dividend rate, if any, on shares of
     the  series and the date or dates from which dividends shall
     commence  to  accrue  or accumulate, and  whether  dividends
     shall be cumulative;

           (c)      the price at and the terms and conditions  on
     which  the  shares of the series may be redeemed,  including
     the  time during which shares of the series may be redeemed,
     the  premium, if any, over and above the par value  thereof,
     and  any  accumulated dividends thereon that the holders  of
     shares  of the series shall be entitled to receive upon  the
     redemption  thereof,  which premium may  vary  at  different
     dates  and  may  also be different with  respect  to  shares
     redeemed through the operation of any retirement or  sinking
     fund;

           (d)      the liquidation preference, if any, over  and
     above  the  par value thereof, and any accumulated dividends
     thereon,  that the holders of shares of the series shall  be
     entitled  to  receive  upon  the  voluntary  or  involuntary
     liquidation,  dissolution, or winding up of the  affairs  of
     XCL;

           (e)      whether or not the shares of the series shall
     be  subject  to  operation of a retirement or sinking  fund,
     and,  if  so,  the  extent  and manner  in  which  any  such
     retirement or sinking fund shall be applied to the  purchase
     or  redemption of the shares of the series for retirement or
     for   other corporate purposes, and the terms and provisions
     relative  to  the operations of such retirement  or  sinking
     fund;

           (f)     the terms and conditions, if any, on which the
     shares   of  the  series  shall  be  convertible  into,   or
     exchangeable  for, shares of any other class or  classes  of
     capital  stock  of XCL or any series of any other  class  or
     classes, or of any other series of the same class, including
     the  price  or prices or the rate or rates of conversion  or
     exchange  and  the  method, if any, of adjusting  the  same,
     provided  that shares of such series may not be  convertible
     into  shares of a series or class that has prior or superior
     rights  and  preferences as to dividends or distribution  of
     assets  of XCL upon voluntary or involuntary dissolution  or
     winding up of the affairs of XCL;

          (g)     the voting rights, if any, on the shares of the
     series; and

               (h)     any or all other preferences and relative,
     participating,  optional,  or  other  special   rights,   or
     qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof.

Amended Series A Preferred Stock
- --------------------------------

      On  May  20,  1997,  the Company issued 294,118  shares  of
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock in connection with  the  Equity
Offering.  In  subsequent transactions, the  Company  has  issued
868,997  shares  of  Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  including
shares  issuable  in payment of the May 1, 1998 dividend  on  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

     Dividend Rights
     ---------------

     Holders of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock are entitled
to  receive  when, as and if declared by the Board of  Directors,
out  of  the funds of the Company legally available therefor,  an
annual dividend of $8.075 per share, payable semi-annually on May
1  and  November  1  in each year, commencing November  1,  1997.
Dividends  are payable in additional shares of Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock (valued at $85.00 per share) through November  1,
2000,  and  thereafter in cash, or at the Company's election,  in
shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock (valued at $85.00  per
share).  Dividends  on the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  are
cumulative from May 20, 1997, and will be payable, when,  as  and
if  declared, to holders of record on the applicable record  date
as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. Dividends in arrears
may  be  declared and paid at any time, without reference to  any
regular dividend payment date, to holders of record on such  date
not  exceeding 60 days preceding the payment date thereof, as may
be  fixed by the Board of Directors. Accrued but unpaid dividends
will  not bear interest. Dividends payable for any partial  semi-
annual  period will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day  year
consisting of twelve 30-day months.

      If dividends are not paid in full on all outstanding shares
of  the  Amended Series A Preferred Stock and any  other  capital
stock  of the Company ranking on a parity with the Amended Series
A  Preferred Stock as to dividends, all dividends declared on the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock and such other parity stock  may
only  be  declared  and paid pro rata so that in  all  cases  the
amount  of dividends declared per share on the Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock and such other parity stock will  bear  to  each
other  the same ratio that accrued and unpaid dividends per share
on  the  shares of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock and  such
other  parity  stock  bear to each other. So  long  as  they  are
outstanding, the Company's existing shares of Series B  Preferred
Stock  shall rank on a parity with the Amended Series A Preferred
Stock  as  to  dividends  or  upon liquidation,  dissolution  and
winding  up.  Unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding
shares of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock have been paid, no
dividends  (other  than in Common Stock or  other  stock  ranking
junior  to  the Amended Series A Preferred Stock as to  dividends
and  upon  liquidation, dissolution or winding up) may  be  paid,
declared  or  set  aside for payment, or any other  distributions
made  on  the  Common Stock or on any other stock of the  Company
ranking  junior  to the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  as  to
dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, nor may
any Common Stock or any other stock of the Company ranking junior
to  or  on a parity with the Amended Series A Preferred Stock  be
redeemed,  purchased or otherwise acquired for any  consideration
by  the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for  stock
of  the  Company ranking junior to the Amended Series A Preferred
Stock  as  to  dividends  and  upon liquidation,  dissolution  or
winding up).

      Under  Delaware  law,  the  Company  may  declare  and  pay
dividends  or make other distributions on its capital stock  only
out  of  surplus, as defined in the Delaware General  Corporation
Law (the "DGCL"). On December 31, 1997, the Company had available
surplus  of approximately $51 million.  The payment of  dividends
and  any future operating losses will reduce such surplus of  the
Company, which may adversely affect the ability of the Company to
continue  to  pay  dividends on the Amended  Series  A  Preferred
Stock.  In  addition,  no  dividends  or  distributions  may   be
declared,  paid  or made if the Company is or would  be  rendered
insolvent  by  virtue of such dividend or distribution,  and  the
Indenture limits the Company's ability to pay cash dividends. See
"Dividend Policy."

     Conversion Rights
     -----------------

     The holder of any shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock
will  have the right, at the holder's option, to convert  any  or
all  of  such  shares  into Common Stock at any  time  after  the
Initial  Conversion  Date  at  a  conversion  price  ("Conversion
Price") of, initially, $0.50 per share (subject to adjustment  as
described  below),  or  an  initial  effective  conversion   rate
("Conversion Rate") of 170 shares of Common Stock for each  share
of  Amended  Series A Preferred Stock (subject to  adjustment  as
described  below), except that if the Amended Series A  Preferred
Stock  is  called  for  redemption,  the  conversion  right  will
terminate  as to the shares called for redemption at  5:00  p.m.,
New  York City time, on the business day prior to the date  fixed
for  such  redemption.  Except as provided in the next paragraph,
no  payments or adjustments in respect of dividends on shares  of
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock surrendered  for  conversion,
whether  paid  or  unpaid and whether or not in  arrears,  or  on
account  of  any  dividend on the Conversion  Stock  issued  upon
conversion,  shall be made by the Company upon the conversion  of
any shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock, at the option  of
the  holder, including any conversion described under "-- Special
Conversion  Rights"  below. The holder of  record  of  shares  of
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock on a dividend record  date  who
surrenders  such shares for conversion during the period  between
such  dividend record date and the corresponding dividend payment
date  will  be entitled to receive the dividend on such  dividend
payment  date  notwithstanding the  conversion  of  such  shares;
provided,  however,  that,  unless such  shares,  prior  to  such
surrender,  had  been called for redemption on a redemption  date
during  the  period between such dividend record  date  and  such
dividend  payment  date, such shares must  be  accompanied,  upon
surrender  for  conversion, by payment from  the  holder  to  the
Company of an amount equal to the dividend payable on such shares
on  that  dividend payment date. No fractional shares  of  Common
Stock  will  be issued upon conversion but, in lieu  thereof,  an
appropriate amount will be paid in cash based on the Market Price
(as  defined below) for the shares of Common Stock on the day  of
such  conversion. No adjustment in the Conversion Price  will  be
required  unless  such adjustment would require  an  increase  or
decrease  of  at least one percent (1%) in the Conversion  Price;
provided, however, that any adjustment which is not made will  be
carried   forward  and  taken  into  account  in  any  subsequent
adjustment.

      If the Company, by dividend or otherwise, declares or makes
a  distribution on its Common Stock referred to in clause (d)  or
(e)  of  the  next  paragraph, the holders of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock, upon the conversion thereof subsequent  to  the
close  of  business  on the date fixed for the  determination  of
stockholders entitled to receive such distribution and  prior  to
the  effectiveness of the Conversion Price adjustment in  respect
of  such distribution, will be entitled to receive for each share
of Common Stock into which Amended Series A Preferred Stock is so
converted the portion of the evidences of indebtedness, shares of
capital stock, cash and assets so distributed applicable  to  one
share  of Common Stock; provided, however, that the Company  may,
with   respect  to  all  holders  so  converting,  in   lieu   of
distributing  any portion of such distribution not consisting  of
cash or securities of the Company, pay such holder cash equal  to
the  fair  market value thereof (as determined by  the  Board  of
Directors).

     The Conversion Price and the Conversion Rate will be subject
to  adjustment in certain events including, without  duplication,
(a)  dividends (and other distributions) payable in Common  Stock
to  all  holders of Common Stock; (b) the issuance to all holders
of  Common Stock of rights or warrants, entitling holders of such
rights  or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock  at
less  than  the  current  Market  Price;  (c)  subdivisions   and
combinations of Common Stock; (d) distributions to all holders of
Common  Stock of evidences of indebtedness of the Company, shares
of  capital  stock,  cash  or assets (including  securities,  but
excluding  those  rights, warrants, dividends  and  distributions
referred   to   above   and  dividends  and  distributions   paid
exclusively  in  cash); and (e) distributions to all  holders  of
Common  Stock consisting of cash, but excluding (i) cash that  is
part  of  a  distribution referred to in (d) above and  (ii)  any
quarterly  cash  dividend to the extent it does  not  exceed  the
amount  per share of Common Stock of the next preceding quarterly
cash  dividend (as adjusted to reflect any of the events referred
to  in  clauses (a) through (d) of this sentence), or all of  any
such  quarterly cash dividend if the amount thereof per share  of
Common  Stock  multiplied by four does  not  exceed  15%  of  the
current Market Price of the Common Stock on the trading day  next
preceding the date of declaration of such dividend.  As a  result
of  the  Reverse  Stock Split, effective December  17,  1997  the
initial  Conversion  Price and the initial Conversion  Rate  were
adjusted to $7.50 and 11 shares, respectively.

      The  Company from time to time may voluntarily  reduce  the
Conversion Price (or increase the Conversion Rate) by any  amount
for  any  period of at least 20 days, in which case  the  Company
will  give  at  least  15  days' notice  of  such  reduction  (or
increase),  if the Board of Directors of the Company has  made  a
determination that such reduction (or increase) would be  in  the
best  interests  of  the  Company, which  determination  will  be
conclusive.

     If the Company is party to any transaction pursuant to which
the  Common  Stock is converted into the right to  receive  other
securities,  cash  or  other  property,  including  by   way   of
recapitalization or reclassification (other than changes  in  par
value,  subdivisions  or  combinations  of  outstanding  shares),
consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of  its
assets to, any person, then upon consummation of such transaction
the Amended Series A Preferred Stock shall be convertible for the
kind  and  amount  of  shares of stock and other  securities  and
property that the holder of the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock
would  have owned immediately after any such transaction  if  the
holder  had  converted  his  shares  immediately  prior  to   the
effective   date  thereof  (which  shares  of  stock  and   other
securities and property may not necessarily be of equal value  to
the Common Stock).

      The  term  "Market Price" of the Common Stock for  any  day
means the last reported sale price, regular way, on such day, or,
if  no  sale takes place on such day, the average of the reported
closing bid and asked prices on such day, regular way, in  either
case  reported on the AMEX Consolidated Transaction Tape, or,  if
the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the AMEX
on  such  day, on the principal national securities  exchange  on
which  the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading, if  the
Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, or  the
National  Market Tier of The NASDAQ Stock Market  ("NASDAQ  NSM")
or,  if  not  listed  or admitted to trading  on  such  quotation
system,  on  the principal quotation system on which  the  Common
Stock  may be listed or admitted to trading or quoted or, if  not
listed   or  admitted  to  trading  or  quoted  on  any  national
securities  exchange  or quotation system,  the  average  of  the
closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock in the over-the-
counter market on the day in question as reported by the National
Quotation  Bureau  Incorporated, or  similar  generally  accepted
reporting  service, or, if not so available in  such  manner,  as
furnished by any AMEX member firm selected from time to  time  by
the Board of Directors of the Company for that purpose or, if not
so  available  in  such manner, as otherwise determined  in  good
faith by the Board of Directors of the Company.

     Mandatory Conversion Rights
     ---------------------------

      The  Amended Series A Preferred Stock may be converted,  in
whole  and  not in part, at the election of the Company,  at  the
then  prevailing Conversion Price at any time after November  20,
1997,  provided  that the Company is current in  the  payment  of
dividends  to  the conversion date, that the Common  Stock  shall
have  been  traded  on  the  AMEX or  other  national  securities
exchange  on  which the Common Stock is then  listed  or  on  the
Nasdaq  NSM for 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading
day period at a Current Market Price (as defined below) equal  to
or  greater than 150% of the prevailing Conversion Price, subject
to  adjustment in the same manner and for the same events as  the
Conversion Price.  The term "Current Market Price" of the  Common
Stock  for any day means the reported closing bid price,  regular
way,  on  such  day, as reported on the AMEX, or, if  the  Common
Stock  is not listed or admitted to trading on the AMEX  on  such
day,  on the principal national securities exchange on which  the
Common  Stock  is listed or admitted to trading,  if  the  Common
Stock  is listed on a national securities exchange, or the NASDAQ
NSM  or, if the Common Stock is not quoted or admitted to trading
on  such quotations system, on the principal quotation system  in
which  the  Common Stock may be listed or admitted to trading  or
quoted or, if not listed or admitted to trading or quoted on  any
national securities exchange or quotation system, the average  of
the closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock in the over-
the-counter  market  on the day in question as  reported  by  the
National  Quotation  Bureau Incorporated,  or  similar  generally
accepted  reporting  service, or, if not  so  available  in  such
manner,  as furnished by any AMEX member firm selected from  time
to time by the Board of Directors of the Company for that purpose
or,  if  not so available in such manner, as otherwise determined
in  good  faith  by the Board of Directors of the Company,  which
determination shall be conclusive.

     Special Conversion Rights
     -------------------------

       The  Amended  Series  A  Preferred  Stock  has  a  special
conversion  right that becomes effective upon the  occurrence  of
certain types of significant transactions affecting ownership  or
control  of  the Company or the market for the Common Stock.  The
purpose of the special conversion right is to provide (subject to
certain  exceptions)  loss protection upon the  occurrence  of  a
Change in Control (as defined below) or a Fundamental Change  (as
defined below) at a time when the Market Value (as defined below)
of  the  Common Stock is less than the then prevailing Conversion
Price.  In  such situations, the special conversion right  would,
for a limited period, reduce the then prevailing Conversion Price
to the Market Value of the Common Stock.

      The  special  conversion right is intended to provide  loss
protection to investors in certain circumstances while not giving
holders  a  veto  power  over significant transactions  affecting
ownership  or  control  of  the Company.   Although  the  special
conversion  right  may  render more costly or  otherwise  inhibit
certain  proposed  transactions, its primary purpose  is  not  to
inhibit  or  discourage takeovers or other business combinations.
Each  holder of Amended Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled
to  a  special  conversion  right  if  a  Change  of  Control  or
Fundamental Change occurs.  A Change of Control will occur  if  a
person  or  group acquires more than 50% of the Common  Stock.  A
Fundamental  Change is, generally, a sale of all or substantially
all  of  the Company's assets or a transaction in which at  least
66% of the Common Stock is transferred for, or is converted into,
any  other assets.  However, if the majority of the value of  the
consideration  received in a transaction  by  holders  of  Common
Stock is Marketable Stock or if the holders of Common Stock  hold
a  majority  of the voting stock of the Company's successor,  the
transaction will not be a Fundamental Change, and holders of  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock will not have special conversion
rights  as a result of such transaction. In addition, the special
conversion right arising upon a Change of Control shall  only  be
applicable  with  respect to the first  Change  of  Control  that
occurs  after the first date of issuance of any shares of Amended
Series  A  Preferred  Stock. The full definitions  of  the  terms
"Change of Control" and "Fundamental Change" appear below.

      A  special conversion right will permit a holder of Amended
Series  A Preferred Stock, at the holder's option during the  30-
day  period  described below, to convert all, but not  less  than
all,  of  the  holders'  Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  at  a
Conversion Price equal to the Market Value of the Common Stock. A
holder  exercising a special conversion right will receive Common
Stock  if a Change of Control occurs and, if a Fundamental Change
occurs,  will  receive the same consideration  received  for  the
number  of shares of Common Stock into which the holder's Amended
Series  A  Preferred  Stock would have been  convertible  at  the
Market  Value of the Common Stock.  In either case, however,  the
Company or its successor may, at its option, elect to provide the
holder  with  cash  equal to the Market Value of  the  number  of
shares  of Common Stock into which the holder's Amended Series  A
Preferred Stock is convertible.

      The  Company will mail to each registered holder of Amended
Series  A Preferred Stock a notice setting forth details  of  any
special  conversion right occasioned by a Change  of  Control  or
Fundamental  Change  within 30 days after  the  event  occurs.  A
special conversion right may be exercised only within the  30-day
period  after the notice is mailed and will expire at the end  of
that   period.   Exercise  of  a  special  conversion  right   is
irrevocable,  and all Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  tendered
for  conversion will be converted at the end of the 30-day period
mentioned in the preceding sentence.

      Amended  Series  A Preferred Stock that  is  not  converted
pursuant  to  a  special conversion right  will  continue  to  be
convertible  pursuant to the general conversion rights  described
above.

      The  special conversion right is not intended to, and  does
not,  protect holders of Amended Series A Preferred Stock in  all
circumstances  that  might affect ownership  or  control  of  the
Company  or  the  market  for  the  Common  Stock,  or  otherwise
adversely affect the value of an investment in the Amended Series
A  Preferred  Stock. The ability to control the  Company  may  be
obtained by a person even if that person does not, as is required
to  constitute  a  Change of Control, acquire a majority  of  the
Company's voting stock. The Company and the market for the Common
Stock  may  be  affected  by  various transactions  that  do  not
constitute  a  Fundamental  Change. In  particular,  transactions
involving  transfer or conversion of less than 66% of the  Common
Stock may have a significant effect on the Company and the market
for  the Common Stock, as could transactions in which holders  of
Common  Stock receive primarily Marketable Stock or  continue  to
own  a majority of the voting securities of the successor to  the
Company.  In addition, if the special conversion right arises  as
the  result of a Fundamental Change, the special conversion right
will  allow  a  holder exercising a special conversion  right  to
receive the same type of consideration received by the holders of
Common Stock and, thus, the degree of protection afforded by  the
special  conversion  right  may  be  affected  by  the  type   of
consideration received.

      As  used herein, a "Change of Control" with respect to  the
Company shall be deemed to have occurred at the first time  after
the  first issuance of any Amended Series A Preferred Stock  that
any  person (within the meaning of Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act")) including a group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5  under
the  Exchange  Act),  together with  any  of  its  Affiliates  or
Associates (as defined below), files or becomes obligated to file
a report (or any amendment or supplement thereto) on Schedule 13D
or 14D-1 pursuant to the Exchange Act disclosing that such person
has  become the beneficial owner of either (a) 50% or more of the
shares  of  Common  Stock  then  outstanding  or  (b)  securities
representing  50%  or more of the combined voting  power  of  the
Voting  Stock (as defined below) of the Company then outstanding,
provided  that  a Change of Control shall not be deemed  to  have
occurred  with  respect  to any transaction  that  constitutes  a
Fundamental  Change. An "Affiliate" of a specified  person  is  a
person  that directly or indirectly controls or is controlled  by
or  is  under  common  control with,  the  person  specified.  An
"Associate" of a person means (i) any corporation or organization
other than the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, of which
the  person  is  an  officer  or  partner  or  is,  directly   or
indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any  class  of
equity  securities; (ii) any trust or estate in which the  person
has  a  substantial beneficial interest or as to which the person
serves  as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and  (iii)
any  relative  or  spouse of the person or any  relative  of  the
spouse,  who has the same home as the person or who is a director
or officer or the person or any of its parents or subsidiaries.

      As  used herein, a "Fundamental Change" with respect to the
Company  means (a) the occurrence of any transaction or event  in
connection  with  which all or substantially all  of  the  Common
Stock   is  exchanged  for,  converted  into,  acquired  for   or
constitutes   solely  the  right  to  receive  cash,  securities,
property or other assets (whether by means of an exchange  offer,
liquidation,  tender  offer, consolidation, merger,  combination,
reclassification  or  otherwise) or  (b)  the  conveyance,  sale,
lease,   assignment,  transfer  or  other  disposal  of  all   or
substantially all of the Company's property, business or  assets;
provided,  however that a Fundamental Change shall not be  deemed
to  have  occurred  with  respect  to  either  of  the  following
transactions  or events: (i) any transaction or  event  in  which
more  than 50% (by value as determined in good faith by the Board
of  Directors  of the Company) of the consideration  received  by
holders  of Common Stock consists of Marketable Stock (as defined
below)  or  (ii)  any consolidation or merger of the  Company  in
which  the  holders  of Common Stock immediately  prior  to  such
transaction own, directly or indirectly, (1) 50% or more  of  the
common  stock  of  the  sole surviving  corporation  (or  of  the
ultimate  parent of such sole surviving corporation)  outstanding
at  the  time immediately after such consolidation or merger  and
(2)  securities  representing 50% or more of the combined  voting
power  of the surviving corporation's Voting Stock (or the Voting
Stock  of  the  ultimate  parent of such  surviving  corporation)
outstanding  at such time. The phrase "all or substantially  all"
as used in this definition in reference to the Common Stock means
66%  or more of the aggregate outstanding amount. Depending  upon
the  circumstances, there may be some uncertainty under  Delaware
law  as  to whether a specific transaction constitutes a sale  of
"all or substantially all" of the property, business or assets of
a company. This uncertainty may make it difficult for a holder to
determine whether or not a "Fundamental Change" has occurred, and
thus  whether  such  holder is entitled to a  special  conversion
right  in  respect  of the shares of Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock held by such holder.

      As  used herein, "Voting Stock" means, with respect to  any
person,  capital stock of such person having general power  under
ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the  board
of  directors, managers or trustees of such persons (irrespective
of whether or not at the time capital stock or any other class or
classes  shall have or might have voting power by reason  of  the
happening of any contingency).

      As  used herein , "Market Value" of the Common Stock or any
other  Marketable Stock is the average of the last reported sales
prices of the Common Stock or such other Marketable Stock, as the
case  may  be,  for  the five business days ending  on  the  last
business  day  preceding the date of the  Fundamental  Change  or
Change  of  Control; provided, however, that  if  the  Marketable
Stock  is  not  traded  on  any national securities  exchange  or
similar  quotation  system  as described  in  the  definition  of
"Marketable Stock" during such period, then the Market  Value  of
such  Marketable Stock is the average of the last reported  sales
prices  per share of such Marketable Stock during the first  five
business days commencing on the day after the date on which  such
Marketable Stock was first distributed to the general public  and
traded  on  the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), the  AMEX,  the
NASDAQ  NSM  or any similar system of automated dissemination  of
quotations of securities prices in the United States.

      As  used  herein, "Marketable Stock" means Common Stock  or
common  stock  of any corporation that is the successor  (or  the
ultimate parent of such successor) to all or substantially all of
the  business  or  assets  of  the  Company  as  a  result  of  a
Fundamental Change, which is (or will, upon distribution thereof,
be) listed or quoted on the NYSE, the AMEX, the NASDAQ NSM or any
similar  system  of  automated  dissemination  of  quotations  or
securities prices in the United States.

     Liquidation Rights
     ------------------

      In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding  up
of  the  Company, after payment or provision for payment  of  the
debts  and other liabilities of the Company, the holders  of  the
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled  to  receive,
out  of  the  remaining net assets of the Company  available  for
distribution  to stockholders, liquidating distributions  in  the
amount of $85.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all dividends
accrued  and unpaid on each such share (whether or not  declared)
to  the  date fixed for distribution, before any distribution  is
made  to holders of the Common Stock or any other class of  stock
of  the  Company ranking junior to the Amended Series A Preferred
Stock.   After  receiving  payment of  the  full  amount  of  the
liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the  holders
of  shares  of  Amended  Series A Preferred  Stock  will  not  be
entitled to any further participation in any remaining assets  of
the  Company.  If upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up  of
the  Company,  the amounts payable with respect  to  the  Amended
Series  A Preferred Stock and any other capital stock ranking  as
to  such  distribution  on a parity with  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock  with  respect to  such  distributions  ("Parity
Stock") are not paid in full, the holders of the Amended Series A
Preferred Stock and of such other Parity Stock will share ratably
in  any  such  distribution of assets in proportion to  the  full
respective  preferential  amounts to  which  they  are  entitled.
Currently, the Series B Preferred Stock constitutes Parity Stock.
See  "--  Description  of  Existing Capital  Stock  --  Preferred
Stock."  Neither the consolidation or merger of the Company  with
another  corporation nor a sale, conveyance, lease,  transfer  or
exchange of all or substantially all of the Company's assets will
be  considered a liquidation, dissolution or winding  up  of  the
Company for these purposes.

     Optional Redemption
     -------------------

      The Amended Series A Preferred Stock will not be redeemable
prior to May 1, 2002. On or after such date, the Amended Series A
Preferred Stock may be redeemed for cash, in whole or in part, at
the  option of the Company at any time or from time to  time,  on
not  less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the following
prices per share during the 12-month period beginning on May 1 of
the year indicated:

                Year                     Redemption
                ----                        Price
                                         ----------
                2002                        $90.00
                2003                         88.75
                2004                         87.50
                2005                         86.25
                2006 and thereafter          85.00

together,  in  each case, with an amount equal to  all  dividends
(whether  or  not declared) accrued and unpaid  to  the  date  of
redemption.

      If fewer than all the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock
are  to be redeemed, the Company will select those to be redeemed
ratably  or  by  lot  in  a manner determined  by  the  Board  of
Directors.  All  dividends  upon the shares  of  Preferred  Stock
called for redemption shall cease to accrue and all rights of the
holders thereof as shareholders of the Company (except the  right
to receive the redemption price, including any accrued and unpaid
dividends  to the date of redemption, without interest  upon  the
presentation  of  certificates representing the redeemed  shares)
shall terminate on the date of redemption.

     Mandatory Redemption
     --------------------

      The  Amended  Series A Preferred Stock will be  mandatorily
redeemed,  in whole, on May 1, 2007, upon not less  than  30  nor
more  than  60 days' notice, at a redemption price of $85.00  per
share,  plus  accrued  and  unpaid  dividends  (whether  or   not
declared)  to  the redemption date, payable in cash  or,  at  the
election of the Company, in shares of Common Stock, valued at the
average  of  the Market Price over the 20 trading days  preceding
the date of notice of redemption.

     Voting Rights
     -------------

      In addition to any special voting rights granted by law and
the   class   voting  rights  described  in  the  following   two
paragraphs, the holders of Amended Series A Preferred Stock  will
be  entitled  to  vote with the holders of Common  Stock  on  all
matters  on  which the holders of Common Stock  are  entitled  to
vote.   Further,  each share of the Amended  Series  A  Preferred
Stock will entitle the holder thereof to cast the same number  of
votes  as  the  full  shares of Common Stock then  issuable  upon
conversion thereof.

      Whenever dividends on the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock
are  in  arrears in an amount equal to or exceeding  three  semi-
annual  dividends (whether or not consecutive and whether payable
in  cash  or  shares  of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock),  the
number  of  directors  of  the  Company  will  automatically   be
increased  by  two  and  the holders  of  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock (voting separately as a class) will be  entitled
to  elect  the additional two directors until all dividends  that
were  accrued and unpaid have been paid or declared and funds  or
shares,  as the case may be, set aside to provide for payment  in
full.  Upon any termination of such rights to vote for directors,
the term of office of all directors so elected shall terminate.

     Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at
least  two-thirds  of the number of shares of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock then outstanding, the Company may not (a)  create
or issue or increase the authorized number of shares of any class
or  classes  or  series of stock ranking senior  to  the  Amended
Series  A  Preferred  Stock,  either  as  to  dividends  or  upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or (b) alter,  change  or
repeal any of the powers, rights or preferences of the holders of
the  Amended  Series A Preferred Stock so as to affect  adversely
such  powers,  preferences or rights  of  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock. Accordingly, the voting rights of the holders of
Amended   Series   A   Preferred  Stock  could,   under   certain
circumstances,  operate to restrict the flexibility  the  Company
would  otherwise have in connection with any future issuances  of
equity securities or changes to its capital structure.

     Miscellaneous
     -------------

      The  Preferred Stock, when designated, issued and paid for,
will be fully paid and nonassessable. The Preferred Stock has  no
preemptive rights and is not subject to any sinking fund.

Amended Series B Preferred Stock
- --------------------------------

      On  March  4,  1998,  in  connnection  with  settlement  of
litigation  instituted by the holder of the  Company's  Series  B
Preferred  Stock,  the holder thereof sold its 44,465  shares  of
Series   B   Preferred  Stock  and  associated   warrants.    The
purchasers, in a simultaneous transaction exchanged the shares of
Series B Preferred Stock for Amended Series B Preferred Stock and
warrants  to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock, subject  to
adjustment.  The Amended Series B Preferred Stock is entitled  to
50  votes  per  share on all matters on which Common Stockholders
are  entitled  to  vote  and separately as  a  class  on  certain
matters;  has  a  liquidation preference of $100 per  share  plus
accumulated  dividends and ranks senior to the Common  Stock  and
pari passu with the Amended Series A Preferred Stock with respect
to  the payment of dividends and distributions on liquidation; is
convertible by the holders thereof at any time after the  earlier
of  the  effective date of the registration under the  Securities
Act  of the conversion stock or August 31, 1998, at $4.75 if  the
conversion  stock  has  been  registered  or  at  $3.80  if   the
conversion stock is unregistered; is redeemable at the option  of
the  holder  at any time after December 20, 2001 at  $100.00  per
share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, payable at the Company's
election  in shares of Common Stock; and bears a fixed cumulative
dividend  at  an  annual rate of $9.50 per share,  payable  semi-
annually  in  either cash, shares of Common Stock, or  additional
shares  of  Amended Series B Preferred Stock,  at  the  Company's
option.

Shares Eligible for Future Sale
- -------------------------------

      As  of March 31, 1998, there were reserved an aggregate  of
(i)  2,679,601  shares  of Common Stock  subject  to  outstanding
options; (ii) 12,800,467 shares issuable upon conversion  of  the
Company's  outstanding  Amended Series A Preferred  Stock;  (iii)
17,361,286  shares  issuable  upon  exercise  of  the   Company's
outstanding   warrants;  (iv)  1,239,078  shares  issuable   upon
redemption  of  the  Company's  outstanding  Amended   Series   B
Preferred  Stock; (v) 104,375 shares reserved for  sale  to  fund
working  capital  for the Company's China projects;  (vi)  60,690
reserved for sale to fund general working capital requirements of
the  Company; and (vii) 36,373 shares issuable in connection with
contractual obligations.  The Company would receive  a  total  of
approximately  $86  million  if all  options  and  warrants  were
exercised  and all stock reserved for sale was sold at $5.06  per
share.

      Additionally,  the  Company  will  have  approximately  439
million  shares  of Common Stock available for issuance  at  such
times  and  upon such terms as may be approved by  the  Company's
Board  of Directors.  No prediction can be made as to the effect,
if  any, that future sales or the availability of shares for sale
will have on the market price of the Common Stock prevailing from
time  to  time.   Nevertheless, sales of substantial  amounts  of
Common  Stock of the Company in the public market could adversely
affect the prevailing market price of the Common Stock and  could
impair  the Company's ability to raise capital through  sales  of
its equity securities.

      Approximately 6.5 million shares of Common Stock (including
shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants
and   conversion  of  convertible  securities,  the   "Restricted
Shares")  are  held by executive officers and  directors  of  the
Company and affiliates of the Company and may be sold pursuant to
an  effective  registration statement  covering  such  shares  or
pursuant  to  Rule  144 of the Securities  Act,  subject  to  the
restrictions described below.

     In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person
(or persons whose shares are aggregated), including an affiliate,
who  has  beneficially owned Restricted Shares for  a  least  one
year, is entitled to sell within any three-month period, a number
of  shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of the then
outstanding  shares  of the Company's Common  Stock  or  (ii)  an
amount equal to the average weekly reported volume of trading  in
such shares during the four calendar weeks preceding the date  on
which  notice  of such sale is filed with the Commission.   Sales
under  Rule  144  are  also subject to  certain  manner  of  sale
limitations, notice requirements and the availability of  current
public information about the Company.  Restricted Shares properly
sold  in  reliance  on  Rule 144 are thereafter  freely  tradable
without  restrictions or registration under the  Securities  Act,
unless  thereafter  held  by an affiliate  of  the  Company.   In
addition,  affiliates  of  the  Company  must  comply  with   the
restrictions  and requirements of Rule 144, other than  the  one-
year  holding  period requirement, in order  to  sell  shares  of
Common Stock which are not Restricted Shares.  As defined in Rule
144,  an  "affiliate" of an issuer is a person that directly,  or
indirectly  through one or more intermediaries,  controls  or  is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such issuer.   If
two  years  have  elapsed since the later  of  the  date  of  any
acquisition  of Restricted Shares from the Company  or  from  any
affiliate  of the Company, and the acquiror or subsequent  holder
thereof is deemed not to have been an affiliate of the Company at
any  time  during the three months preceding a sale, such  person
would  be  entitled  to  sell such shares in  the  public  market
pursuant  to  Rule  144(k) without regard to volume  limitations,
manner  of  sale  restrictions, or public information  or  notice
requirements.

       CERTAIN UNITED STATES INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

      The  following discussion is a summary of material  federal
income tax considerations relevant to the purchase, ownership and
disposition  of  the  Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  and  the
Common  Stock, but does not purport to be a complete analysis  of
all  the potential tax effects thereof.  The discussion is  based
upon  the  Internal  Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"),  Treasury
regulations,  and  Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")  rulings  and
judicial  decisions now in effect, all of which  are  subject  to
change  at  any  time by legislative, judicial or  administrative
action.  No information is provided herein with respect to  state
and  local  taxes  or  estate and gift tax considerations.   This
information  is directed to the original investors who  hold  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock and the Common Stock as "capital
assets"  within  the  meaning of Section 1221  of  the  Code.  In
addition,  this discussion does not address the tax  consequences
to certain holders as to whom special rules apply (including life
insurance companies, tax exempt organizations, banks and  dealers
in  securities).  The Company has not sought, nor does it  intend
to  seek,  a  ruling  from  the IRS  that  the  tax  consequences
described  in  the following discussion will be accepted  by  the
IRS.   This  discussion does not purport to address  all  federal
income  tax aspects that may be relevant to holders in  light  of
their  particular circumstances. Each prospective investor should
consult and should rely on his own tax advisor concerning the tax
consequences to him of the purchase, ownership and disposition of
the Amended Series A Preferred Stock and the Common Stock.

Taxation of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock and Common Stock
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

      Dividends on Amended Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock
      -------------------------------------------------------------

      Dividends paid on the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  or
Common  Stock will be taxable under Section 301 of  the  Code  as
ordinary  income  to  the  extent of the  Company's  current  and
accumulated  "earnings  and profits" (as defined  in  the  Code).
Dividends received by corporate holders of the Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock or Common Stock out of such earnings and  profits
generally will qualify, subject to the limitations under Sections
246(c)  and  246A  of  the Code, for the 70%  dividends  received
deduction allowable to corporations under Section 243 of the Code
(although  the  benefits  of such deduction  may  be  reduced  or
eliminated  by  the  corporate alternative  minimum  tax).  Under
Section  246(c)  of  the Code, to be eligible for  the  dividends
received  deduction, a corporate holder must hold its  shares  of
Amended Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock for at least  46
days  during the 90-day period beginning 45 days before the  date
on  which the shares became ex-dividend (91 days during the  180-
day period beginning 90 days before the shares became ex-dividend
in  the case of a preferred dividend attributable to a period  or
periods  aggregating  more than 366 days). A  taxpayer's  holding
period for these purposes is suspended during any period in which
the  taxpayer  has  an  option to sell, is  under  a  contractual
obligation to sell, has made (and not closed) a short sale of, or
has  granted an option to buy, substantially identical  stock  or
securities, or holds one or more other positions with respect  to
substantially similar or related property that diminish the  risk
of  loss from holding such stock. Under Section 246A of the Code,
the dividends received deduction may be reduced or eliminated  if
a  holder's shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock or  Common
Stock are debt financed.

     Section 1059 of the Code requires a corporate stockholder to
reduce  its  basis (but not below zero) in the Amended  Series  A
Preferred   Stock  or  Common  Stock  by  the  nontaxed   portion
(generally  the  portion  eligible  for  the  dividends  received
deduction described above) of any "extraordinary dividend" if the
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock  has  not  been
held  for more than two years before the date of announcement  or
agreement  with  respect  to  such  dividend.   In  addition,   a
corporate  holder of Amended Series A Preferred Stock  or  Common
Stock would recognize additional gain on the disposition of  such
stock  equal  to  any  nontaxed  portions  of  any  extraordinary
dividend that would have reduced such holder's basis but for  the
limitation  on  reducing  basis below  zero.   An  "extraordinary
dividend"  generally is a dividend that (a) equals or exceeds  5%
in  the  case  of preferred stock, or 10% in the case  of  common
stock, of the holder's adjusted basis in such stock, treating all
dividends  having  ex-dividend  dates  within  a  period  of   85
consecutive days as one dividend or (b) exceeds 20 percent of the
holder's  basis in such stock, treating all dividends having  ex-
dividend  dates within a period of 365 consecutive  days  as  one
dividend, provided that in either case fair market value  of  the
stock  on  the  day before the ex-dividend date,  if  it  can  be
established  by  the  holder, may be substituted  for  the  stock
basis.  In addition, an amount treated as a dividend in the  case
of  a redemption of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock that  is
either  non-pro  rata  as  to  all  stockholders  or  in  partial
liquidation  would  also  constitute an "extraordinary  dividend"
without  regard  to  the  length of time  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock has been held. Special rules apply with  respect
to  a  "qualified  preferred dividend," which would  include  any
fixed  dividend  payable with respect to  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock, provided it is not in arrears as  to  dividends
when acquired and the actual rate of return on the Amended Series
A  Preferred Stock does not exceed 15% calculated by reference to
the lower of the holder's basis in the Amended Series A Preferred
Stock  or  its liquidation preference. The extraordinary dividend
rules  will  not apply to a qualified preferred dividend  if  the
holder  has  held the Amended Series A Preferred Stock  for  more
than  five years. If the holder disposes of the Amended Series  A
Preferred Stock before it has been held for more than five years,
the  aggregate reduction in basis will not exceed the  excess  of
the  qualified  preferred dividends paid during  the  period  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock was held by the holder over  the
qualified  preferred dividends which would have been paid  during
such  period  on  the  basis of the Amended  Series  A  Preferred
Stock's  stated  rate of return calculated by  reference  to  the
lower  of  the holder's basis in the Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock or its liquidation preference.

      To  the  extent  that a distribution on  Amended  Series  A
Preferred   Stock  or  Common  Stock  exceeds  the  current   and
accumulated   earnings   and  profits  of   the   Company,   such
distribution  will be treated as a nontaxable return  of  capital
which  reduces  the  holder's  basis  in  its  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock or Common Stock. Any such distribution in  excess
of  a  holder's basis will be treated as short-term or  long-term
capital gain, depending on whether the Amended Series A Preferred
Stock or Common Stock has been held for more than one year.

     At the present time, the Company has no accumulated earnings
and  profits for federal income tax purposes, and it is uncertain
whether  and  to  what extent the Company will  have  current  or
accumulated  earnings  and profits in the  future.   Accordingly,
there can be no assurance that distributions to corporate holders
of  the  Amended  Series A Preferred Stock or Common  Stock  will
qualify for the dividends received deduction.

     Redemption Premium on Amended Series A Preferred Stock
     ------------------------------------------------------

      Under  Section  305  of  the Code and  applicable  Treasury
regulations,  if  the  redemption price of  redeemable  preferred
stock exceeds its issue price and part (or all) of such excess is
considered an unreasonable redemption premium, the entire  amount
of  such excess is treated as distributed over the period  during
which  the preferred stock cannot be redeemed. The amount treated
as  distributed each year would be determined on a constant yield
to maturity basis that would result in the allocation of a lesser
amount  of distributions to the early years and a greater  amount
to  the  later  years  of  such  period.  Any  such  constructive
distribution  would  be classified as a dividend,  a  non-taxable
recovery  of  basis  or an amount received in  exchange  for  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the rules summed  up
under  "  --  Dividends on Amended Series A  Preferred  Stock  or
Common Stock." Any such constructive distribution would be  taken
into  account for proposes of applying the extraordinary dividend
rules discussed above.

      Under  recently issued Treasury Regulations,  a  redemption
premium  that  would be paid in the event of an  issuer  call  is
considered  unreasonable only if, based  on  all  the  facts  and
circumstances  as of the issue date, redemption pursuant  to  the
call  is  more likely than not to occur. Even if a redemption  is
considered more likely than not to occur, the redemption  premium
is  not subject to the current inclusion rule if it is solely  in
the  nature  of a penalty for premature redemption. A  redemption
premium is considered a penalty for premature redemption only  if
it  is  paid  as  a  result  of changes  in  economic  or  market
conditions over which neither the issuer nor the holder has legal
or practical control.

      Under  a safe harbor, a redemption is not treated  as  more
likely  than  not to occur if (i) the issuer and holder  are  not
"related,"  (ii) there are no plans, arrangements, or  agreements
that effectively require or are intended to compel the issuer  to
redeem  the  stock  (other  than  a  mandatory  redemption  right
exercisable by the holder), and (iii) exercise of the call  right
would  not  reduce  the yield of the stock, as  determined  under
principles  similar to the principles of section 1272(a)  of  the
Code  and  the  Treasury Regulations under sections 1271  through
1275. The Company anticipates that any call of the Amended Series
A  Preferred Stock will fall within this safe harbor, although no
assurance can be given that it will fall within the safe harbor.

      Assuming that the redemption does not fall within the  safe
harbor  discussed  above, the Company believes,  based  upon  the
facts and circumstances existing at the time of issuance, that it
is  not more likely than not that the redemption will occur.  The
Company further believes that, even if the IRS were to treat  the
redemption  as  more  likely than not to  occur,  the  redemption
premium  should  be  considered  a  penalty  paid  for  premature
redemption of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

     Redemption or Sale of Amended Series A Preferred Stock
     ------------------------------------------------------

      A  redemption of Amended Series A Preferred Stock for  cash
will  be  treated,  under Section 302  of  the  Code,  as  (i)  a
distribution  treated as a taxable dividend,  (ii)  a  nontaxable
recovery  of  basis, or (iii) an amount received in exchange  for
the  Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock pursuant  to  the  rules
described  under  "  -- Dividends on Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock  or Common Stock," unless the redemption (a) results  in  a
"complete  termination"  of  the stockholder's  interest  in  the
Company   under   Section  302(b)(3)  of   the   Code;   (b)   is
"substantially disproportionate" with respect to the  stockholder
under  Section 302(b)(2) of the Code; or (c) is "not  essentially
equivalent to a dividend" under Section 302(b)(1) of the Code. In
determining  whether  any of these tests have  been  met,  shares
considered  to be owned by the stockholder by reason  of  certain
constructive ownership rules in Sections 302(c) and 318(a) of the
Code,  as  well  as  shares actually owned, must  be  taken  into
account.  If  any of these tests are met, the redemption  of  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock for cash would be treated  as  a
sale or exchange for tax purposes.

      A  redemption  will  be "not essentially  equivalent  to  a
dividend"  as  to  a particular stockholder if it  results  in  a
meaningful  reduction  in  that  stockholder's  interest  in  the
Company. If, as a result of the redemption of the Amended  Series
A  Preferred Stock, a stockholder of the Company, whose  relative
interest  in the Company is minimal and who exercises no  control
over  corporate affairs, suffers a reduction in his proportionate
interest   in   the   Company   (taking   into   account   shares
constructively  owned by the stockholder and, in certain  events,
dispositions of the stock that occur contemporaneously  with  the
redemption),  that  stockholder  should  be  regarded  as  having
suffered a meaningful reduction in his interest in the Company.

      If,  under  the  foregoing rules, a redemption  of  Amended
Series A Preferred Stock is treated as a sale or exchange, rather
than  as  a  distribution, or if the Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock  is sold, the holder would recognize taxable gain  or  loss
equal  to  the  difference between the amount  realized  and  the
holder's  tax basis in the Amended Series A Preferred Stock.  For
these purposes, the amount realized will generally be measured by
the  amount  of  cash  and the fair market  value  of  any  other
property received. The holder's initial cost basis in the Amended
Series  A  Preferred Stock will be that portion  of  the  initial
Equity  Unit  price  that is allocated to the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock based upon the relative fair market values of the
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrants.  Each  holder
should consult his tax adviser regarding the determination of the
initial cost basis of the Securities comprising the Units.

      If  a  redemption  of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  is
treated  as  a distribution, the amount of the distribution  will
generally  be measured by the amount of cash and the fair  market
value of any other property received.  The stockholder's basis in
the redeemed Amended Series A Preferred Stock will be transferred
to any remaining stockholdings in the Company.

      A  distribution to a corporate stockholder in redemption of
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock that is treated as  a  dividend
may  also be considered an "extraordinary dividend" under Section
1059  of  the  Code.  See  " -- Dividends  on  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock or Common Stock." A redemption that is treated as
a  dividend  that is not pro rata as to all stockholders  may  be
treated as an extraordinary dividend without regard to the period
during  which the stockholder held the Amended Series A Preferred
Stock.

      Conversion of Amended Series A Preferred Stock Into Common
      Stock
      -----------------------------------------------------------

      In  general, no gain or loss will be recognized for federal
income  tax purposes on conversion of Amended Series A  Preferred
Stock solely into shares of Common Stock, except with respect  to
any  cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Common  Stock.
If  dividends  on  the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  are  in
arrears  at  the  time of conversion, however, a portion  of  the
Common  Stock received in exchange for Amended Series A Preferred
Stock  could  be viewed under Section 305(c) of  the  Code  as  a
distribution  with  respect  to the Amended  Series  A  Preferred
Stock,  taxable  as a dividend. The tax basis  for  Common  Stock
received  on  conversion will be equal to the tax  basis  of  the
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock  converted,  reduced  by  the
portion of basis allocable to any fractional share exchanged  for
cash.  The  holding  period of the shares of  Common  Stock  will
include  the  holding period of such Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock.

     Adjustment of Conversion Price
     ------------------------------

      Section  305  of  the  Code treats holders  of  convertible
securities   as  having  received  a  constructive   distribution
(taxable as a dividend to the extent of the issuing corporation's
current   or  accumulated  earnings  and  profits)  when  certain
adjustments are made to the conversion price and conversion ratio
of  such  securities.  For  example, a constructive  distribution
results  when the conversion price is adjusted to reflect certain
taxable  distributions  with respect  to  the  stock  into  which
preferred  stock  is convertible. Adjustment  of  the  Conversion
Price  and  the  Conversion Ratio at which the Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock can be converted (which may occur under  certain
circumstances) could cause the holders thereof to be viewed under
Section  305 of the Code as having received a deemed distribution
taxable as a dividend whether or not such holders exercise  their
conversion rights.

Foreign Holders
- ---------------

      The  following  discussion is a summary of  certain  United
States  federal income tax consequences to a Foreign Person  that
holds  a  Security. The term "Foreign Person" means a nonresident
alien  individual or foreign corporation, but only if the  income
or  gain  on the Security is not "effectively connected with  the
conduct of a trade or business within the United States." If  the
income or gain on the Security is "effectively connected with the
conduct  of  a trade or business within the United States,"  then
the  nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation will  be
subject  to  tax on such income or gain in essentially  the  same
manner  as  a  United States citizen or resident  or  a  domestic
corporation,  as discussed herein, and in the case of  a  foreign
corporation, may also be subject to the branch profits tax.

      In  general,  gain  (to the extent it is  not  "effectively
connected  with  the  conduct of a trade or business  within  the
United   States")  recognized  by  a  Foreign  Person  upon   the
redemption,  sale,  exchange or other taxable  disposition  of  a
share  of Amended Series A Preferred Stock or of shares of Common
Stock  will  not be subject to United States federal  income  tax
unless such Foreign Person is an individual present in the United
States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which  the
disposition  occurs and certain other requirements  are  met,  or
unless  the  Company  was a United States real  property  holding
corporation  at  any  time during the five  years  preceding  the
disposition  while  the Foreign Person held an  interest  in  the
Company.  Although the Company has previously been treated  as  a
United States real property holding corporation for United States
federal   income  tax  purposes  because  of  its  ownership   of
substantial real estate assets in the United States, the  Company
believes  that it is not presently a United States real  property
holding  corporation because the fair market value of its  United
States  real property interests now constitutes less than 50%  of
the  total fair market value of its real estate assets, including
its  Chinese assets. If the Company were again to become a United
States  real  property holding corporation in the future,  either
because  of  a  change in the fair market values of  its  current
properties or through acquisitions of real property interests,  a
Foreign  Person  who  holds Amended Series A Preferred  Stock  or
Common  Stock would generally be subject to United States federal
income  tax on any gain recognized from sale or other disposition
of  Amended Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock, unless  the
Common Stock is traded on an established securities market and  a
Foreign  Person does not directly or constructively  own  Amended
Series A Preferred Stock or Common Stock with a fair market value
on  the  date  of acquisition of more than 5% of the fair  market
value of the outstanding Common Stock on such date. If subject to
United  States federal income tax, the gain would be  treated  as
effectively  connected with the conduct of a  trade  or  business
within  the  United  States  and the sale  or  other  disposition
generally would be subject to withholding tax equal to 10% of the
amount realized therefrom.

      Distributions paid on the Amended Series A Preferred  Stock
or  Common  Stock  to a Foreign Person (other than  distributions
that constitute income effectively connected with a United States
trade  or  business)  will be subject to  United  States  federal
income  tax  withholding at a rate of 30% of the  amount  of  the
distribution  (unless the rate is reduced by  an  applicable  tax
treaty). If the Company derives at least 80% of its gross  income
from the active conduct of a trade or business outside the United
States  for a period of three years prior to the taxable year  of
the distribution (or for the taxable year of the distribution  if
the Company has no gross income for such three-year period), then
distributions  to Foreign Holders of Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock or Common Stock will not be subject to withholding.

     Any Foreign Person that recognizes gain upon the redemption,
sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a share of Amended
Series A Preferred Stock or of shares of Common Stock or receives
a  dividend  on  the Common Stock that is "effectively  connected
with  the conduct of a trade or business with the United  States"
will  be subject to tax in essentially the same manner as a  U.S.
person,  as discussed above. A Foreign Person that is  a  foreign
corporation  engaged  in a U.S. trade or  business  also  may  be
subject  to the branch profits tax with respect to such  gain  or
dividend.

Backup Withholding
- ------------------

       A  noncorporate  holder  may  be  subject,  under  certain
circumstances, to backup withholding at a 31% rate  with  respect
to  payments  received  with respect  to  the  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock and the Common Stock.  This withholding generally
applies only if the holder (i) fails to furnish his, her  or  its
social  security or other taxpayer identification number ("TIN"),
(ii)  furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is notified  by  the  IRS
that  he,  she  or it has failed to report properly  payments  of
interest and dividends and the IRS has notified the Company  that
he,  she  or it is subject to backup withholding, or (iv)  fails,
under  certain  circumstances, to provide a certified  statement,
signed  under penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided  is  his,
her  or  its correct number and that he, she or it is not subject
to  backup withholding.  Any amount withheld from a payment to  a
holder  under  the  backup withholding rules is  allowable  as  a
credit  against  such  holder's  federal  income  tax  liability,
provided  that the required information is furnished to the  IRS.
Certain  holders  (including,  among  others,  corporations   and
foreign   individuals  who  comply  with  certain   certification
requirements)  are  not  subject to backup  withholding.  Holders
should  consult their tax advisors as to their qualification  for
exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining
such an exemption.

                    SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

      An aggregate of up to 1,163,115 shares of Amended Series  A
Preferred  Stock  may  be  offered by  certain  Selling  Security
Holders.  As of May [o], 1998, the Selling Security Holders, none
of  whom has a material relationship with the Company or  any  of
its  predecessors or affiliates except as set forth herein,  were
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Shares of Amended Series
                                 Shares of Amended Series A        Maximum Number        A Preferred Stock
                                Preferred Stock Beneficially      of Shares to be     Beneficially Owned After 
Name of Selling Security Holder  Owned Prior to the Offering   Sold in the Offering         The Offering
- -------------------------------  ---------------------------   --------------------   ------------------------
                                 Number              Percent                           Number          Percent
                                 ------              -------                           ------          -------

<S>                               <C>                <C>           <C>                 <C>              <C>
Arbco Associates, L.P.
Opportunity Associates, L.P.
Offense Group Associates, L.P.
Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional
  Investments, L.P.
Evanston Insurance Company
Foremost Insurance Company
Nobel Insurance Company
Topa Insurance Company
Cumberland Partners, L.P.
Less than 1% holders
                         Total                                        1,163,115

</TABLE>

      An  aggregate of up to 32,950,698 of Common  Stock  may  be
offered by certain Selling Security Holders.  As of May [o],1998,
the  Selling  Security  Holders, none  of  whom  has  a  material
relationship  with  the  Company or any of  its  predecessors  or
affiliates except as set forth herein, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                
                                  Shares of Common Stock       Maximum Number    Shares of Common Stock 
                                    Beneficially Owned        of Shares to be     Beneficially Owned
Name of Selling Security Holder    Prior to the Offering    Sold in the Offering  After the Offering
- ------------------------------     ---------------------    --------------------  --------------------
                                    Number     Percent                            Number     Percent
                                    ------     -------                            ------     -------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>             <C>                <C>         <C>
Arbco Associates, L.P.
Opportunity Associates, L.P.
Offense Group Associates, L.P.
Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional
  Investments, L.P. and 
  affiliates as listed below
Evanston Insurance Company
Foremost Insurance Company
Nobel Insurance Company
Topa Insurance Company
Cumberland Partners, L.P.
Providence Capital Ltd.
William Wang
Mitch Leigh
Abby Leigh
Arthur Rosenbloom
Longhorn Partners
Target Trust
Rebecca Leigh Trust
David Leigh Trust
Steven Gottlieb
Tushar Ramani
Ron Savarese
Rauscher Pierce & Clark
Terrenex Acquisitions Corp.
Donald & Joanne Westerberg
Jerald T. Hanchey
Dornbush Family Limited Partnership
Guinness Mahon Investments
Foundation of J. Edgar Monroe/ Boland Manufacturing
Con-Spec, Inc.
Patrick B. Collins
                          Total                                        32,950,698

</TABLE>

      The Securities may be sold from time to time by the Selling
Security  Holders, or by pledges, donees, transferrees  or  other
successors  in interest.  Such sales may be made on one  or  more
exchanges  or  in  the over-the-counter market or  otherwise,  at
prices  and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to  the
then  current  market price, or in negotiated transactions.   The
Securities  may be sold by one or more of the following:   (a)  a
block trade in which the broker-dealer so engaged will attempt to
sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of
the   block  as  principal  to  facilitate  the  transaction  (b)
purchases  by  a  broker-dealer as principal and resale  by  such
broker-dealer for its account pursuant to this Prospectus; (c) an
exchange  distribution  in accordance  with  the  rules  of  such
exchange;   and   (d)   ordinary   brokerage   transactions   and
transactions  in  which  the  broker  solicits  purchasers.    In
effecting   sales,   broker-dealers  engaged   by   the   selling
shareholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to  participate
in the resales.

      In  connection  with  distributions of  the  Securities  or
otherwise,  the Selling Security Holders may enter  into  hedging
transaction  with  broker-dealers.   In  connection   with   such
transactions,  broker-dealers may engage in short  sales  of  the
shares  registered  hereunder  in  the  course  of  hedging   the
positions they assume with Selling Security Holders.  The Selling
Security  Holders  may also sell shares short and  redeliver  the
shares  to close out such short positions.  The Selling  Security
Holders  may  also  enter into option or other transactions  with
broker-dealers which require the delivery to the broker-dealer of
the  Securities registered hereunder, which the broker-dealer may
resell  or  otherwise transfer pursuant to this Prospectus.   The
Selling  Security Holders may also loan or pledge the  Securities
registered hereunder to a broker-dealer and the broker-dealer may
sell the Securities so loaned or upon a default the broker-dealer
may  effect  sales  of the pledged Securities  pursuant  to  this
Prospectus.

      Broker-dealers  or agents may receive compensation  in  the
form  of  commissions,  discounts  or  concessions  from  Selling
Security  Holders in amounts to be negotiated in connection  with
the sale.  Such broker-dealers and any other participating broker-
dealers may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning  of
the  Securities Act, in connection with such sales and  any  such
commission,   discount  or  concession  may  be  deemed   to   be
underwriting  discounts or commissions under the Securities  Act.
In  addition,  any  Securities covered by this  Prospectus  which
qualify  for sale pursuant to Rules 144, 144A or 904 may be  sold
under such Rules rather than pursuant to this Prospectus.

      All  costs,  expenses  and  fees  in  connection  with  the
registration  of  the Securities will be borne  by  the  Company.
Commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to the  sales  of
the  Securities  will be borne by the Selling  Security  Holders.
The  Selling Security Holders may agree to indemnify any  broker-
dealer or agent that participates in transactions involving sales
of   the   Securities  against  certain  liabilities,   including
liabilities  arising under the Securities Act.  The  Company  and
certain  of the Security Holders have agreed to indemnify certain
persons   including  broker-dealers  or  agents  against  certain
liabilities  in  connection with the offering of the  Securities,
including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

      On  May 20, 1997, the Company entered into two Registration
Rights  Agreements (collectively, the "Registration  Agreements")
with  Jefferies  as  the  initial  purchaser  in  the  Offerings.
Pursuant  to  the Registration Agreements, the initial  purchaser
and  all  subsequent holders of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock
and  Equity Warrants issued in the Offerings were granted certain
registration  rights  with  respect  to  the  Amended  Series   A
Preferred Stock and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion  of
the Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

      In addition, the Company is registering certain outstanding
shares  of  Common  Stock previously issued  in  certain  private
placements,  as  well  as Common Stock issuable  on  exercise  of
certain  outstanding warrants, pursuant to certain  "piggy  back"
registration covenants and other contractual agreements to  which
the Company is subject.

       Pursuant   to  such  Registration  Agreements  and   other
contractual arrangements, the Company has agreed to indemnify the
Selling  Security Holders against certain liabilities,  including
liabilities under the Securities Act.

      The  Company is registering the Securities at  its  expense
including paying all filing, printing, legal and accounting  fees
in  connection therewith; provided, however, the Selling Security
Holders  will pay all applicable stock transfer taxes,  brokerage
commissions or other transaction charges and expenses.

      Jefferies  has  performed and may  in  the  future  perform
various investment banking services for the Company.

                            LEGAL MATTERS

      Certain legal matters with respect to the Securities   will
be  passed  upon  for the Company by Satterlee Stephens  Burke  &
Burke LLP, New York, NY.

                             EXPERTS

     The consolidated financial statements of the Company and XCL-
China  Ltd.  as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for  the  three
years  in  the  period ended December 31, 1997 included  in  this
Prospectus have been included herein in reliance on the  reports,
both  of  which  include an explanatory paragraph  regarding  the
Company's  ability to continue as a going concern, of  Coopers  &
Lybrand  L.L.P., independent accountants, given the authority  of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                
                            ENGINEERS

      The  estimate of the oil and gas reserves as of January  1,
1998,  for  the  Company's interests in the Zhao  Dong  Block  as
prepared  by  H.J.  Gruy and Associates, Inc.  included  in  this
Prospectus  has  been  included  herein  in  reliance  upon   the
authority  of  such firm as experts with respect to  the  matters
contained in such firm's report attached hereto as Appendix A.


                        GLOSSARY OF TERMS

      Unless otherwise indicated in this Prospectus, natural  gas
volumes  are  stated at the legal pressure base of the  State  or
area  in which the reserves are located at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Natural gas equivalents are determined using the ratio of six Mcf
of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil, condensate or NGLs.

     The following definitions shall apply to the technical terms
used in this Prospectus.

          "Bbl" means barrel or barrels.

          "Bcf" means billion cubic feet.

          "BOE" means barrel of crude oil equivalent.

          "BOPD" means barrel per day.

          "DD&A" means depletion, depreciation and amortization.

           "Developed  acreage" means acreage which  consists  of
     acres spaced or assignable to productive wells.

          "Developed well" means a well drilled within the proved
     area of a crude oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of
     stratigraphic horizon (rock layer or formation) known to  be
     productive for the purpose of extraction of proved crude oil
     or natural gas reserves.

           "Dry  hole"  means an exploratory or development  well
     found  to be incapable of producing either crude oil or  gas
     in  sufficient quantities to justify completion as  a  crude
     oil or natural gas well.

           "EBITDA"  means  earnings from  continuing  operations
     before  income taxes, interest expense, DD&A and other  non-
     cash charges.

           "Exploratory well" means a well drilled  to  find  and
     produce  crude  oil or natural gas in an unproved  area,  to
     find  a  new  reservoir in a field previously  found  to  be
     producing crude oil or natural gas in another reservoir,  or
     to extend a known reservoir.

           "Farmout" means a leasehold held by the owner  thereof
     under  an agreement between operators, whereby a lease owner
     not  desirous of drilling at the time agrees to  assign  the
     lease, or some portion of it (in common or in severalty)  to
     another operator who is desirous of drilling the tract.

           "Finding  cost",  expressed in  dollars  per  BOE,  is
     calculated  by dividing the amount of total exploration  and
     development capital expenditures (excluding any amortization
     with  respect to deferred financing fees) by the  amount  of
     proved reserves added during the same period      (including
     the effect on proved reserves of reserve revisions).

          "G&A" means general and administrative.

           "Gross"  natural  gas and crude oil wells  or  "gross"
     wells or acres is the number of wells or acres in which  the
     Company has an interest.

           "LOE"  means  lease operating expenses and  production
     taxes.

          "MBbl" means thousand barrels.

          "MBOE" means thousand barrels of crude oil equivalent.

          "Mcf" means thousand cubic feet.

          "Mcfpd" means thousand cubic feet per day.

          "MMBbls" means million barrels of crude oil.

          "MMBOE" means million barrels of crude oil equivalent.

          "MMBTU" means million British Thermal Units.

          "MMcf" means million cubic feet.

          "MMcfpd" means million cubic feet per day.

           "Net"  natural gas and crude oil wells or "net"  acres
     are  determined by multiplying "gross" wells or acres by the
     Company's working interest in such wells or acres.

          "NGL" means natural gas liquid.

           "PV-10" means estimated future net revenue, discounted
     at  a rate of 10% per annum, before income taxes and with no
     price or cost escalation or de-escalation in accordance with
     guidelines promulgated by the Commission.

           "Production costs" means lease operating expenses  and
     taxes on natural gas and crude oil production.

           "Productive  wells" means producing  wells  and  wells
     capable of production.

           "Proved developed reserves" includes only those proved
     reserves  expected to be recovered from existing  completion
     intervals  in existing wells and those reserves  that  exist
     behind  the casing of existing wells when the cost of making
     such  reserves available for production is relatively  small
     compared to the cost of a new well.

           "Proved reserves" or "reserves" means natural gas  and
     crude  oil,  condensate and NGLs on a net  revenue  interest
     basis, found to be commercially recoverable.

           "Service  well" is a well used for water injection  in
     secondary recovery projects or for the disposal of  produced
     water.

          "Undeveloped acreage" means leased acres on which wells
     have  not  been drilled or completed to a point  that  would
     permit the production of commercial quantities of crude  oil
     and  natural  gas,  regardless whether or not  such  acreage
     contains proved reserves.

                      INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                     Page

XCL Ltd.
- --------

     Report of Independent Accountants............................     F-2

     Consolidated  Balance  Sheet as of December  31,  1997  and
      December 31, 1996...........................................     F-3

     Consolidated Statement of Operations for each of the  three
       years in the period ended December 31, 1997................     F-4

     Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for each  of
       the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997......     F-5

     Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the  three
      years in the period ended December 31, 1997.................     F-6

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................     F-7

     Supplemental Information.....................................     F-23

     Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts..............     F-28

XCL-China Ltd.
- --------------

     Report of Independent Accountants............................     F-29

     Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996..     F-30

     Statement of Operations for each of the three years in  the
      period ended December 31, 1997..............................     F-31

     Statement  of Shareholders' Deficit for each of  the  three
      years in the period ended December 31, 1997.................     F-32

     Statement of Cash Flows for each of the three years in  the
      period ended December 31, 1997..............................     F-33

     Notes to Financial Statements................................     F-34

     Supplemental Information.....................................     F-38


                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of  XCL Ltd.:

We  have  audited the consolidated financial statements  and  the
financial statement schedule of XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries  listed
in   the   Index  on  page  F-1.   These  consolidated  financial
statements   and   financial   statement   schedule    are    the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is
to  express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits in accordance with generally  accepted
auditing  standards.  Those standards require that  we  plan  and
perform  the  audit to obtain reasonable assurance about  whether
the  financial statements are free of material misstatement.   An
audit  includes  examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts  and  disclosures in the financial  statements.   An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used  and
significant  estimates made by management, as well as  evaluating
the  overall  financial statement presentation.  We believe  that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In  our  opinion,  the  financial statements  referred  to  above
present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  consolidated
financial  position of XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries as  of  December
31,  1997  and  1996,  and  the  consolidated  results  of  their
operations  and their cash flows for each of the three  years  in
the  period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion,  the
financial  statement schedule referred to above, when  considered
in  relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken
as  a  whole,  presents  fairly, in all  material  respects,  the
information required to be included therein.

The  accompanying  consolidated financial  statements  have  been
prepared  assuming  that the Company will  continue  as  a  going
concern.   As  discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated  financial
statements,  the  Company  is  generating  minimal  revenues  and
although the Company has cash (including its restricted cash)  in
the  amount of approximately $32 million as of December 31, 1997,
and  a  positive  working  capital  position,  it  must  generate
additional  cash flows to satisfy its development and exploratory
obligations  with respect to its China properties.  There  is  no
assurance that the Company will be able to generate the necessary
funds  to satisfy these contractual obligations and to ultimately
achieve  profitable  operations, which creates  doubt  about  its
ability  to continue as a going concern.  Managements'  plans  in
regard   to  these  matters  are  described  in  Note   2.    The
consolidated financial statements do not include any  adjustments
that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

                                   COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Miami, Florida
April 10, 1998

                    XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries
                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                     (Thousands of Dollars)

                                                   December 31
                                              ------------------
                      A S S E T S                1997      1996
                      -----------                ----      ----
Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents             $  21,952     $  113
      Cash held in escrow (restricted)         10,263         --
      Accounts receivable, net                    101         23
      Refundable deposits                       1,200         --
      Other                                       451        212
                                               ------       ----
            Total current assets               33,967        348
                                               ------       ----
Property and equipment:
      Oil and gas (full cost method):
           Proved properties under development 
           not being amortized                 21,172     13,571
           Unevaluated properties              33,132     21,238
                                               ------     ------
                                               54,304     34,809
      Land, at cost                                --        135
      Other                                     1,163      2,492
                                               ------     ------
                                               55,467     37,436
      Accumulated depreciation, depletion 
        and amortization                      (1,000)     (1,491)
                                              ------      ------
                                              54,467      35,945
                                              ------      ------ 
Investments                                    4,173       2,383
Assets held for sale                          21,155      21,058
Debt issue costs, less amortization            4,268         950
Other assets                                   1,059         180
                                             -------     -------
                       Total assets      $   119,089    $ 60,864
                                             =======     =======

L I A B I L I T I E S  A N D  S H A R E H O L D E R S'  E Q U I T Y
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable and accrued costs  $   2,727     $  3,901
      Due to joint venture partner            4,504        4,202
      Dividends payable                       1,813          928
      Current maturities of long term debt    2,524       38,022
                                            -------       ------ 
           Total current liabilities         11,568       47,053
                                            -------       ------
Long-term debt, net of current maturities    61,310           --

Other non-current liabilities                 5,386        2,770
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2 and 11)
Shareholders' equity:
       Preferred stock-$1.00 par value; 
         authorized 2.4 million
         shares at December 31, 1997
         and 1996; issued shares of 
         1,196,236 at December 31,
         1997 and 669,411 at        
         December 31, 1996 - liquidation 
         preference of  $103 million at 
         December 31, 1997                    1,196          669
      Common stock-$.01 par value; 
         authorized 500 million shares
         at December 31, 1997 and 1996; 
         issued shares of 21,710,257 at 
         December 31, 1997 and 285,754,151 
         at December 31,1996                    217        2,858
      Common stock held in treasury - 
         $.01 par value; 69,470
         shares at December 31, 1997
         and 1,042,065 shares at 
         December 31, 1996                       (1)         (10)
      Unearned compensation                 (12,021)          --
      Additional paid-in capital            298,588      226,956
      Accumulated deficit                  (247,154)    (219,432)
                                            -------      -------
           Total shareholders' equity        40,825       11,041
                                            -------      -------
               Total liabilities and 
                 shareholders' equity   $   119,089    $  60,864
                                           ========       ======

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                    XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries
                                
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year Ended December 31
                                                           -------------------------
                                                            1997      1996      1995
                                                            ----      ----      ----
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Oil and gas revenues from properties held for sale       $    236   $  1,136   $  2,480
                                                          -------    -------    -------
Costs and operating expenses:

Operating                                                     210        342        985
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization                126        579      2,266
      Provision for impairment of oil and gas properties       --      3,850     75,300
      Writedown of other assets and investments                --      2,444      4,461
      General and administrative costs                      4,910      3,487      4,551
Other                                                       3,048        227        590
                                                          -------     ------    -------
                                                            8,294     10,929     88,153
                                                          -------     ------    -------
Operating loss                                             (8,058)    (9,793)   (85,673)
                                                          -------     ------    -------

Other income (expense):
      Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized         (8,450)    (2,415)    (2,998)      
Gain (loss) on sale of investments/assets                      --       (661)       613
      Interest income                                       2,212          8        133
      Other, net                                              853        787         88
                                                          -------     ------    -------
                                                           (5,385)    (2,281)    (2,164)
                                                          -------     ------    -------

Loss before extraordinary item                            (13,443)   (12,074)   (87,837)
Extraordinary charge for early extinguishment of debt        (551)        --         --
                                                           ------    -------     ------

Net loss                                                  (13,994)   (12,074)   (87,837)
Preferred stock dividends                                 (13,728)    (5,356)    (4,821)
                                                           ------     ------     ------  
Net loss attributable to common stock                    $(27,722)  $(17,430)  $(92,658)
                                                           ======     ======     ======
Loss per share (basic):
    Net loss before extraordinary item                   $  (1.33)  $   (.98)  $  (5.77)
    Extraordinary item                                       (.03)        --         --
                                                          -------     ------    -------   
    Net loss per share                                   $  (1.36)  $   (.98)  $  (5.77)
                                                          =======    =======    =======
Loss per share (diluted):
    Net loss before extraordinary item                   $  (1.33)  $   (.98)  $  (5.77)
    Extraordinary item                                       (.03)        --         --
                                                          -------     ------     -------
    Net loss per share                                   $  (1.36)  $   (.98)  $  (5.77)
                                                          =======     ======     ======
Average number of shares used in per share computations:

Basic                                                      20,451     17,705     16,047
Diluted                                                    20,451     17,705     16,047

</TABLE>
                                
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                    XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries
                                
         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                     (Thousands of Dollars)
                                
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                
                                                                                      Total
                              Preferred    Common  Treasury  Paid-In  Accumulated   Unearned   Shareholders'
                                Stock       Stock   Stock    Capital     Deficit  Compensation   Equity
                              ---------    ------  --------  -------  ----------- ------------  -----------
<S>                                <C>      <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>             <C>        <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994         649      2,372     (35)   206,241   (114,027)       --         95,200
    Net loss                        --         --      --         --    (87,837)       --        (87,837)
    Dividends                       --         --      --         --     (4,821)       --         (4,821)
    Preferred shares issued         32         --      --      5,092         --        --          5,124
    Preferred shares subscribed      4         --      --         --         --        --              4
    Common shares issued            --        189      --      7,936         --        --          8,125
    Treasury shares purchased       --         --     (25)    (1,232)        --        --         (1,257)
    Treasury shares issued          --         --      35      2,327         --        --          2,362
                                 -----     ------    -----   -------    -------     ------       -------
Balance, December 31, 1995         685      2,561     (25)   220,364   (206,685)       --         16,900
    Net loss                        --         --      --         --    (12,074)       --        (12,074)
    Dividends                       --         --      --         --       (673)       --           (673)
    Preferred shares issued         10         --      --        128         --        --            138
    Preferred shares subscribed     (4)        --      --         --         --        --             (4)
    Preferred shares converted
       to common shares            (22)         5      --         17         --        --             --
    Common shares issued            --        292      --      6,339         --        --          6,631
    Treasury shares purchased       --         --      (3)      (138)        --        --           (141)
    Treasury shares issued          --         --      18        246         --        --            264
                                 -----     ------    ----   --------    -------    ------        -------
Balance, December 31, 1996         669      2,858     (10)   226,956   (219,432)       --         11,041
    Net loss                        --         --      --         --    (13,994)       --        (13,994)
    Dividends                       --         --      --         --    (13,728)       --        (13,728)
    Preferred shares issued        507         --      --     36,521         --        --         37,028
    Common shares issued            --        198      --      4,395         --        --          4,593
    Issuance of stock purchase 
      warrants                      --         --      --     15,032         --        --         15,032
    Unearned compensation           20         13      --     12,841         --   (12,021)           853
    Reverse stock split 1 for 15    --     (2,852)      9      2,843         --        --             --
                                 -----     ------   -----    -------    -------    ------        -------
Balance, December 31, 1997      $1,196    $   217  $   (1)   298,588  $(247,154) $(12,021)      $ 40,825
                                 =====     ======   =====    =======    =======    ======        =======
</TABLE>
                                
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                    XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                     (Thousands of Dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Year Ended December 31
                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                  1997          1996            1995
                                                                  ----          ----            ----
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net loss                                                 $  (13,994)     $  (12,074)     $  (87,837)
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
       operating activities:
        Depreciation, depletion and amortization                    126             579           2,266
        Provision for impairment of oil and gas properties           --           3,850          75,300
        Extraordinary charge for early extinguishment of debt       551              --              --
        (Gain) loss on sale of investments/assets                    --             661            (613)
        Amortization of discount on senior secured notes          1,342              --              --
        Writedown of other assets and investments                    --           2,444           4,461
        Stock compensation programs                                 853              --              --

Other                                                               796              --              --
        Change in assets and liabilities:
             Accounts receivable                                    (78)            799             875
             Refundable deposits                                 (1,200)             --              --
             Accounts payable and accrued costs                    (132)            575            (765)
             Non-current liabilities and other                    2,655              12             803
                                                                -------          ------         -------
                  Total adjustments                               4,913           8,920          82,327
                                                                -------          ------         -------
                  Net cash used in operating activities          (9,081)         (3,154)         (5,510)
                                                                -------          ------         -------

Cash flows from investing activities:
    Capital expenditures                                        (16,097)         (1,489)         (8,458)
    Investments                                                  (1,790)           (491)         (1,624)
    Proceeds from sales of assets and investments                   797           9,210           2,655
    Other                                                            --               4              64
                                                                 ------          ------           -----
                  Net cash (used in) provided by investing 
                    activities                                  (17,090)          7,234          (7,363)
                                                                 ------           -----          ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
    Proceeds from sales of common stock                             652           1,766           3,553
    Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock                    25,000             144           3,068
    Proceeds from sale of treasury stock                             --             264           2,487
    Proceeds from Senior Secured Notes                           75,000              --              --
    Loan proceeds                                                 6,100             315                  -
    Payment of long-term debt                                   (35,503)         (8,344)           (522)
    Payment of notes payable                                     (6,100)             --              --
    Proceeds from exercise of options and warrants                1,590             691              874
    Payment of preferred stock dividends                             --              --             (250)
    Payment for treasury stock                                       --            (141)          (1,257)
    Stock/note issuance costs and other                          (8,466)           (272)            (221)
                                                                -------           -----            -----
                  Net cash provided by (used in) financing
                    activities                                   58,273          (5,577)           7,732
                                                                -------          ------            -----
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             32,102          (1,497)          (5,141)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                      113           1,610            6,751
                                                                -------          ------           ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                     $   32,215     $       113      $     1,610
                                                                =======          ======           ======
Supplemental information:
    Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized       $    7,441     $     1,591      $     2,602
                                                                =======          ======           ======       
</TABLE>

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                    XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries
                                
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

  Principles of Consolidation:

      The  consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of  XCL  Ltd.  and its wholly owned subsidiaries  ("XCL"  or  the
"Company")  after the elimination of all significant intercompany
accounts and transactions.   Certain reclassifications have  been
made  to  prior year financial statements to conform  to  current
year presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on  net
loss, cash flows or shareholders' equity.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:

      The  preparation of the Company's financial statements,  in
conformity   with   generally  accepted  accounting   principles,
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
reported  amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and  expenses,
and  disclosure  of  contingent assets and  liabilities.   Actual
results could differ from those estimates.

  Cash and Cash Equivalents:

      The  Company  considers deposits which can be  redeemed  on
demand  and  investments which have original maturities  of  less
than three months, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. As  of
December  31, 1997, the Company's cash and cash equivalents  were
deposited primarily in three financial institutions.

  Concentration of Credit Risk:
  
     The Company operates exclusively in the oil and gas industry
and  receivables are due from other producers who may be affected
by  economic  conditions in the industry.  The  Company  has  not
experienced any material credit losses.

      The  Company's  financial instruments that are  exposed  to
concentrations   of  credit  risk  consist  primarily   of   cash
equivalents/short-term investments and trade receivables.

      The  Company believes that no single short-term  investment
exposes  the  Company  to significant credit risk.  Additionally,
creditworthiness of its counterparties, which are major financial
institutions, are monitored. As of December 31, 1997, the Company
had  cash  in  financial institutions in excess  of  the  insured
amounts.

  Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
  
      For  the  purposes of disclosure requirements  pursuant  to
Statement  of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 "Disclosures
About Fair Market Value of Financial Instruments," fair value  of
current assets and liabilities approximate carrying value, due to
the  short-term nature of these items. The Company  believes  the
fair  value  of long-term debt approximates carrying value.  Fair
value   of   such   financial  instruments  is  not   necessarily
representative of the amount that could be realized or settled.

  Oil and Gas Properties:

      The  Company  accounts for its oil and gas exploration  and
production  activities using the full cost method of  accounting.
Accordingly,  all costs associated with acquisition, exploration,
and  development  of oil and gas reserves, including  appropriate
related costs, are capitalized.  The Company capitalizes internal
costs                 that                 can                 be
directly   identified  with  its  acquisition,  exploration   and
development activities and does not capitalize any costs  related
to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities.

      The  capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including
the  estimated  future  costs  to develop  proved  reserves,  are
amortized on the unit-of-production method based on estimates  of
proved oil and gas reserves.  The Company's domestic oil and  gas
reserves  were estimated by Company engineers in 1997  and  1996,
and  foreign  reserves in 1997 and 1996 by independent  petroleum
engineers.   Investments  in  unproved   properties   and   major
development  projects  are not amortized  until  proved  reserves
associated  with  the  projects  can  be  determined   or   until
impairment occurs. If the results of an assessment indicate  that
properties are impaired, the amount of the impairment is added to
the  capitalized  costs to be depleted. The  Company  capitalizes
interest on expenditures made in connection with exploration  and
development   projects   that  are   not   subject   to   current
amortization.   Interest  is  capitalized  for  the  period  that
activities  are  in  progress to bring these  projects  to  their
intended use.

      During  the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company decided  to
concentrate  on  the  development of its China  investments,  and
decided to dispose of its domestic properties.  Accordingly,  the
recorded  value of the Company's domestic properties was  reduced
to  their  estimated fair market value and the resulting balances
were transferred to assets held for sale.

      The  Company reviews the carrying value of its oil and  gas
properties each quarter on a country-by-country basis, and limits
capitalized costs of oil and gas properties to the present  value
of estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, discounted
at  10  percent, plus the lower of cost or fair value of unproved
properties  as adjusted for related tax effects and deferred  tax
reserves.  If capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess  is
charged  to  depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization  expense
("DD&A") in the period in which it occurs.

     Proceeds from the sale of proved and unproved properties are
accounted for as reductions to capitalized costs with no gain  or
loss  recognized unless such sales would significantly alter  the
relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil
and  gas.  Abandonments  of  properties  are  accounted  for   as
adjustments of capitalized costs with no loss recognized.

     The Company accounts for site restoration, dismantlement and
abandonment  costs  in  its  estimated  future  costs  of  proved
reserves.   Accordingly, such costs are amortized on  a  unit  of
production  basis  and  reflected with accumulated  depreciation,
depletion and amortization.  The Company identifies and estimates
such  costs  based  upon its assessment of applicable  regulatory
requirements, its operating experience and oil and  gas  industry
practice  in  the areas within which its properties are  located.
To  date the Company has not been required to expend any material
amounts to satisfy such obligations.  The Company does not expect
that  future  costs will have a material adverse  effect  on  the
Company's  operations, financial condition or  cash  flows.   The
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows includes
a deduction for any such costs.

    Other Property and Equipment:

     Other property and equipment primarily consists of furniture
and   fixtures,  equipment  and  software.   Major  renewals  and
betterments  are  capitalized while  the  costs  of  repairs  and
maintenance  are charged to expense as incurred.   The  costs  of
assets  retired  or  otherwise disposed  of  and  the  applicable
accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts,  and  the
resulting  gain  or  loss  is  reflected  in  operations.   Other
property  and equipment costs are depreciated using the straight-
line  method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which
range from 3 to 15 years.

     Capitalized Interest and Amortized Debt Costs:

      During  fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, interest and associated
costs  of  approximately  $5.8 million,  $2.8  million  and  $3.1
million, respectively were capitalized on significant investments
in   oil   and  gas  properties  that  are  not  being  currently
depreciated,  depleted, or amortized and on which exploration  or
development  activities  are in progress.   Deferred  debt  issue
costs  and discount on senior secured notes are amortized on  the
straight-line                                               basis
over  the  term  of the related debt agreement. The  discount  on
senior secured notes is the amount attributable to the detachable
Common Stock purchase warrants.

  Income Taxes:
     
      The  Company  accounts for income taxes in compliance  with
Statement  of  Financial Accounting Standards No. 109  (SFAS  No.
109) "Accounting for Income Taxes." Requirements by this standard
include  recognition of future tax benefits, measured by  enacted
tax  rates,  attributable to:  deductible  temporary  differences
between  financial statement and income tax bases of  assets  and
liabilities; and, net operating loss carryforwards.   Recognition
of  such tax assets are limited to the extent that realization of
such benefits is able to be reasonably anticipated.

  Revenue Recognition:

     Oil and gas revenues are recognized using the accrual method
at the price realized as production and delivery occurs.  Amounts
which  are  contingently  receivable  are  not  recognized  until
realized.

      Foreign Operations

      The  Company's future operations and earnings  will  depend
upon the results of the Company's operations in China.  There can
be  no  assurance  that the Company will be able to  successfully
conduct  such  operations, and a failure to do so  would  have  a
material  adverse  effect  on the Company's  financial  position,
results of operations and cash flows.  Also, the success  of  the
Company's  operations will be subject to numerous  contingencies,
some   of   which   are  beyond  management's   control.    These
contingencies  include general and regional economic  conditions,
prices for crude oil and natural gas, competition and changes  in
regulation.   Since  the  Company is dependent  on  international
operations,  specifically those in China,  the  Company  will  be
subject  to  various  additional political,  economic  and  other
uncertainties.  Among other risks, the Company's operations  will
be  subject  to the risks of restrictions on transfer  of  funds;
export  duties, quotas and embargoes; domestic and  international
customs  and  tariffs;  and changing taxation  policies,  foreign
exchange  restrictions,  political  conditions  and  governmental
regulations.

  Stock Based Compensation:
  
       Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.   123
"Accounting  for  Stock-Based  Compensation,"  ("SFAS  No.  123")
encourages, but does not require companies to record compensation
costs  for  stock-based compensation plans at  fair  value.   The
Company  has  chosen  to  continue  to  account  for  stock-based
employee compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed
in  Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting  for
Stock  Issued to Employees."  Accordingly, compensation cost  for
stock options, awards and warrants is measured as the excess,  if
any,  of  the quoted market price of the Company's stock  at  the
date of the grant over the amount an employee must pay to acquire
the stock.

  Earnings Per Share:

      During  1997,  the Company adopted Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 128 "Earnings Per  Share"  ("SFAS  No.
128")   and  has  restated  all  years  presented  in  accordance
therewith.   SFAS No. 128 requires a dual presentation  of  basic
and  diluted  earnings  per share ("EPS")  on  the  face  of  the
statement of operations. Basic EPS is computed by dividing income
available  to common stockholders by the weighted average  number
of  common  shares  for  the period.  Diluted  EPS  reflects  the
potential  dilution  that  could occur  if  securities  or  other
contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted  into
common  stock  or resulted in the issuance of common  stock  that
would then share in earnings.

     Environmental Expenditures

      Environmental  expenditures relating to current  operations
are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate, depending on whether
such  expenditures provide future economic benefits.  Liabilities
are  recognized when the expenditures are considered probable and
can be reasonably estimated.  Measurement of liabilities is based
on  currently  enacted laws and regulations, existing  technology
and    undiscounted   site-specific   costs.    Generally,   such
recognition coincides with the Company's commitment to  a  formal
plan of action.

     Common Stock Reverse Split

      Effective  December  17,  1997,  the  Company  amended  and
restated  its Certificate of Incorporation to effect  a  one-for-
fifteen  reverse split of the Company's Common Stock.  All  share
amounts  presented  herein  have been  adjusted  to  reflect  the
reverse split.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

      In  June  1997,  the FASB issued SFAS No.  130,  "Reporting
Comprehensive Income", which is effective for the Company's  year
ending December 31, 1998.  SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for
the  reporting  and displaying of comprehensive  income  and  its
components.   The Company will be analyzing SFAS No.  130  during
1998  to  determine what, if any, additional disclosures will  be
required.

      In  June  1997, the FASB Issued SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosures
about  Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information",  which
is  effective the Company's year ended December 31,  1998.   This
statement  establishes  standards for  reporting  of  information
about operating segments.  The Company will be analyzing SFAS No.
131 during 1998 to determine what, if any, additional disclosures
will be required.
                                
(2)     Liquidity and Management's Plan

     The Company, in connection with its 1995 decision to dispose
of its domestic properties, is generating minimal annual revenues
and  is devoting all of its efforts toward the development of its
China properties.  Although the Company has cash available in the
amount  of  approximately $32 million as  of  December  31,  1997
(including  restricted cash of approximately $10 million)  and  a
positive  working  capital position, management anticipates  that
additional  funds will be needed to meet all of  its  development
and  exploratory  obligations until  sufficient  cash  flows  are
generated  from anticipated production to sustain its  operations
and to fund future development and exploration obligations.

      Management  plans  to generate the additional  cash  needed
through  the  sale or financing of its domestic assets  held  for
sale  and  the  completion of additional equity,  debt  or  joint
venture  transactions.  There is no assurance, however, that  the
Company will be able to sell or finance its assets held for  sale
or  to  complete other transactions in the future at commercially
reasonable terms, if at all, or that it will be able to meet  its
future  contractual obligations.  If production  from  the  China
properties commences in late 1998 or the first half of  1999,  as
anticipated,  the Company's proportionate share  of  the  related
cash  flow  will be available to help satisfy cash  requirements.
However,  there  is likewise no assurance that  such  development
will  be  successful and production will commence, and that  such
cash flow will be available.

(3)     Supplemental Cash Flow Information

     There were no income taxes paid for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

      The Company completed the following noncash transactions in
1997  and  prior years in order to conserve cash for use  in  its
core  activities  and  to meet other obligations  while  honoring
restrictions  on  cash use imposed by its bank  agreement.   Such
transactions not reported elsewhere herein are as follows:

      1997
      ----

      On  January 9, 1997, the Company accepted subscriptions for
an aggregate of 21,057 shares of Series F Preferred Stock, issued
in  February to three individuals for 18,448 shares; 1,731 shares
and  878  shares, respectively, at $65.00/share, in exchange  for
$225,000   in  cash,  cancellation  of  a  consulting  agreement,
surrender of Common Stock and Warrants issued in connection  with
a  consulting agreement, surrender of rights to acquire units  of
registered  Common  Stock  and  Warrants,  surrender  of  certain
registration  rights covering 3,000,000 shares; and surrender  of
certain  shares of Common Stock and Warrants issued in connection
with  compensation for past fundraising activities, surrender  of
rights  to acquire units of registered Common Stock and  Warrants
and certain registration rights covering 75,000 shares.

     On May 20, 1997, the Company issued 11,816 shares of Amended
Series  A Preferred Stock and 133,914 warrants to acquire  shares
of  Common  Stock, in respect of approximately  $1.0  million  of
accrued  interest  payable  to  those  institutional  holders  of
Secured  Subordinated Debt who purchased $8  million  of  Amended
Series  A  Preferred  Stock.  The  shares  of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock were valued at $85.00 per share.   The  warrants
issued  are  first exercisable on May 20, 1998,  at  an  exercise
price of $3.0945 per share, and expire on November 1, 2000.

     In October, 1997, the Company issued 30,000 shares of Common
Stock  and granted .003215% in aggregate Net Revenue Interest  on
the Zhao Dong Block to, a former employee of the Company, and her
attorneys in settlement of litigation against the Company.

     In October  1997, pursuant to an agreement effective October
1,  1997,  the  Company issued an aggregate of 53,333  shares  of
Common  Stock  as compensation to a resident of  Taiwan  who  has
performed services for the Company.

      On  November 11, 1997, the Company issued 26,667 shares  of
Common Stock and stock purchase warrants to acquire 13,333 shares
of  Common Stock to a consultant, as compensation pursuant to  an
agreement dated effective as of February 20, 1997.

      1996
      ----
 
      In  March and April 1996, the Company sold units of  Common
Stock  and  Warrants through a placement agent in a Regulation  S
unit  offering.   As  compensation for  such  unit  offering  the
Company granted warrants to acquire an aggregate of 25,600 shares
of Common Stock.

      As  compensation for services performed resulting in Apache
Corp.  purchasing an additional interest in the Zhao Dong  Block,
during  the  first  quarter the Company issued  3,333  shares  of
Common  Stock  to  a  finder and amended  the  finder's  existing
warrants  to acquire 33,333 shares of Common Stock as to exercise
price,  expiration date and forced conversion feature, to conform
the  terms  of such warrants to the terms of warrants granted  in
the Regulation S unit offering noted above.

      As compensation for identifying the placement agent for the
Regulation  S  unit offering, the finder earned  a  four  percent
stock  fee of the gross proceeds of the offering.  In payment  of
this  fee,  the  Company during the first quarter, issued  17,817
shares   of  Common Stock in connection with the initial  closing
and during the second quarter issued an aggregate 8,192 shares of
Common Stock as compensation for the subsequent closings.

      Effective March 1, 1996, the terms of warrants issued to  a
financial  advisor  were  amended as  partial  consideration  for
introducing  to  the Company the purchaser of  the  Gonzalez  Gas
Unit,  comprising  a  portion of the Berry  R.  Cox  Field.   The
warrant  exercise price was reduced from $15.00 to $7.50 and  the
term  of  the  warrant was extended for three years to  March  1,
1999.

      During  August 1996, the Company issued to a finder  18,666
warrants   to  purchase  18,666  shares  of  Common   Stock,   as
compensation  for  the placement with their  clients  of  186,666
units,  comprised  of  shares of Common  Stock  and  warrants  to
purchase Common Stock.

     During October 1996, the Company issued approximately 93,333
shares of Common Stock plus warrants to acquire 166,666 shares of
Common  Stock,  as compensation to an individual in consideration
for  a  consulting  arrangement,  whereby  the  consultant  would
introduce  persons interested in investing in China  through  the
Company.   During  February  1997, the  consultant  canceled  the
consultant  agreement and returned to the Company the shares  and
warrants issued in connection therewith.

      During October 1996, the Company issued 100,000 warrants to
acquire  100,000  shares of Common Stock, as compensation  to  an
individual for past fund raising services.

      1995
      ----

      During the first quarter of 1995, the Company issued  1,247
shares  of Common Stock in payment of interest on funds  escrowed
in advance of purchase of Series D Preferred Stock.

      During September 1995, the Company issued 3,333 units, each
unit  comprised  of  one share of Common Stock  and  a  five-year
warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock, plus an additional
five-year  warrant  on  the same terms as  the  unit  warrant  to
purchase  3,333  shares  of Common Stock as  compensation  to  an
individual  who assisted the Company with a private placement  of
approximately 200,000 units.

 (4)     Receivables

      The  Company's  trade accounts receivable at  December  31,
1997, arise primarily from business transactions with entities in
the oil and gas industry, mostly located in Texas. An oil and gas
purchaser  with  which  the Company has contractual  arrangements
accounted  for  approximately 76 percent of oil and  gas  revenue
receivables in 1997, 76 percent in 1996 and 67 percent in 1995.

 (5)     Assets Held for Sale and Investments

     Assets Held for Sale
     --------------------

     Domestic Oil and Gas Properties
     -------------------------------

     During 1996, the Company was engaged in attempts to sell its
remaining  domestic oil and gas properties and had a contract  in
place  for  the  sale of the property. Prior to  the  sale  being
consummated, the Company received service of three lawsuits filed
by  lessors  of the most productive remaining leases, effectively
thwarting the Company's ability to consummate the sale by casting
doubt  as  to  the Company's rights to certain interests  in  the
leases  and  demanding damages.  While the Company believes  that
the  charges  are  without merit, it is of the opinion  that  the
property  cannot  be sold until such time as  the  litigation  is
concluded  or settled.  In response to a request by the  lessors'
counsel, the Company has granted the lessors an extension of time
to  respond to discovery demands made by the Company and to allow
sufficient time to pursue settlement of this litigation (see Note
11).   As  a  result  of  these  lawsuits  the  Company  took  an
additional  writedown  of  these  properties  aggregating   $3.85
million during 1996.

      Lutcher Moore Tract
      -------------------

      During  1993,  the Company completed the acquisition  of  a
group  of  corporations which together owned 100  percent  of  an
unevaluated  62,500-acre  tract in  southeastern  Louisiana  (the
"Lutcher  Moore Tract"). This property is pledged  as  collateral
for  the Lutcher Moore limited recourse debt (see Note 6).   This
property is being held for sale.

Investments
- -----------

      Lube Oil Investment
      -------------------

      On  July 17, 1995, the Company signed a contract with  CNPC
United  Lube Oil Corporation to form a joint venture  company  to
engage  in  the  manufacturing,  distribution  and  marketing  of
lubricating  oil  in  China and southeast Asian  markets.  As  of
December  31,  1997, the Company has invested approximately  $3.3
million in the project.

     Coalbed Methane Project
     -----------------------

      During 1995, the Company signed an agreement with the China
National  Administration of Coal Geology, pursuant to  which  the
parties  have  commenced  cooperation  for  the  exploration  and
development  of  coalbed methane in two areas  in  China.  As  of
December  31,  1997, the Company has invested approximately  $0.6
million in the project.

 (6)     Debt

     Long-term debt consists of the following (000's):

                                                                 December 31
                                                             -----------------  
                                                              1997       1996
                                                              ----       ----
     Senior secured notes, net of unamortized discount     $ 61,310   $     --
     Collateralized credit facility                              --     17,279
     Subordinated debt                                           --     15,000
     Office building mortgage loan                               --        652
                                                            -------    -------
                                                             61,310     32,931
     Lutcher Moore Group Limited Recourse Debt                2,524      5,091
                                                            -------    -------
                                                             63,834     38,022
     Less current maturities:
         Lutcher Moore Group Limited Recourse Debt           (2,524)    (5,091)
         Collateralized credit facility                          --    (17,279)
         Subordinated Debt                                       --    (15,000)
         Other current maturities                                --       (652)
                                                            -------    -------
                                                           $ 61,310   $     --
                                                            =======    =======
     

      Substantially  all  of the Company's  assets  collateralize
these  borrowings.   Accounts payable and accrued  costs  include
accrued  interest at December 31, 1997 and 1996 of  $1.8  million
and $1.5 million, respectively.

     Senior Secured Notes
     --------------------
 
      On  May  20,  1997,  the Company sold  in  an  unregistered
offering   to  qualified  institutional  buyers  and   accredited
institutional investors (the "Note Offering") 75,000 Note  Units,
each  consisting  of  $1,000 principal  amount  of  13.5%  Senior
Secured Notes due May 1, 2004 (collectively, the "Notes") and one
Common  Stock Purchase Warrant (collectively the "Note Warrants")
to  purchase 85 shares of the Company's common stock,  par  value
$0.01  per  share (the "Common Stock"), at an exercise  price  of
$3.09  per  share, first exercisable after May 20,  1998.   Total
funds received of $75 million were allocated, $15 million to  the
Note  Warrants and $60 million to the Notes.  The value allocated
to  the Note Warrants is being amortized to interest expense over
the  term  of  the Notes.  At December 31, 1997, the  unamortized
discount on the Notes is approximately $13.7 million.

      Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on May 1 and
November  1, commencing November 1, 1997.  The Notes will  mature
on May 1, 2004. The Notes are not redeemable at the option of the
Company prior to May 1, 2002, except that the Company may redeem,
at  its  option prior to May 1, 2002, up to 35% of  the  original
aggregate principal amount of the Notes, at a redemption price of
113.5%  of  the  aggregate principal amount of  the  Notes,  plus
accrued  and  unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption,
with the net  proceeds of any equity offering completed within 90
days  prior  to  such redemption; provided that at  least  $48.75
million  in  aggregate  principal  amount  of  the  Notes  remain
outstanding.   On or after May 1, 2002, the Notes are  redeemable
at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at  an initial
redemption price of 106.75% of the aggregate principal amount  of
the  Notes until May 1, 2003, and at par thereafter, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.  Upon the
occurrence  of a change of control, as defined, the Company  will
be  obligated to make an offer to purchase all outstanding  Notes
at  a  price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof,  plus
accrued  and  unpaid interest, if any, to the date  of  purchase.
Total  interest  expense incurred on the Notes was  approximately
$6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.

      The Senior Secured Notes restrict, among other things,  the
Company's  ability  to incur additional debt,  incur  liens,  pay
dividends,  or make certain other restricted payments.   It  also
limits  the Company's ability to consummate certain asset  sales,
enter  into  certain  transactions with  affiliates,  enter  into
mergers  or consolidations, or dispose of substantially  all  the
Company's  assets.  The Company's ability  to  comply  with  such
covenants  may  be  affected by events beyond  its  control.  The
breach  of  any of these covenants could result in a default.   A
default  could allow holders of the Notes to declare all  amounts
outstanding  and  accrued interest immediately due  and  payable.
Absent  such  payment,  the  holders could  proceed  against  any
collateral  granted  to them to secure such  indebtedness,  which
includes  all  of the stock of the Company's principal  operating
subsidiary, XCL-China, which has guaranteed such indebtedness.  A
foreclosure  on  the  stock of XCL China could  trigger  Apache's
right  of  first  refusal  under the Participation  Agreement  to
purchase  such  stock  or  its option to purchase  the  Company's
interest  in  the Contract.  There can be no assurance  that  the
assets  of  the Company and XCL-China (a "Subsidiary Guarantor"),
or  any other Subsidiary Guarantors would be sufficient to  fully
repay the Notes and the Company's other indebtedness.

(7)     Shareholders' Equity

  Preferred Stock
  ---------------

      As  of  December  31, 1997 and 1996, the  Company  had  the
following shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                
                                        Preference in          1997 Dividends
                          Shares        Liquidation at         (In Thousands)
                      1997     1996    December 31, 1997   Declared  Accrued    Total
                      ----     ----    -----------------   --------  -------    -----
<S>               <C>         <C>        <C>              <C>       <C>       <C>
Series A                 --   577,803    $         --     $  9,678  $    --   $  9,678
Series B             44,465    44,954       4,446,500          262      186        448
Series E                 --    46,654              --          750       --        750
Series F             22,318        --       2,231,800          127      133        260
Amended Series A  1,129,453        --      96,003,505        1,098    1,494      2,592
                                          -----------       ------    -----     ------
                                         $102,681,805     $ 11,915  $ 1,813   $ 13,728
                                          ===========       ======    =====     ======
</TABLE>

     Amended Series A Preferred Stock
     --------------------------------

      On  May  20,  1997,  the Company sold, in  an  unregistered
offering   to  qualified  institutional  buyers  and   accredited
institutional  investors (the "Equity Offering")  294,118  Equity
Units,  each  consisting  of  one  share  of  Amended  Series  A,
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share
("Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock"),  and  one  Common  Stock
Purchase   Warrant  (collectively,  the  "Equity  Warrants")   to
purchase  approximately 22 shares of the Company's Common  Stock,
at   an   initial  exercise  price  of  $3.09  per  share,  first
exercisable on May 20, 1998.

      Each  share  of  Amended Series A  Preferred  Stock  has  a
liquidation  value of $85.00, plus accrued and unpaid  dividends.
Dividends  on the Amended Series A Preferred Stock are cumulative
from  May  20,  1997  and  are payable semi-annually,  commencing
November  1,  1997,  at  an  annual rate  of  $8.075  per  share.
Dividends  are payable in additional shares of Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock (valued at $85.00 per share) through November  1,
2000,  and thereafter in cash, or at the election of the Company,
in  additional shares of Amended Series A Preferred  Stock.   The
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock is  convertible  into  Common
Stock, at any time after the first anniversary of the issue date,
at the option of the holders thereof, unless previously redeemed,
at an initial conversion price of $7.50 per share of Common Stock
(equivalent to a rate of 11 shares of Common Stock for each share
of Amended Series A Preferred Stock), subject to adjustment under
certain   conditions.   The  Company  is  entitled   to   require
conversion  of  all the outstanding shares of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock,  at any time after November  20,  1997  if  the
Common Stock shall have traded for 20 trading days during any  30
consecutive  trading day period at a market  value  equal  to  or
greater than 150% of the prevailing conversion rate.

      The  Amended Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable at  any
time  on or after May 1, 2002, in whole or in part, at the option
of  the  Company initially at a redemption price  of  $90.00  per
share  and thereafter at redemption prices which decrease ratably
annually  to  $85.00 per share on and after  May  1,  2006,  plus
accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date.  The Amended
Series A Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable, in whole,  on
May  1,  2007,  at a redemption price of $85.00 per  share,  plus
accrued  and unpaid dividends to the redemption date, payable  in
cash, or at the election of the Company, in Common Stock.

      Upon the occurrence of a change in control or certain other
fundamental changes, the conversion price of the Amended Series A
Preferred Stock will be reduced, for a limited period, in certain
circumstances in order to provide holders with loss protection at
a time when the market value of the Common Stock is less than the
then prevailing conversion price.

     The Amended Series A Preferred Stock will entitle the holder
thereof to cast the same number of votes as the shares of  Common
Stock then issuable upon conversion thereof on any matter subject
to  the  vote  of the holders of the Common Stock.  Further,  the
holders  of the Amended Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled
to  vote  as a separate class (i) to elect two directors  if  the
Company  is in arrears in payment of three semi-annual dividends,
and  (ii)  the  approval of two-thirds of  the  then  outstanding
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock  will  be  required  for  the
issuance  of  any class or series of stock ranking prior  to  the
Amended  Series  A Preferred Stock, as to dividends,  liquidation
rights and for certain amendments to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation that adversely affect the rights of holders of  the
Amended Series A Preferred Stock.

      Effective November 10, 1997, by consent of in excess of  88
percent  of  the  outstanding shares of Series A Preferred  Stock
such  series  of  preferred stock was amended,  reclassified  and
converted  to Amended Series A Preferred Stock.  As a consequence
of  such consent all dividend arrearages, and accrued and  unpaid
dividends  were  paid in additional shares of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred   Stock.   This  amendment  resulted  in  approximately
726,907  shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock being  issued
in respect of such reclassification and payment of dividends.

      Effective November 10, 1997, by consent of in excess of  67
percent  of the outstanding Series E Preferred Stock such  series
of  preferred  stock was amended, reclassified and  converted  to
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock.  As a  consequence  of  such
consent  all accrued and unpaid dividends were paid in additional
shares  of  Amended  Series A Preferred  Stock.   This  amendment
resulted  in  approximately 63,706 shares  of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock being issued in respect of such reclassification
and payment of dividends.

     Series B Preferred Stock
     ------------------------

      The  Series B, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock,  par
value  $1.00 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock")  bears  a
cumulative  fixed dividend at an annual rate of  $10  per  share,
payable  semiannually, and is entitled to 50 votes per  share  on
all matters on which Common Stockholders are entitled to vote and
separately  as  a class on certain matters; ranks senior  to  the
Common  Stock and pari passu with the Amended Series A and Series
F  Preferred Stocks of the Company with respect to the payment of
dividends and distributions on liquidation; and has a liquidation
preference of $100 per share plus accumulated dividends.

     On May 16, 1995, the Company received notice from the Series
B Preferred holder exercising its redemption rights.  The Company
elected  to  redeem  in  shares of Common Stock  and  the  holder
exercised  its  option to have the Company  sell  its  shares  of
Common  Stock.   The aggregate redemption price was  $5  million,
plus  accrued  dividends from January 1,  1995  to  the  date  of
redemption.  Approximately  5,535 shares  had  been  redeemed  at
December 31, 1997, from the sale of approximately 353,333  shares
of  Common  Stock.  In  July 1997, the holder  of  the  Series  B
Preferred  Stock sued the Company and each of its directors  with
respect  to  the  alleged failure of the Company  to  redeem  the
Series  B  Preferred Stock in accordance with the  terms  of  the
Purchase Agreement and Certificate of Designation.  In settlement
of  that  lawsuit  in  March 1998, the holder  of  the  Series  B
Preferred  Stock revoked and withdrew its redemption  notice  and
sold  its  shares  of Series B Preferred Stock  and  accompanying
warrants.   The purchasers exchanged the stock and  warrants  for
44,465 shares of Amended Series B Preferred Stock and warrants to
purchase  250,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price  of
$5.50  per share, subject to adjustment, expiring March 2,  2002,
and received 2,620 shares of Amended Series B Preferred Stock  in
payment  of  all  accrued and unpaid dividends on  the  Series  B
Preferred Stock.

      Each  share  of  Amended Series B  Preferred  Stock  has  a
liquidation  value  of $100, plus accrued and  unpaid  dividends.
Dividends  on the Amended Series B Preferred Stock are cumulative
from  March 3, 1998 and are payable semi-annually on June 30  and
December 31 of each year, at an annual rate of $9.50 per share if
paid  in  cash.  In lieu of payment in cash, the Company may,  at
its option, elect to pay any dividend in kind in shares of either
Common  Stock or Amended Series  B Preferred Stock at the  option
of  the  holder.  If such dividend is paid in shares  of  Amended
Series  B Preferred Stock, the dividend will be 0.0475 shares  of
dividend  stock  per share of Amended Series  B  Preferred  Stock
held.   If  the dividend is paid in shares of Common  Stock,  the
dividend  shall equal the number of shares of Common Stock  equal
to  the quotient obtained by dividing $4.75 by the lowest average
closing  price  per share of Common Stock as calculated  for  the
last  5,  10  and 30 trading days preceding the dividend  payment
date.   Fractional shares will be paid in cash or aggregated  and
sold  on  behalf of the holders.  The Amended Series B  Preferred
Stock  is  convertible into Common Stock, at any time  after  the
earlier of the effective date of the registration of such  Common
Stock or August 31, 1998.

     Series F Preferred Stock
     ------------------------

     In January 1998, the holders of the Series F Preferred Stock
approved  an  amendment to the "forced conversion" terms  of  the
Series  F  Preferred  Stock.  Effective  January  16,  1998,  the
Company forced conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock and  an
aggregate  of  633,893 shares of Common Stock  were  issued  upon
conversion  and in payment of accrued and unpaid  dividends.   In
consideration  for such amendment the holders  of  the  Series  F
Preferred  Stock were issued warrants to acquire an aggregate  of
153,332 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.15  per
share.

     Dividends
     ---------

     Prior to November 1997, dividends with respect to the Series
A Preferred Stock were in arrearage. Effective November 10, 1997,
the  Series  A  Preferred  Stock was  amended,  reclassified  and
converted  to Amended Series A Preferred Stock.  As a consequence
of  such consent all dividend arrearages, and accrued and  unpaid
dividends  were  paid in additional shares of  Amended  Series  A
Preferred Stock.

      Dividends  during 1997 and 1996 on the Series  B  Preferred
Stock were paid from proceeds of sales of redemption stock, which
were  applied  first to accrued dividend then the  redemption  of
shares  of  Series  B  Preferred Stock.  On March  3,  1998,  all
accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock were
paid in shares of Amended Series B Preferred Stock.

      During  1996, the Company issued 2,218 shares of  Series  E
Preferred Stock in payment of the June 1996 dividends payable  on
the  Series  E  Preferred Stock. During 1997, the Company  issued
5,261  shares  of  Series E Preferred Stock  in  payment  of  the
December  31,  1996 and June 30, 1997 dividends on the  Series  E
Preferred  Stock.   Effective November 10,  1997,  the  Series  E
Preferred  Stock  was  amended,  reclassified  and  converted  to
Amended  Series  A  Preferred Stock.  As a  consequence  of  such
consent all dividend arrearages, and accrued and unpaid dividends
were  paid  in  additional shares of Amended Series  A  Preferred
Stock.

      During  1997, the Company issued 1,261 shares of  Series  F
Preferred Stock in payment of the June 30, 1997 dividends payable
on the Series F Preferred Stock.

      On  November  3,  1997, 12,906 shares of Amended  Series  A
Preferred  Stock  were issued in respect of the dividend  payable
November 1, 1997, in the amount of $1.1 million.  Upon conversion
of the Series A and Series E Preferred Stocks into Amended Series
A  Preferred  Stock,  approximately $9.23 in accrued  and  unpaid
dividends on Series A Preferred Stock and approximately  $0.2  in
accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock were
paid through the issuance of 790,613 additional shares of Amended
Series A Preferred Stock.
  
  Common Stock
  ------------

      The  Company  issued  1,322,034,  1,888,461  and  1,264,854
shares  of Common Stock during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The  Company had 20,307,454, 18,980,805 and 16,909,532 shares  of
Common  Stock  outstanding at December 31, 1997, 1996  and  1995,
respectively.

      Common Stock Warrants
      ---------------------

      As  of  December 31, 1997, outstanding warrants to purchase
the Company's Common Stock are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Common Stock 
                                   Issuable Upon   Warrant Exercise     Proceeds if
                                     Exercise           Price            Exercised
                                   -------------   ----------------      ---------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>                <C>   
Total Warrants Expiring in 1998           6,667        $11.25          $     75,000
Total Warrants Expiring after 1998   17,820,088     $0.15 to $22.50      69,000,193
                                     ----------                          ----------
        Total Warrants               17,826,755                        $ 69,075,193
                                     ==========                          ==========
</TABLE>

      During  November  1996, the Company  offered  a  holder  of
136,000  warrants exercisable at $5.25 per share a  reduction  in
the  exercise  price  of such warrants to  $1.875  per  share  in
exchange  for  the  immediate exercise of such warrants  and  the
issuance  of  a  like number of new warrants.  In  January  1997,
136,000  shares of Common Stock were issued upon the exercise  of
the warrants and 136,000 new warrants were issued, exercisable at
$1.875 per share.  The Company received $255,000 upon exercise of
these warrants.

      During  February 1997, the Company offered  to  reduce  the
exercise  price  on  a  total  of  368,000  warrants  issued   in
connection with Regulation S offerings in December 1995 and March
1996,  in  exchange for their immediate exercise.  The offer  was
made  to reduce the warrant price from $3.75 to $3.30 per  share.
One  holder of 176,000 warrants accepted the offer and  exercised
all  176,000 warrants for which the Company received net proceeds
of  $555,400.   The  Placement Agent agreed to accept  $0.15  per
share rather than 8% of the exercise price as required under  the
Placement Agent Agreement.

      During  April  1997,  the Company issued  an  aggregate  of
200,000 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of  warrants  at
$1.875  per  share  and received an aggregate  of  $375,000  upon
exercise of such warrants.

       During  August  and October 1997, the  Company  issued  an
aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise  of
warrants  at $2.8125 per share and received proceeds of  $281,250
upon exercise of such warrants.

      During  October 1997, the Company issued 24,000  shares  of
Common  Stock upon the exercise of warrants at $1.875  per  share
and received $45,000 in proceeds from such exercise.

     Loss Per Share
     --------------
 
      The following table sets forth the computation of basic and
diluted loss per share.

                                                For the Years Ended December 31,
                                                 ______________________________
                                                    1997       1996       1995
                                                    ----       ----       ----
Number of shares on which basic loss 
  per share is calculated:                         20,541     17,705     16,047
    
Number of shares on which diluted 
 loss per share is calculated:                     20,541     17,705     16,047
    
    Net loss applicable to common shareholders   $(27,722)  $(17,430)  $(92,658)
    
    Basic loss per share                         $  (1.36)  $  (0.98)  $  (5.77)
    Diluted loss per share                       $  (1.36)  $  (0.98)  $  (5.77)

      The effect of 33,902,036, 5,103,082 and 4,398,380 shares of
potential common stock were anti-dilutive in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, due to the losses in all three years.

(8)     Income Taxes

      The  Company has significant loss carryforwards which  have
been  recorded as deferred tax assets. Due to realization of such
amounts being deemed uncertain with respect to the provisions  of
SFAS  No.  109, a valuation allowance has been recorded  for  the
entire amount.

      The  significant components of the net deferred tax expense
(benefit) for 1997 and 1996, were as follows (000's):

                                                        1997         1996
                                                        ----         ----
Current year domestic net operating loss            $  (4,758)   $  (4,387)
Current year Chinese deferred costs                      (356)        (829)
Prior year under accrual of Chinese deferred costs       (537)          --
Tax/book depreciation, depletion and amortization
  difference                                            3,149        3,046
Oil and gas property expenditures treated as expense 
  for income tax purposes                                  --           41
Other accruals                                             13       (1,348)
Reserve for investments                                    --         (855)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance              2,489        4,332
                                                       ------       ------
                                                    $      --    $      --
                                                       ======       ======

      The  components of the Company's deferred  tax  assets  and
liabilities as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, were as follows (in
000's):

                                                         1997        1996
                                                         ----        ----
     Deferred tax assets:
         Domestic net operating loss carryforwards    $ 63,730   $  58,972
         Chinese deferred costs                          4,439       3,546
         Other liabilities and reserves                  2,802       2,815
         Property and equipment, net                    12,593      15,742
         Valuation allowance                           (83,564)    (81,075)
                                                        ------      ------
     Total deferred tax assets                        $     --   $      --
                                                       =======      ======

      At  December  31, 1997, the Company had net operating  loss
carryforwards for tax purposes in the approximate amount of  $174
million  which  are  scheduled  to  expire  by  the  year   2012.
Additionally,  the Company has available acquired  net  operating
loss  carryforwards,  in the approximate amount  of  $9  million,
which  are  scheduled to expire by the year 2000, and  which  are
available to offset taxable income of an acquired subsidiary. Use
of the net operating loss carryforwards is subject to limitations
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

      At  December 31, 1997, the Company had alternative  minimum
tax net operating loss carryforwards in the approximate amount of
$114  million  which are scheduled to expire by  the  year  2012.
Additionally,  the Company has acquired alternative  minimum  tax
net operating loss carryforwards in the approximate amount of $12
million which are scheduled to expire by the year 2000, and which
are  available  for use by an acquired subsidiary.   The  Company
also  has  $1.0  million of general business credit carryforwards
which  are  available until the year 2000 to  offset  future  tax
liabilities  of  an acquired subsidiary.  The  Company  also  has
deferred   costs  associated  with  its  Chinese  operations   of
approximately  $13  million.  The costs  will  be  amortized  and
deducted  for  Chinese  tax purposes when the  Company  generates
revenue from its Chinese operations.

(9)     Stock Option Plans

      The  Company's  stock  option plans,  administered  by  the
compensation committee, provide for the issuance of incentive and
nonqualified  stock options.  Under these plans  the  Company  is
authorized to grant options to selected employees, directors  and
consultants to purchase shares of the Company's Common  Stock  at
an  exercise price (for the Company's incentive stock options) of
not  less  than  the market value at the time  such  options  are
granted  and  are  accounted  for in accordance  with  Accounting
Principles  Board Opinion No. 25. In June 1992, the  shareholders
of  the  Company approved the adoption of the Company's Long-Term
Stock  Incentive  Plan  ("LTSIP")  under  which  the  Company  is
authorized to issue an aggregate of 16.5 million shares of Common
Stock pursuant to future awards granted thereunder.

      In  December 1997, the shareholders of the Company approved
the  amendment and restatement of the Company's LTSIP,  effective
as of June 1, 1997, (i) increasing the  number of shares issuable
under the LTSIP by 4 million (post-split) shares of Common Stock,
(ii)  authorizing 200,000 shares of preferred stock for  issuance
under  the  LTSIP,  and (iii) ratifying certain  grants  of  non-
qualified  stock options and restricted stock awards  to  certain
officers and directors of the Company.  The LTSIP, as amended and
restated,  also  allows  for  the grant  of  appreciation  option
awards. A grant of an appreciation option award to Mr. Miller was
ratified at that same meeting.

      The  restricted  stock  awards generally  rests  only  upon
attainment  of  certain  increases in the  market  price  of  the
Company's Common Stock within four years from date of grant.  All
of  the restricted stock awards entitle the participants to  full
dividend and voting rights.  Unvested shares are restricted as to
disposition  and subject to forfeiture under certain  conditions.
Upon  issuance  of  restricted shares, unearned  compensation  is
charged to shareholders' equity for the cost of restricted  stock
and  recognized as amortization expense ratably over the  vesting
period,  as applicable.  The amount recognized for 1997  was  not
material because the measurement date was December 17, 1997.

     The appreciation option awarded to the Chairman provides him
with  the  right upon his payment of the exercise price  (20%  of
amount entitled to receive) to additional compensation payable in
cash or in shares of Common Stock based upon 5% of the difference
between the market capitalization (as defined) of the Company  as
of June 1, 1997, and the date the option is exercised (no earlier
than June 1, 2002).  Because the option contemplates compensation
determined   with   reference  to   increases   in   the   market
capitalization  without restriction, there is no effective  limit
on   the   amount  of  compensation  which  may  become   payable
thereunder. Deferred compensation of $3.2 million was recorded in
connection  with  the appreciation option and is being  amortized
over the service period.  The appreciation option expires on June
1,   2007.    Compensation  expense  recognized   in   1997   was
approximately $373,000.

      Non-qualified options granted on June 1, 1997 for an option
price  of  $3.75 per share resulted in compensation  expense  for
1997  of  $481,000.   The  measurement date  was  established  on
December 17, 1997, the date of shareholder approval.

      A  summary of the stock option plans activity for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Weighted Average
                                                  Shares   Option Price Per Share   Exercise Price
                                                  ------   ----------------------   --------------

<S>                                                <C>         <C>                    <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1994                   831,012     $12.50-$22.50          $18.83
Granted                                             45,333         $18.75             $18.75
Forfeited                                         (104,167)    $12.50-$22.50          $18.23
                                                 ---------      ------------           -----  
Outstanding at December 31, 1995                   772,178     $12.50-$22.50          $18.91
Granted                                             16,133         $18.75             $18.75
Forfeited                                         (101,467)    $18.75 - $22.50        $20.14
                                                 ---------      --------------         -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1996                   686,844     $12.50 - $22.50        $18.72
Granted                                          2,000,000          $3.75             $3.75
Forfeited                                           (7,238)    $18.75 - $22.50        $19.12
                                                 ---------      --------------         -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1997                 2,679,606     $3.75 - $22.50         $7.55
                                                 =========      =============          ==== 

Options exercisable at December 31, 1997           676,451
                                                   =======
Options exercisable at December 31, 1998           676,089
                                                   =======
Options exercisable at December 31, 1999           683,888
                                                   =======
</TABLE>

      The  following  table  summarizes information  about  stock
options outstanding at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Options Outstanding                                           Options Exercisable
_______________________________________________________________________     __________________________________
                                    Weighted Average
    Range of        Outstanding at   remaining life    Weighted Average       Exercisable     Weighted Average
Exercise Prices   December 31, 1997      years         Exercise Price      December 31, 1997    Exercise Price
- ---------------   -----------------      -----         --------------      -----------------    --------------
<S>                   <C>                 <C>               <C>                <C>                 <C>
     $3.75            2,000,000           9.5                $3.75               --                  --
$18.75-$22.50           679,606           3.4               $18.72             676,451             $18.72
                      ---------                                                -------              -----
                      2,679,606                                                676,451             $18.72
                      =========                                                =======              =====
</TABLE>

The  weighted average fair value of options granted  during  1997
was $5.50.

      If  compensation  expense for the stock  options  had  been
determined and recorded based on the fair value on the grant date
using  the  Black-Scholes option pricing model  to  estimate  the
theoretical future value of those options, the Company's net loss
per  share  amounts  would have been reduced  to  the  pro  forma
amounts indicated below (000's, except per share data):

                                          1997          1996         1995
                                          ----          ----         ----
     Net loss as reported            $  (27,722)   $  (17,430)   $  (92,658)
     Compensation expense                 1,012           126           537
                                         ------        ------       -------
     Pro forma loss                  $  (28,734)   $  (17,556)   $  (93,195)
                                         ======        ======        ======
     
     Pro forma loss per share:
        Basic                        $    (1.40)   $    (0.99)   $    (5.81)
                                           ====          ====          ====
        Diluted                      $    (1.40)   $    (0.99)   $    (5.81)
                                           ====          ====          ====
     
     Weighted average shares             20,451        17,705        16,047
                                         ======        ======        ======

Due  to  uncertainties in these estimates, such as market prices,
exercise  possibilities and the possibility of future awards  and
cancellations, these pro forma disclosures are not likely  to  be
representative  of  the  effects on reported  income  for  future
years.

For  pro  forma purposes, the fair value of each option grant  is
estimated  on  the  date  of grant with  the  following  weighted
average assumptions:

                             1997        1996         1995
                             ----        ----         ----
Expected life (years)          10          10           10
Interest rate               5.87%       6.68%        6.78%
Volatility                135.00%     100.00%      100.00%
Dividend yield                --          --           --


(10)     Employee Benefit and Incentive Compensation Plans

      In 1989, the Company adopted an employee benefit plan under
Section  401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for the benefit  of
employees  meeting certain eligibility requirements. The  Company
has  received a favorable determination letter from the  Internal
Revenue  Service regarding the tax favored status of  the  401(k)
plan.  Employees  can  contribute  up  to  10  percent  of  their
compensation.   The  Company, at its discretion  and  subject  to
certain  limitations,  may contribute up to  75  percent  of  the
amount  contributed by each participant.  There were  no  Company
contributions in 1997, 1996 or 1995.

 (11)     Commitments and Contingencies

     Other commitments and contingencies include:

     o    The  Company  acquired the rights to  the  exploration,
          development and production of the Zhao Dong Block by executing a
          Production Sharing Agreement with CNODC in February 1993. Under
          the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement, the Company and
          its partner are responsible for all exploration costs. If a
          commercial discovery is made, and if CNODC exercises its option
          to participate in the development of the field, all development
          and operating costs and related oil and gas production will be
          shared up to 51 percent  by CNODC and the remainder by the
          Company and its partner.

          The Production Sharing Agreement includes the following
          additional principal terms:

          The  Production Sharing Agreement is basically  divided
          into   three  periods:  the  Exploration  period,   the
          Development period and the Production period.  Work  to
          be performed and expenditures to be incurred during the
          Exploration  period,  which consists  of  three  phases
          totaling  seven  years  from  May  1,  1993,  are   the
          exclusive responsibility of the Contractor (the Company
          and   its   partner  as  a  group).  The   Contractor's
          obligations  in  the three exploration  phases  are  as
          follows:
     
          1.      During the first three years, the Contractor is
               required  to  drill three wildcat  wells,  perform
               seismic data acquisition and processing and expend
               a  minimum of $6 million.  These obligations  have
               been met.
          
          2.      During  the  next two years, the Contractor  is
               required  to  drill  two  wildcat  wells,  perform
               seismic data acquisition and processing and expend
               a  minimum  of  $4  million  (The  Contractor  has
               elected  to proceed with the second phase  of  the
               Contract.     The    seismic   data    acquisition
               requirement   for  the  second  phase   has   been
               satisfied.)
          
          3.      During  the  last two years, the Contractor  is
               required  to drill two wildcat wells and expend  a
               minimum of $4 million.
          
          4.      The  Production Period for any oil  and/or  gas
               field  covered  by  the  Contract  (the  "Contract
               Area")  will be 15 consecutive years (each  of  12
               months),  commencing for each such  field  on  the
               date of commencement of commercial production  (as
               determined  under  the  terms  of  the  Contract).
               However,  prior  to  the  Production  Period,  and
               during the Development Period, oil and/or gas  may
               be  produced  and sold during a long-term  testing
               period.

          The  Production Sharing Agreement may be terminated  by
          the  Contractor  at  the  end  of  each  phase  of  the
          Exploration period, without further obligation.

     o    The Company is in dispute over a 1992 tax assessment by the
          Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation for the years 1987
          through 1991 in the approximate amount of $2.5 million.  The
          Company has also received a proposed assessment from the
          Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation for income tax years
          1991 and 1992, and franchise tax years 1992 through 1996 in the
          approximate amount of $3.0 million. The Company has filed written
          protests as to these proposed assessments, and will vigorously
          contest the asserted deficiencies through the administrative
          appeals process and, if necessary, litigation. The Company
          believes that adequate provision has been made in the financial
          statements for any liability.
     
     o    On July 26, 1996, an individual filed three lawsuits against
          a wholly owned subsidiary with respect to oil and gas properties
          held for sale.  One suit alleges actual damage of $580,000 plus
          additional amounts that could result from an accounting of a
          pooled interest.  Another seeks legal and related expenses of
          $56,473 from an allegation the plaintiff was not adequately
          represented before the Texas Railroad Commission.  The third suit
          seeks a declaratory judgement that a pooling of a 1938 lease and
          another in 1985 should be declared terminated and further
          plaintiffs seek damages in excess of $1 million to effect
          environmental restoration.  The Company believes these claims are
          without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.
     
     o    The Company is subject to other legal proceedings which
          arise in the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of
          Management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to
          these actions will not materially affect the financial position
          of the Company or results of operations of the Company.
     
(12)     Supplemental Financial Information

           Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
                                
                                            Quarter
                          ________________________________________
                           First     Second       Third     Fourth       Year
                           -----     ------       -----     ------       ----
                             (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
1997
- ----
Oil and gas revenues   $      85    $     53    $    52    $     46    $    236
Loss from operations        (816)       (774)      (976)     (5,492)     (8,058)
Net loss                  (1,211)     (1,215)      (417)    (11,151)    (13,994)
Net loss per share
    Basic                  (0.15)      (0.16)     (0.11)      (0.94)      (1.36)
    Diluted                (0.15)      (0.16)     (0.11)      (0.94)      (1.36)

1996
- ----
Oil and gas revenues   $     576    $    361    $    94    $    105    $  1,136
Loss from operations      (1,057)     (1,970)    (1,606)     (5,160)     (9,793)
Net loss                  (1,641)     (3,062)    (1,733)     (5,638)    (12,074)
Net loss per share
   Basic                   (0.17)      (0.20)     (0.17)      (0.38)      (0.98)
   Diluted                 (0.17)      (0.20)     (0.17)      (0.38)      (0.98)


              Supplemental Oil and Gas Information

      The  following  supplementary information is  presented  in
accordance  with  the  requirements  of  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 69 - "Disclosures About  Oil  and  Gas
Producing Activities."

        Results of Operations from U.S. Oil and Gas Producing
                           Activities

      The  results  of  operations from  oil  and  gas  producing
activities  for the three years ended December 31,  1997  are  as
follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year Ended December 31
                                                       -------------------------------
                                                        1997       1996          1995
                                                        ----       ----          ----
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>           <C>
Revenues from oil and gas producing activities:
      Sales to unaffiliated parties                  $   236    $   1,136     $  2,480
                                                       -----      -------       ------
Production (lifting) costs:
      Operating costs (including marketing)              210          342          985
      State production taxes and other                    13           28           51
                                                       -----      -------       ------
             Production costs                            223          370        1,036
Depletion and amortization                                77          437        1,989
Provision for impairment of oil and gas properties        --        3,850       75,300
                                                       -----      -------       ------
              Total expenses                             300        4,657       78,325
                                                       -----      -------       ------
Pretax loss from producing activities                    (64)      (3,521)     (75,845)
Income tax expense                                        --           --           --
                                                       -----      -------       ------
Results of oil and gas producing activities (excluding
  corporate overhead and interest costs)              $  (64)    $ (3,521)    $(75,845)
                                                       =====       ======       ======
</TABLE>

      The  depreciation, depletion and amortization  (DD&A)  rate
averaged $0.81, $0.96 and $1.23 per equivalent Mcf in 1997,  1996
and 1995, respectively.
  
  Capitalized Costs
  -----------------

      Capitalized  costs  relating to the  Company's  proved  and
unevaluated oil and gas properties, are as follows (000's):

                                                         December 31
                                                      -----------------  
                                                        1997      1996
                                                        ----      ----
   Foreign proved and unevaluated properties under
     development                                    $  54,304   $  34,305
                                                       ======      ====== 

      The  capitalized costs for the foreign properties represent
cumulative expenditures related to the Zhao Dong Block Production
Sharing  Agreement  and  will  not be  depreciated,  depleted  or
amortized until production is achieved.

      The  Company's investment in oil and gas properties  as  of
December  31,  1997,  includes proved and unevaluated  properties
which  have been excluded from amortization.  Such costs will  be
evaluated  in future periods based on management's assessment  of
exploration activities, expiration dates of licenses, permits and
concessions, changes in economic conditions and other factors. As
these  properties become evaluated or developed, their  cost  and
related  estimated  future  revenue  will  be  included  in   the
calculation  of  the  DD&A  rate. Such  costs  were  incurred  as
follows:

      Costs  for foreign proved and unevaluated properties  under
development were incurred as follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      Year Ended December 31
                                           ---------------------------------------------             
                                  Total     1997        1996      1995    1994 and Prior
                                  -----     ----        ----      ----    -------------- 
  <S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
  Property acquisition costs    $ 40,616  $ 14,208   $  4,223   $  7,023     $ 15,162
  Capitalized interest costs      13,688     5,791      2,767      2,596        2,534
                                  ------    ------      -----      -----       ------  
      Total foreign proved and
         unevaluated properties
         under development      $ 54,304  $ 19,999   $  6,990   $  9,619     $ 17,696
                                  ======    ======      =====      =====       ======
</TABLE>

  Capitalized Costs Incurred
  --------------------------

     Total capitalized costs incurred by the Company with respect
to  its oil and gas producing activities including those held for
sale were as follows (000's):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Year Ended December 31
                                                            ---------------------- 
                                                           1997      1996     1995
                                                           ----      ----     ----
         <S>                                             <C>       <C>     <C>
     Costs incurred:
         Unproved properties acquired                    $    --   $    --  $ 7,209
         Capitalized internal costs                        2,466       822      135
         Capitalized interest and amortized debt costs     5,791     2,767    3,075
         Exploration                                       6,833     3,401       --
         Development                                       4,909         4    1,590
                                                          ------    ------   ------
                       Total costs incurred              $19,999   $ 6,994  $12,009
                                                          ======    ======   ======
</TABLE>
             Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (Unaudited)
             ---------------------------------------
                                
      The  following table sets forth estimates of the  Company's
net  interests in proved and proved developed reserves of oil and
gas  and  changes in estimates of proved reserves.  The Company's
net  interests in 1997 and 1996 are located in China and in  1995
were located in the United States.

                                                        Crude Oil (MBbls)
                                                    ------------------------
                                                     1997     1996     1995
                                                     ----     ----     ----
Proved reserves -
   Beginning of year                               10,579        --       294
     Discoveries                                    1,183    10,579        --
     Revisions of previous estimates                   --        --        24
     Production                                        --        --       (19)
     Purchases (sales) of minerals in place            --        --      (241)
     Transfer of property to assets held for sale      --        --       (58)
                                                   ------    ------     -----
  End of year                                      11,762    10,579        --
                                                   ======    ======     =====
Proved developed reserves -
   Beginning of year                                   --        --       126
                                                   ======    ======     =====
   End of year                                         --        --        --
                                                   ======    ======     =====

                                                        Natural Gas (MMcf)
                                                    -------------------------
                                                    1997       1996      1995
                                                    ----       ----      ----
Proved reserves -
   Beginning of year                                   --        --    74,208
     Discoveries                                       --        --    (9,003)
     Revisions of previous estimates                   --        --        --
     Production                                        --        --    (1,474)
     Purchases (sales) of minerals in place            --        --    (6,274)
     Transfer of property to assets held for sale      --        --   (57,457)
                                                   ------     -----    ------
  End of year                                          --        --        --
                                                   ======     =====    ======
Proved developed reserves -
   Beginning of year                                   --        --    34,792
                                                   ======     =====    ======
   End of year                                         --        --        --
                                                   ======     =====    ======


      The  Company's estimated quantities of oil and  gas  as  of
December  31,  1997  were prepared by H.J. Gruy  and  Associates,
Inc., independent engineers.

      The revisions in the Company's estimated quantities of  gas
and   oil  are  attributable  to  revised  estimates  by  Company
engineers   in  1995.   For  fiscal  1995  significant   downward
revisions  were attributed to the Company's interest in  the  Cox
Field in Texas due largely to performance of producing wells.

              Supplementary Information (Unaudited)
              -------------------------------------

      The  supplementary  information set  forth  below  presents
estimates of discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and
gas reserves and changes in such estimates.  This information has
been  prepared in accordance with requirements prescribed by  the
Financial  Accounting Standards Board (FASB).   Inherent  in  the
underlying  calculations  of such data  are  many  variables  and
assumptions, the most significant of which are briefly  described
below:

      Future  cash  flows from proved oil and gas  reserves  were
computed on the basis of (a) contractual prices for oil and gas -
including escalations for gas - in effect at year-end, or (b)  in
the  case  of  properties being commercially  developed  but  not
covered by contracts, the estimated market price for gas and  the
posted  price  for  oil  in  effect at  year-end.   Probable  and
possible reserves - a portion of which, experience has indicated,
generally  become proved once further development work  has  been
conducted  - are not considered.  Additionally, estimated  future
cash  flows are dependent upon the assumed quantities of oil  and
gas delivered and purchased from the Company. Such deliverability
estimates  are  highly  complex and are not  only  based  on  the
physical   characteristics  of  a  property  but   also   include
assumptions relative to purchaser demand. Future prices  actually
received  may  differ  from  the estimates  in  the  standardized
measure.

      Future  net  cash  flows have been  reduced  by  applicable
estimated   operating   costs,  production   taxes   and   future
development costs, all of which are based on current costs.

      Future net cash flows are further reduced by future  income
taxes  which  are  calculated by applying the  statutory  federal
income tax rate to pretax future net cash flows after utilization
of available tax carryforwards.

      To  reflect the estimated timing of future net cash  flows,
such  amounts have been discounted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission prescribed annual rate of 10 percent.

      In  view  of the uncertainties inherent in developing  this
supplementary information, it is emphasized that the  information
represents approximate amounts which may be imprecise and extreme
caution should accompany its use and interpretation.

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Related
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                 to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
                 ------------------------------
                                
     The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
from  proved oil and gas reserves, determined in accordance  with
rules prescribed by the FASB, is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Year Ended December 31
                                                   -----------------------------------
                                                    1997 (a)     1996 (a)       1995 (a)
                                                    --------     --------       --------
                                                          (Thousands of Dollars)
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>      
Future cash inflows                               $ 205,358     $ 222,797     $ 103,048
Future costs:
    Production, including taxes                     (45,624)      (39,033)      (20,937)
    Development                                     (41,093)      (40,904)      (35,276)
                                                    -------       -------        ------
Future net inflows before income taxes              118,641       142,860        46,835
Future income taxes (b)                                  --            --            --
                                                    -------       -------        ------
Future net cash flows                               118,641       142,860        46,835
10% discount factor                                 (56,194)      (63,798)      (20,795)
Transfer of properties to assets held for sale           --            --       (26,040)
                                                    -------       -------       -------
Standardized measure of discounted net cash flows  $ 62,447     $  79,062     $      --
                                                    =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>
_____________
(a)      1997  and  1996 represent China properties  only.   1995
represents U.S. properties only.
(b)      No  taxes have been reflected because of utilization  of
net operating loss carryforwards.

  Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash
               Flow From Proven Reserve Quantities
                                
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Year Ended December 31
                                                       ------------------------------
                                                       1997 (a)     1996 (a)     1995 (a)
                                                       --------     --------     --------
                                                             (Thousands of Dollars)
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>
Standardized measure-beginning of year                $ 79,062    $     --   $ 60,248
Increases (decreases):
    Sales and transfers, net of production costs            --          --     (1,347)
    Net change in sales and transfer prices, net of
       production costs                                (16,396)         --    (15,095)
    Extensions, discoveries and improved recovery, 
       net of future costs                                  --      79,062         --
    Changes in estimated future development costs         (189)         --     (2,886)
    Development costs incurred during the period that
       reduced future development costs                     --          --      1,117
    Revisions of quantity estimates                         --          --     (8,003)
    Accretion of discount                                   --          --      6,024
    Purchase (sales) of reserves in place                   --          --     (4,654)
    Changes in production rates (timing) and other          --          --     (9,364)
     Reclassification of reserves to assets held for
       sale                                                 --          --    (26,040)
                                                       -------     -------    -------   
Standardized measure-end of year                      $ 62,477    $ 79,062   $     --
                                                       =======     =======    =======
</TABLE>
__________
(a)      1997  and  1996 represent China properties  only.   1995
represents U.S. properties only.

                    XCL Ltd. and Subsidiaries
                                
          Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                
      For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                     (thousands of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Additions
                              Balance at     Charged     Charges                 Balance at
                             Beginning of    to costs    to other                  End of
Description                      Year      and expenses  accounts     Deduction    Year
- -----------                  ------------  ------------  --------     ---------   -------
1997:
<S>                           <C>          <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>   
Allowance for doubtful trade 
 accounts receivable          $      101    $     --     $   --     $    36     $     65
                                ========      ======      =====       =====       ======
Deferred tax valuation 
  allowance                   $   81,075    $  2,489     $   --     $    --     $ 83,564
                                ========      ======       =====      =====       ======
1996:
Allowance for doubtful trade 
 accounts receivable          $      103    $     --     $   --     $     2     $    101
                                ========      ======       ====       =====       ======
Deferred tax valuation 
  allowance                   $   76,743    $  4,332     $   --     $    --     $ 81,075
                                ========      ======       =====      =====       ====== 
1995:
Allowance for doubtful trade 
 accounts receivable          $      113    $     --     $   --     $    10     $    103
                                ========      ======       =====      =====       ======
Deferred tax valuation 
  allowance                   $   44,464    $ 32,279     $   --     $    --     $ 76,743
                                ========      ======       =====      =====       ======
</TABLE>

                                
                                
                REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                
                                

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of  XCL-China Ltd.

We have audited the financial statements of XCL-China Ltd. listed
in  the  Index on page F-1.  These financial statements  are  the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is
to  express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.

We  conducted  our  audits in accordance with generally  accepted
auditing  standards.  Those standards require that  we  plan  and
perform  the  audit to obtain reasonable assurance about  whether
the  financial statements are free of material misstatement.   An
audit  includes  examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts  and  disclosures in the financial  statements.   An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used  and
significant  estimates made by management, as well as  evaluating
the  overall  financial statement presentation.  We believe  that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In  our  opinion,  the  financial statements  referred  to  above
present  fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of  XCL-China  Ltd.  as of December 31, 1997 and  1996,  and  the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of  the
three  years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with  generally accepted accounting principles. In  addition,  in
our  opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above,
when  considered  in  relation to the basic financial  statements
taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects,  the
information required to be included therein.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming
that  the Company will continue as a going concern.  As discussed
in  Note  2  to  the financial statements, the  Company  has  not
generated production revenues, is dependent on its parent to meet
its  cash  flow  requirements and must, in conjunction  with  its
parent  company, generate additional cash flows  to  satisfy  its
development and exploratory obligations with respect to  its  oil
and gas properties. There is no assurance that the Company or its
parent  will be able to generate the necessary funds  to  satisfy
these   contractual   obligations  and  to   ultimately   achieve
profitable operations, which creates doubt about their ability to
continue  as  a going concern.  Managements' plans in  regard  to
these  matters are described in Note 2.  The financial statements
do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome
of this uncertainty.

                                   COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Miami, Florida
April 10, 1998
                         XCL-China, Ltd.
                          BALANCE SHEET
                     (Thousands of Dollars)
                                                       December 31
                                                       -----------
                          A S S E T S                1997        1996
                          -----------                ----        ----
Current assets:
      Accounts receivable, net                    $   101     $    122
      Other                                             2           45
                                                   ------      -------
                       Total current assets           103          167
                                                   ------      -------
Property and equipment:
      Oil and gas (full cost method):
           Proved properties under development 
            not being amortized                    21,172       13,571
           Unevaluated properties                  33,132       21,238
                                                   ------       ------
                                                   54,304       34,809
                                                   ------       ------
      Other                                           167          138
                                                   54,471       34,947
                                                   ------       ------
      Accumulated depreciation                         (1)          --
                                                   ------       ------
                                                   54,470       34,947
                                                   ------       ------
Other assets                                          668           --
                                                   ------       ------
                       Total assets             $  55,241     $ 35,114
                                                   ======       ======
 
L I A B I L I T I E S  A N D  S H A R E H O L D E R S'  E Q U I T Y
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable and accrued costs        $     284     $    556
      Due to joint venture partner                  4,504        4,202
                                                   ------       ------
           Total current liabilities                4,788        4,758
                                                   ------       ------
Due to parent                                      52,383       31,573
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2 and 5)
Shareholders' equity:
      Common stock-$.01 par value; authorized 
        5 million shares at December 31, 1997 
        and 1996; issued shares of 1,000 shares 
        at December 31, 1997 and 1996                 --            --
      Retained deficit                            (1,930)       (1,217)
                                                  ------        ------ 
           Total shareholders' deficit            (1,930)       (1,217)
                                                  ------        ------
                       Total liabilities and 
                        shareholders'deficit    $ 55,241      $ 35,114
                                                  ======        ======
                                
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                         XCL-China, Ltd.
                                
                     STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                         (In Thousands)

                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                    1997     1996        1995
                                                    ----     ----        ----
Revenues                                         $     --  $    --    $    --

Costs and operating expenses:

Depreciation                                            1       --         --
      General and administrative costs                578      702        536
                                                   ------   ------      -----
                                                      579      702        536
                                                   ------   ------      -----
Operating loss                                       (579)    (702)      (536)
                                                   ------   ------      -----
Other income (expense):
      Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized   (134)      --         --
      Interest income                                  --       --         49
                                                   ------    -----     ------
                                                     (134)      --         49
                                                   ------    -----     ------
Net loss                                         $   (713)  $ (702)   $  (487)
                                                  =======    =====      ===== 
                                
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                            XCL-China
                                
               STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
                     (Thousands of Dollars)
                                
              
              Balance, December 31, 1994           $    (28)
                   Net loss                            (487)
                                                    -------
              Balance, December 31, 1995               (515)
                   Net loss                            (702)
                                                    -------
              Balance, December 31, 1996             (1,217)
                   Net loss                            (713)
                                                    -------
              Balance, December 31, 1997           $ (1,930)
                                                    =======
                                
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                         XCL-China, Ltd.
                                
                     STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                     (Thousands of Dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                
                                                                 Year Ended December 31
                                                             ----------------------------
                                                               1997      1996       1995
                                                               ----      ----       ----
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net loss                                               $   (713)   $   (702)  $  (487)
                                                             ------      ------     -----
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
       operating activities:
        Depreciation                                              1          --        --
        Change in assets and liabilities:
             Accounts receivable                                 21         (58)      624
             Accounts payable and accrued costs                  30       2,825       801
             Other, net                                        (625)         83        81
                                                             ------       -----     -----
                  Total adjustments                            (573)      2,850     1,506
                                                             ------       -----     -----
                  Net cash (used in) provided by operating
                     activities                              (1,286)      2,148     1,019
                                                             ------       -----     -----
Cash flows from investing activities:
    Capital expenditures                                    (15,889)     (4,237)   (7,284)
    Other                                                        --         249      (179)
                                                             ------       -----     -----
                  Net cash used in investing activities     (15,889)     (3,988)   (7,463)
                                                             ------       -----     ----- 
Cash flows from financing activities:
    Loan proceeds                                             6,100          --        --
    Payment of long-term debt                                (6,100)         --        --
    Due to parent                                            17,175       1,840     4,468
                                                             ------       -----     -----
                  Net cash provided by financing activities  17,175       1,840     4,468
                                                             ------       -----     -----
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             --          --    (1,976)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                   --          --     1,976
                                                             ------       -----    ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                    $    --      $   --   $    --
                                                             ======       =====    ======
</TABLE>
                                
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                         XCL-China, Ltd.
                                
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                
(1)     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

  Basis of Presentation:
  ---------------------

      The  financial statements include the accounts of XCL-China
Ltd.  (the "Company"), a wholly owned subsidiary of XCL Ltd. (the
"parent").

     Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:

      The  preparation of the Company's financial statements,  in
conformity   with   generally  accepted  accounting   principles,
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
reported  amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues  and  expenses
and  disclosure  of  contingent assets and  liabilities.   Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
  
  Oil and Gas Properties:
  ----------------------

      The  Company  accounts for its oil and gas exploration  and
production  activities using the full cost method  of  accounting
for  oil  and gas properties.  Accordingly, all costs  associated
with  acquisition, exploration, and development of  oil  and  gas
reserves,  including appropriate related costs, are  capitalized.
The  Company  capitalizes internal costs  that  can  be  directly
identified  with  its  acquisition, exploration  and  development
activities   and  does  not  capitalize  any  costs  related   to
production, general corporate overhead or similar activities.

      The  capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including
the  estimated  future  costs  to develop  proved  reserves,  are
amortized on the unit-of-production method based on estimates  of
proved oil and gas reserves.  The reserves in 1997 and 1996  were
estimated  by  independent  petroleum engineers.  Investments  in
unproved  properties  and  major  development  projects  are  not
amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects  can
be  determined or until impairment occurs. If the results  of  an
assessment indicate that properties are impaired, the  amount  of
the  impairment is added to the capitalized costs to be depleted.
The   Company  capitalizes  interest  on  expenditures  made   in
connection with exploration and development projects that are not
subject to current amortization.  Interest is capitalized for the
period that activities are in progress to bring these projects to
their intended use.

      The  Company reviews the carrying value of its oil and  gas
properties each quarter on a country-by-country basis, and limits
capitalized costs of oil and gas properties to the present  value
of estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, discounted
at  10  percent, plus the lower of cost or fair value of unproved
properties  as adjusted for related tax effects and deferred  tax
reserves.  If capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess  is
charged to depreciation and depletion expense.

     Proceeds from the sale of proved and unproved properties are
accounted for as reductions to capitalized costs with no gain  or
loss  recognized unless such sales would significantly alter  the
relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil
and  gas.  Abandonments  of  properties  are  accounted  for   as
adjustments of capitalized costs with no loss recognized.

     The Company accounts for site restoration, dismantlement and
abandonment  costs  in  its  estimated  future  costs  of  proved
reserves.   Accordingly, such costs are amortized on  a  unit  of
production  basis  and  reflected with accumulated  depreciation,
depletion and amortization.  The Company identifies and estimates
such  costs  based  upon its assessment of applicable  regulatory
requirements, its operating experience and oil and  gas  industry
practice  in  the areas within which its properties are  located.
To  date the Company has not been required to expend any material
amounts to satisfy such obligations.  The Company does not expect
that  future  costs will have a material adverse  effect  on  the
Company's  operations, financial condition or  cash  flows.   The
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows includes
a deduction for any such costs.

Capitalized Interest:
- --------------------

      During  fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, interest and associated
costs  of  approximately  $5.8 million,  $2.8  million  and  $3.1
million, respectively were capitalized on significant investments
in   oil   and  gas  properties  that  are  not  being  currently
depreciated,  depleted, or amortized and on which exploration  or
development activities are in progress.

 Revenue Recognition:
 -------------------

      Oil  and gas revenues will be recognized using the  accrual
method at the price realized as production and delivery occurs.

     Foreign Operations
     ------------------

      The  Company's future operations and earnings  will  depend
upon the results of the Company's operations in China.  There can
be  no  assurance  that the Company will be able to  successfully
conduct  such  operations, and a failure to do so  would  have  a
material  adverse  effect  on the Company's  financial  position,
results of operations and cash flows.  Also, the success  of  the
Company's  operations will be subject to numerous  contingencies,
some   of   which   are  beyond  management's   control.    These
contingencies  include general and regional economic  conditions,
prices for crude oil and natural gas, competition and changes  in
regulation.   Since  the  Company is dependent  on  international
operations,  specifically those in China,  the  Company  will  be
subject  to  various  additional political,  economic  and  other
uncertainties.  Among other risks, the Company's operations  will
be  subject  to the risks of restrictions on transfer  of  funds;
export  duties, quotas and embargoes; domestic and  international
customs  and  tariffs;  and changing taxation  policies,  foreign
exchange  restrictions,  political  conditions  and  governmental
regulations.
                                
(2)     Liquidity and Management's Plan

      The  Company's parent, in connection with its 1995 decision
to  dispose  of its domestic properties, is devoting all  of  its
efforts toward the development of the Company's properties.   The
Company  has historically relied on its parent to meet  its  cash
flow requirements.  Although the parent has cash available in the
amount  of  approximately $32 million as  of  December  31,  1997
(including  restricted cash of approximately $10 million)  and  a
positive  working  capital position, management anticipates  that
the Company and its parent will need additional funds to meet all
of  the  development and exploratory obligations until sufficient
cash  flows are generated from anticipated production to  sustain
operations   and  to  fund  future  development  and  exploration
obligations.

      The  parent  plans to generate the additional  cash  needed
through  the  sale or financing of its domestic assets  held  for
sale  and  the  completion of additional equity,  debt  or  joint
venture  transactions.  There is no assurance, however, that  the
parent  will be able to sell or finance its assets held for  sale
or  to  complete other transactions in the future at commercially
reasonable terms, if at all, or that the Company will be able  to
meet its future contractual obligations.  If production from  the
Company's properties commences in late 1998 or the first half  of
1999,  as anticipated, the Company's proportionate share  of  the
related  cash  flow  will  be  available  to  help  satisfy  cash
requirements.  However, there is likewise no assurance that  such
development will be successful and production will commence,  and
that such cash flow will be available.
                                
(3)     Supplemental Cash Flow Information

     There were no income taxes paid for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

 (4)     Income Taxes

      Foreign  income  taxes  are accounted  for  under  the  tax
structure in that country, principally China.  As of December 31,
1997,  the Company does not have undistributed earnings available
to  its  parent  because  of accumulated losses.   Further,  such
losses   have  provided no tax benefit to the parent company  and
accordingly,  there  has been no tax impact. When  necessary  the
Company  will  enter into an appropriate tax sharing  arrangement
with its parent.

(5)     Other Commitments and Contingencies

     Other commitments and contingencies include:

     o    The  Company  acquired the rights to  the  exploration,
          development and production of the Zhao Dong Block by executing a
          Production Sharing Agreement with CNODC in February 1993. Under
          the terms of the Production Sharing Agreement, the Company and
          its partner are responsible for all exploration costs. If a
          commercial discovery is made, and if CNODC exercises its option
          to participate in the development of the field, all development
          and operating costs and related oil and gas production will be
          shared up to 51 percent  by CNODC and the remainder by the
          Company and its partner.

          The Production Sharing Agreement includes the following
          additional principal terms:

          The  Production Sharing Agreement is basically  divided
          into   three  periods:  the  Exploration  period,   the
          Development period and the Production period.  Work  to
          be performed and expenditures to be incurred during the
          Exploration  period,  which consists  of  three  phases
          totaling  seven  years  from  May  1,  1993,  are   the
          exclusive responsibility of the Contractor (the Company
          and   its   partner  as  a  group).  The   Contractor's
          obligations  in  the three exploration  phases  are  as
          follows:
     
          1.      During the first three years, the Contractor is
               required  to  drill three wildcat  wells,  perform
               seismic data acquisition and processing and expend
               a  minimum of $6 million.  These obligations  have
               been met;
          
          2.      During  the  next two years, the Contractor  is
               required  to  drill  two  wildcat  wells,  perform
               seismic data acquisition and processing and expend
               a  minimum  of  $4  million  (The  Contractor  has
               elected  to proceed with the second phase  of  the
               Contract.     The    seismic   data    acquisition
               requirement   for  the  second  phase   has   been
               satisfied.);
          
          3.      During  the  last two years, the Contractor  is
               required  to drill two wildcat wells and expend  a
               minimum of $4 million.
          
          4.      The  Production Period for any oil  and/or  gas
               field  covered  by  the  Contract  (the  "Contract
               Area")  will be 15 consecutive years (each  of  12
               months),  commencing for each such  field  on  the
               date of commencement of commercial production  (as
               determined  under  the  terms  of  the  Contract).
               However,  prior  to  the  Production  Period,  and
               during the Development Period, oil and/or gas  may
               be  produced  and sold during a long-term  testing
               period.

          The  Production Sharing Agreement may be terminated  by
          the  Contractor  at  the  end  of  each  phase  of  the
          Exploration period, without further obligation.
     
(6)     Related Party Transactions

      The Company has consistently borrowed money from its parent
for   the  acquisition  and  development  of  its  oil  and   gas
properties.  The amount due the parent as of December 31, 1997 is
approximately         $52        million.          All         of
the  Common  Stock of the Company has been pledged as  collateral
for parent company debt and the Company is a guarantor on certain
Senior Secured Notes described below.
     
     Senior Secured Notes of Parent Company
     --------------------------------------

      On May 20, 1997, the parent company sold in an unregistered
offering   to  qualified  institutional  buyers  and   accredited
institutional  investors 75,000 Note Units,  each  consisting  of
$1,000 principal amount of 13.5% Senior Secured Notes due May  1,
2004  and one Common Stock Purchase Warrant to purchase 85 shares
of  the  parent's common stock, par value $0.01  per  share  (the
"Common  Stock"), at an exercise price of $3.09 per share,  first
exercisable after May 20, 1998.

      Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on May 1 and
November  1, commencing November 1, 1997.  The Notes will  mature
on May 1, 2004. The Notes are not redeemable at the option of the
parent  prior to May 1, 2002, except that the parent may  redeem,
at  its  option prior to May 1, 2002, up to 35% of  the  original
aggregate principal amount of the Notes, at a redemption price of
113.5%  of  the  aggregate principal amount of  the  Notes,  plus
accrued  and  unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption,
with the net  proceeds of any equity offering completed within 90
days  prior  to  such redemption; provided that at  least  $48.75
million  in  aggregate  principal  amount  of  the  Notes  remain
outstanding.   On or after May 1, 2002, the Notes are  redeemable
at  the option of the parent, in whole or in part, at  an initial
redemption price of 106.75% of the aggregate principal amount  of
the  Notes until May 1, 2003, and at par thereafter, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

      The Senior Secured Notes restrict, among other things,  the
parent's  and its subsidiaries ability to incur additional  debt,
incur  liens,  pay  dividends, or make certain  other  restricted
payments.   It  also  limits the parent's ability  to  consummate
certain  asset  sales,  enter  into  certain  transactions   with
affiliates, enter into mergers or consolidations, or  dispose  of
substantially  all the parent's assets. The parent's  ability  to
comply  with such covenants may be affected by events beyond  its
control. The breach of any of these covenants could result  in  a
default.   A default could allow holders of the Notes to  declare
all  amounts outstanding and accrued interest immediately due and
payable. A foreclosure on the stock of the Company could  trigger
Apache's right of first refusal under the Participation Agreement
to  purchase  such stock or its option to purchase  the  parent's
interest  in  the Contract.  There can be no assurance  that  the
assets  of  the  parent and the Company, or any other  Subsidiary
Guarantors would be sufficient to fully repay the Notes  and  the
parent's other indebtedness.

              Supplemental Oil and Gas Information
              ------------------------------------

      The  following  supplementary information is  presented  in
accordance  with  the  requirements  of  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 69 - "Disclosures About  Oil  and  Gas
Producing Activities."
  
  Capitalized Costs
  -----------------

      Capitalized  costs  relating to the  Company's  proved  and
unevaluated oil and gas properties, are as follows (000's):

                                                        December 31
                                                     ------------------
                                                       1997       1996
                                                       ----       ----
   Proved and unevaluated properties under 
     development                                   $  54,304     $  34,305
                                                      ======        ======

      The  capitalized  costs  for the  oil  and  gas  properties
represent cumulative expenditures related to the Zhao Dong  Block
Production   Sharing  Agreement  and  will  not  be  depreciated,
depleted or amortized until production is achieved.

      The  Company's investment in oil and gas properties  as  of
December  31,  1997,  includes proved and unevaluated  properties
which  have been excluded from amortization.  Such costs will  be
evaluated  in future periods based on management's assessment  of
exploration activities, expiration dates of licenses, permits and
concessions, changes in economic conditions and other factors. As
these  properties become evaluated or developed, their  cost  and
related  estimated  future  revenue  will  be  included  in   the
calculation  of  the  DD&A  rate. Such  costs  were  incurred  as
follows:

       Costs   for   proved  and  unevaluated  properties   under
development were incurred as follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       Year Ended December 31 
                                           --------------------------------------------   
                                   Total      1997       1996     1995   1994 and Prior
                                   -----      ----       ----     ----   --------------
  <S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
  Property acquisition costs   $  40,616   $ 14,208   $  4,223  $  7,023   $  15,162
  Capitalized interest costs      13,688      5,791      2,767     2,596       2,534
                                --------     ------    -------    ------     -------
      Total proved and
       unevaluated  properties
       under development       $  54,304   $ 19,999   $  6,990  $  9,619   $  17,696
                                ========     ======     ======    ======      ======
</TABLE>

  Capitalized Costs Incurred
  --------------------------

     Total capitalized costs incurred by the Company with respect
to its oil and gas producing activities were as follows (000's):

                                                   Year Ended December 31
                                                 --------------------------
                                                  1997      1996       1995
                                                  ----      ----       ----
     Costs incurred:
         Unproved properties acquired           $    --   $    --    $  5,298
         Capitalized internal costs               2,466       822         135
         Capitalized interest and amortized debt
          costs                                   5,791     2,767       2,596
     Exploration                                  6,833     3,401          --
     Development                                  4,909        --       1,590
                                                -------    ------      ------  
                       Total costs incurred    $ 19,999   $ 6,990     $ 9,619
                                                =======    ======      ======


             Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (Unaudited)
             ---------------------------------------
                                
      The  following table sets forth estimates of the  Company's
net  interests in proved and proved developed reserves of oil and
gas and changes in estimates of proved reserves.

                                                       Crude Oil (MBbls)
                                                    ---------------------  
                                                     1997           1996
                                                     ----           ----
Proved reserves -
   Beginning of year                                10,579             --
     Discoveries                                     1,183         10,579
     Revisions of previous estimates                    --             --
     Production                                         --             --
     Purchases (sales) of minerals in place             --             --
     Transfer of property to assets held for sale       --             --
                                                    ------         ------
  End of year                                       11,762         10,579
                                                    ======         ======
Proved developed reserves -
   Beginning of year                                    --             --
                                                     =====         ======
   End of year                                          --             --
                                                     =====         ======


      The  Company's estimated quantities of oil and  gas  as  of
December  31,  1997  were prepared by H.J. Gruy  and  Associates,
Inc., independent engineers.

              Supplementary Information (Unaudited)
              -------------------------------------

      The  supplementary  information set  forth  below  presents
estimates of discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and
gas reserves and changes in such estimates.  This information has
been  prepared in accordance with requirements prescribed by  the
Financial  Accounting Standards Board (FASB).   Inherent  in  the
underlying  calculations  of such data  are  many  variables  and
assumptions, the most significant of which are briefly  described
below:

      Future  cash  flows from proved oil and gas  reserves  were
computed on the basis of (a) contractual prices for oil and gas -
including escalations for gas - in effect at year-end, or (b)  in
the  case  of  properties being commercially  developed  but  not
covered by contracts, the estimated market price for gas and  the
posted  price  for  oil  in  effect at  year-end.   Probable  and
possible reserves - a portion of which, experience has indicated,
generally  become proved once further development work  has  been
conducted  - are not considered.  Additionally, estimated  future
cash  flows are dependent upon the assumed quantities of oil  and
gas delivered and purchased from the Company. Such deliverability
estimates  are  highly  complex and are not  only  based  on  the
physical   characteristics  of  a  property  but   also   include
assumptions relative to purchaser demand. Future prices  actually
received  may  differ  from  the estimates  in  the  standardized
measure.

      Future  net  cash  flows have been  reduced  by  applicable
estimated   operating   costs,  production   taxes   and   future
development costs, all of which are based on current costs.

      Future net cash flows are further reduced by future  income
taxes  which  are  calculated by applying the  statutory  federal
income tax rate to pretax future net cash flows after utilization
of available tax carryforwards.

      To  reflect the estimated timing of future net cash  flows,
such  amounts have been discounted by the FASB prescribed  annual
rate of 10 percent.

      In  view  of the uncertainties inherent in developing  this
supplementary information, it is emphasized that the  information
represents approximate amounts which may be imprecise and extreme
caution should accompany its use and interpretation.
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Related
                 to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
                                
     The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
from  proved oil and gas reserves, determined in accordance  with
rules prescribed by the FASB, is summarized as follows:

                                                    Year Ended December 31
                                                    ----------------------
                                                       1997         1996
                                                       ----         ----
                                                     (Thousands of Dollars)
Future cash inflows                                 $ 205,358     $ 222,797
Future costs:
    Production, including taxes                       (45,624)      (39,033)
    Development                                       (41,093)      (40,904) 
                                                      -------       -------
Future net inflows before income taxes                118,641       142,860
Future income taxes                                        --            --
                                                      -------       ------- 
Future net cash flows                                 118,641       142,860
10% discount factor                                   (56,194)      (63,798)
Transfer of properties to assets held for sale             --            --
                                                      -------       -------
Standardized measure of discounted net cash flows   $  62,447     $  79,062
                                                      =======       =======

  Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash
               Flow From Proven Reserve Quantities
                                
                                                     Year Ended December 31
                                                     ----------------------
                                                         1997        1996
                                                         ----        ----  
                                                      (Thousands of Dollars)
Standardized measure-beginning of year              $  79,062     $      --
Increases (decreases):
    Sales and transfers, net of production costs           --            --
    Net change in sales and transfer prices, net of
       production costs                               (16,396)           --
    Extensions, discoveries and improved recovery, 
       net of future costs                                 --        79,062
    Changes in estimated future development costs        (189)           --
    Development costs incurred during the period that
       reduced future development costs                    --            --
    Revisions of quantity estimates                        --            --
    Accretion of discount                                  --            --
    Purchase (sales) of reserves in place                  --            --
    Changes in production rates (timing) and other         --            --
    Reclassification of reserves to assets held for sale   --            --
                                                       -------       ------
Standardized measure-end of year                     $ 62,477      $ 79,062
                                                       =======       ======


Item  9.       Changes  in and Disagreements  on  Accounting  and
Financial Disclosure.

     There have been no changes in and there are no disagreements
with  the  Company's  accountants  on  accounting  and  financial
disclosure.


                    [BACK COVER PAGE]

                     [Left Column]


      No  dealer,  salesperson  or  any  other  person  has  been
authorized to give any information or to make any representations
in  connection with the offer contained herein other  than  those
contained  in  this  Prospectus, and,  if  given  or  made,  such
information and representations must not be relied upon as having
been  authorized  by the Company or the Initial Purchaser.   This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation
of  an  offer  to buy any security other than those to  which  it
relates  nor  does  it  constitute  an  offer  to  sell,   or   a
solicitation  of  an  offer  to  buy,  to  any  person   in   any
jurisdiction  in  which  such  offer  or  solicitation   is   not
authorized,  or  in  which  the  person  making  the   offer   or
solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to  whom
it  is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.  Neither  the
delivery  of  this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder  shall,
under  any  circumstances, create any implication that there  has
been  no  change  in the affairs of the Company  since  the  date
hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as  of
any time subsequent to the date hereof.

     ------------------------

     TABLE OF CONTENTS                                  Page

Available Information
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Prospectus Summary
Risk Factors
Financial Restructuring
Use of Proceeds
Capitalization
Price Range of Common Stock
Dividend Policy
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserve Data
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
  Condition and Results of Operations
Significant Events Affecting the Company
  Since March 31, 1998
Business
Management
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
   Owners and Management
Description of Existing Debt
Description of Capital Stock
Certain United States Income Tax Consequences
Selling Security Holders
Legal Matters
Independent Accountants
Engineers
Glossary of Terms
Index to Financial Statements                            F-1
Summary Report of H.J
     Gruy Reserve Report                                 A-1


                                [Right Column]


     [LOGO]




     XCL Ltd.




     1,163,115 Shares 9.50%
     Amended Series A, Cumulative
     Convertible Preferred Stock

     32,950,698 Shares Common Stock


     _____________________________
               Prospectus
     _____________________________









     ___________, 1998



                                  PART II

               Information Not Required in the Prospectus

Item 13.     Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

            Expenses   in   connection  with  the  issuance   and
distribution of the securities being registered are set forth  in
the following table.  All amounts except the registration fee are
estimated.

                                                              Expenses
                                                              --------   
Registration Fee - Securities and Exchange Commission       $
AMEX Filing Fee
Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses
Accounting Fees and Expenses
Legal Fees and Expenses
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses
Miscellaneous
                                                             -----------
               TOTAL
                                                             ===========

           The  Company  will  bear all of the  expenses  of  the
registration of the Securities being offered.

Item 14.     Indemnification of Directors and Officers

           The  Company's  Amended  and Restated  Certificate  of
Incorporation (the "Certificate") provides that:

           (A)      No director of the Company will be personally
liable  to  the Company or its stockholders for monetary  damages
for  breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability
(i)  for  any  breach of the director's duty of  loyalty  to  the
Company  or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions  not  in
good  faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a  knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation  Law,  or  (iv) for any transaction  from  which  the
director derived an improper personal benefit.

           (B)      Each person who was or is made a party or  is
threatened  to be made a party to or involved in any action  suit
or   proceeding   whether  civil,  criminal,  administrative   or
investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact
that  he or she is or was a director, officer or employee of  the
Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company  as  a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of
a   partnership,  joint  venture,  trust  or  other   enterprise,
including  service  with  respect to an  employee  benefit  plan,
whether  the  basis of such proceeding is alleged  action  in  an
official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in
any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee
or agent, will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to
the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation
Law,  as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but in  the
case  of  any  such  amendment, only  to  the  extent  that  such
amendment  permits the Company to provide broader indemnification
rights  than said law permitted the Company to provide  prior  to
such   amendment),  against  all  expense,  liability  and   loss
(including  attorneys' fees, judgments, fines,  including  excise
taxes with respect to an employee benefit plan, or penalties  and
amounts  paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or  suffered  by
such person in connection therewith and such indemnification will
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee  or agent and will inure to the benefit of  his  or  her
heirs,  executors  and administrators; provided,  however,  that,
except as described in (C) below, the Company will indemnify  any
such   person  seeking  indemnification  in  connection  with   a
proceeding (or part hereof) initiated by such person only if such
proceeding  (or  part thereof) was authorized  by  the  board  of
directors of the Company.  The right to indemnification described
in  this paragraph B includes the right to be paid by the Company
the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance
of its final disposition; provided, however, that if the Delaware
General  Corporation Law requires, the payment of  such  expenses
incurred  by  a director or officer in his or her capacity  as  a
director  or  officer  (and not in any other  capacity  in  which
service  was  or is rendered by such person while a  director  or
officer,  including, without limitation, service to  an  employee
benefit  plan)  in  advance  of  the  final  disposition   of   a
proceeding, will be made only upon delivery to the Company of  an
undertaking,  by  or on behalf of such director  or  officer,  to
repay all amounts so advanced if it will ultimately be determined
that  such  director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified
under the Certificate or otherwise.

           (C)     If a claim described in paragraph (B) above is
not  paid in full by the Company within thirty (30) after written
claim  has been received by the Company, the claimant may at  any
time  thereafter bring suit against the Company  to  recover  the
unpaid  amount  of the claim and, if successful in  whole  or  in
part,  the claimant will be entitled to be paid also the  expense
of  prosecuting  such claim.  It will be a defense  to  any  such
action  (other  than  an action brought to enforce  a  claim  for
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance  of  its
final  disposition  where the required  undertaking,  if  any  is
required, has been tendered to the Company) that the claimant has
not  met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under
the Delaware General Corporation Law for the Company to indemnify
the  claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden  of  proving
such defense will be on the Company.  Neither the failure of  the
Company  (including  its  board of directors,  independent  legal
counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination  prior
to  the  commencement of such action that indemnification of  the
claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met
the  applicable  standard of conduct set forth  in  the  Delaware
General  Corporation  Law,  nor an actual  determination  by  the
Company  (including  its  board of directors,  independent  legal
counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met  such
applicable  standard of conduct, will be a defense to the  action
or  create  a  presumption  that the claimant  has  not  met  the
applicable standard of conduct.

          (D)     The right to indemnification and the payment of
expenses  incurred in defending a proceeding in  advance  of  its
final  disposition  conferred  in the  Certificate  will  not  be
exclusive  of  any right which any person may have  or  hereafter
acquire  under  any  statute, provision of the  Certificate,  the
Amended  and  Restated  Bylaws  of the  Company  (the  "Bylaws"),
agreement,  vote  of stockholders or disinterested  directors  or
otherwise.

           (E)      The  Company may maintain insurance,  at  its
expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or
agent  of the Company or another corporation, partnership,  joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, including an employee benefit
plan, against any such expense, liability or loss, whether or not
the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against
such  expense,  liability  or  loss under  the  Delaware  General
Corporation Law.

            (F)      Upon  resolution  passed  by  the  board  of
directors,  the Company may establish a trust or other designated
account, grant a security interest or use other means (including,
without limitation, a letter of credit) to ensure the payment  of
certain  of  its  obligations arising under  the  indemnification
provisions contained in the Certificate.

           (G)      If any part of the indemnification provisions
contained  in the Certificate will be found, in any action,  suit
or  proceeding  or appeal therefrom or in any other circumstances
or  as  to  any  particular officer, director or employee  to  be
unenforceable,  ineffective  or  invalid  for  any  reason,   the
enforceability, effect and validity of the remaining parts or  of
such parts in other circumstances will not be affected, except as
otherwise required by applicable law.

          The Bylaws provide that:

                (i)      the  Company will indemnify to the  full
          extent  permitted  by,  and in the  manner  permissible
          under,  the  laws of the State of Delaware  any  person
          made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or
          proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative  or
          investigative,  by  reason of the  fact  that  he,  his
          testator  or intestate is or was a director or  officer
          of  the  Company or any predecessor of the Company,  or
          served any other enterprise as a director or officer at
          the  request of the Company or any predecessor  of  the
          Company.

                (ii)      the rights of indemnification described
          in  paragraph (i) above will be deemed to be a contract
          between  the Company and each director and officer  who
          serves  in  such  capacity  at  any  time  while   such
          provision  is in effect, and any repeal or modification
          thereof will not affect any rights or obligations  then
          existing  or any action, suit or proceeding theretofore
          brought  based in whole or in part upon any such  state
          of facts;

                (iii)     the rights of indemnification described
          in  paragraphs  (i) and (ii) above will not  be  deemed
          exclusive of any other rights to which any director  or
          officer  may  be entitled apart from the provisions  of
          Article VIII of the Bylaws (governing indemnification);
          and

                (iv)     the board of directors in its discretion
          will  have  power on behalf of the Company to indemnify
          any  person, other than a director or officer,  made  a
          party  to  any action, suit or proceeding by reason  of
          the  fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was
          an employee of the Company.

           Insofar  as  indemnification for  liabilities  arising
under  the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers
or  persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the  foregoing
provisions, the Company has been informed that in the opinion  of
the  Securities  and Exchange Commission such indemnification  is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act  and  is
therefore unenforceable.

Item 15.     Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Common Stock and Common Stock Purchase Warrants/Debt Securities
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

The following issuances which occurred prior to December 17, 1997
have  not  been adjusted to reflect the Company`s one-for-fifteen
reverse stock split effected on December 17, 1997.

o     On March 11, 1998, the Company sold an aggregate of 128,887
  (post  split) shares of Common Stock, through the  exercise  of
  stock  purchase  warrants  to four partnerships  of  KAIM  Non-
  Traditional, L.P.  The warrants were exercisable at $1.875  per
  share  and  the  Company received $241,663 in  payment  of  the
  exercise price.  The securities issued in this transaction were
  not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended
  (the "Securities Act"), in reliance upon the exemption provided
  by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On March 11, 1998, the Company sold an aggregate of 455,809
  (post  split) shares of Common Stock, through the  exercise  of
  stock  purchase  warrants  to five partnerships  of  KAIM  Non-
  Traditional, L.P.  The warrants were exercisable at  $0.15  per
  share and the Company received $68,371 in payment of the exercise
  price.   The  securities issued in this  transaction  were  not
  registered  under  the  Securities Act  in  reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  January 23, 1998, the Company sold 11,333 (post  split)
  shares  of Common Stock, through the exercise of stock purchase
  warrants to Mr. Hans Ulrich Nadig.  The warrants were exercisable
  at $1.875 per share and the Company received $21,250 in payment
  of the exercise price.  The securities issued in this transaction
  were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon the
  exemption provided by Section  4(2) thereof.

o     On January 19, 1998, the Company issued 55,625 (post split)
  shares of Common Stock, to William Wang, a resident of Taiwan, in
  respect of  $222,500 payable in shares of Common Stock, pursuant
  to the terms of a compensation agreement between the Company and
  Mr.  Wang dated October 1, 1997.  The securities issued in this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     In  December  1997, the Company issued 86,190 (post  split)
  shares  of  Common  Stock  to certain holders  of  the  Secured
  Subordinated  Notes in respect of $233,082.73 interest  payable
  April 1, 1997, including penalty interest thereon. The securities
  issued  in  this  transaction were  not  registered  under  the
  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section
  4(2) with respect to 21,547 shares and Regulation S with respect
  to 64,643 shares.

o     In  December 1997, the Company issued 133,385 (post  split)
  shares of Common Stock to the holders of the Secured Subordinated
  Notes in respect of $506,634.66 interest payable October 1, 1997,
  including penalty interest thereon. The securities issued in this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) with respect
  to 90,510 shares and Regulation S with respect to 42,875 shares.

o     On  November  3, 1997, the Company issued an  aggregate  of
  12,906 shares of Amended Series A Preferred Stock in respect of
  dividends payable thereon in additional shares of Amended Series
  A Preferred Stock due November 1, 1997. The securities issued in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     In  November  1997, the Company issued  400,000  shares  of
  Common Stock and 200,000 Stock Purchase Warrants at an exercise
  price  of  $0.25 per share on or before February  20,  2002  to
  Patrick B. Collins as compensation under a Consulting Agreement
  dated  February  20,  1997.  The  securities  issued  in   this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  October  28  and  29, 1997, pursuant  to  an  agreement
  effective  October 1, 1997, the Company issued to designees  of
  William  Wang, who were all non-U.S. persons, an  aggregate  of
  800,000  shares of Common Stock as compensation and  to  settle
  certain instruments relating to prior compensation arrangements
  between the Company and William Wang, a resident of Taiwan  who
  has performed services for the Company since 1991. The securities
  issued  in  this  transaction were  not  registered  under  the
  Securities  Act  in  reliance upon the  exemption  provided  by
  Regulation S thereof.

o     On  October 21, 1997, the Company sold 1,000,000 shares  of
  Common Stock, and on October 30, 1997, the Company sold 500,000
  shares of Common Stock, both transactions through the exercise of
  stock  purchase warrants, to Providence Capital Limited of  the
  Cayman  Islands.  The warrants were exercisable at $0.1875  per
  share  and  the  Company received $281,250 in  payment  of  the
  exercise price. The securities issued in this transaction  were
  not  registered under the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     On  October  3,  1997, the Company sold 360,000  shares  of
  Common Stock, through the exercise of stock purchase warrants, to
  Bank  Hofmann  AG  of Zurich, Switzerland.  The  warrants  were
  exercisable at $0.125 per share and the Company received $45,000
  in payment of the exercise price. The securities issued in this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     On  October  3,  1997, the Company issued an  aggregate  of
  450,000  shares  of  Common Stock in settlement  of  litigation
  initiated  by  Ms. Kathy McIlhenny, a former  employee  of  the
  Company.   Ms.  McIlhenny  received  300,000  shares  and   her
  attorneys,  Jacques  F. Bezou and Robert H. Matthews,  received
  90,000 and 60,000 shares respectively. The securities issued in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o    On July 1, 1997, the Company issued 3 million stock purchase
  warrants to Providence Capital Ltd. as compensation pursuant to a
  Consulting Agreement entered into effective July 1, 1997, whereby
  providence  Capital  Ltd. will assist the Company  in  locating
  sources of financing in capital markets in Canada.  The warrants
  are exercisable at $0.1875 per share and expire August 13, 2001.
  The  securities issued in this transaction were not  registered
  under the Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided
  by Regulation S thereof.

o     On August 19, 1997, the Company sold in a series of private
  placements in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities
  Act, an aggregate of 638,000 shares of Common Stock through the
  exercise  of warrants previously granted to Providence  Capital
  Ltd.  The warrants were exercisable at $0.125 per share and the
  Company received $79,750 in payment of the exercise price.  The
  warrants were exercised outside the U.S. by persons or entities
  who  certified  that they were non-U.S. persons as  defined  in
  Regulation S and the shares were all delivered against  payment
  outside the U.S. in accordance with such Regulation.

o     As set forth below, the Company sold in a series of private
  placement  in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities
  Act, an aggregate of 870,000 shares of Common Stock through the
  exercise of warrants previously granted to Sreedeswar Holdings,
  Inc.  These warrants were initially issued on December 22, 1995,
  in connection with a series of Unit offerings conducted through
  Rauscher Pierce & Clark, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
  Rauscher  Pierce  &  Clark  Ltd., as the  Placement  Agent,  in
  compliance with Regulation S of the Securities Act.  The Company
  agreed to reduce the exercise price of such warrants provided the
  warrants were immediately exercised.  Pursuant to such agreement
  the  initial  warrant exercise prices of $0.25 per  share  were
  reduced  to  $0.21  per share, net, with  the  Placement  Agent
  accepting $0.01 per share rather than 8% of the exercise price as
  set forth in the Placement Agreement.

    Exercise        Warrants
     Date           Exercised     Shares Issued    Net Consideration
   ---------        ---------     -------------    -----------------

   May 22, 1997      870,000        870,000               $182,700

  In  all instances the warrants were exercised outside the  U.S.
  by  persons  or entities who certified that they were  non-U.S.
  person  as  defined  in Regulation S and the  shares  were  all
  delivered  against payment outside the U.S. in accordance  with
  such Regulation.

o     On  May  20,  1997, the Company consummated (i)  a  private
  offering of 75,000 units (the "Debt Units"), each consisting of
  $1,000 principal amount of 13.50% Senior Secured Notes due May 1,
  2004  and  one Common Stock Purchase Warrant to purchase  1,280
  shares of the Common Stock and (ii) a private offering of 294,118
  units (the "Equity Units," and together with the Debt Units, the
  "Units"),  each  consisting of one share of  Amended  Series  A
  Preferred Stock and one Warrant to purchase 327 shares  of  the
  Company's  common stock.  The Units were sold  to  the  Initial
  Purchaser in transactions not registered under the Securities Act
  in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and thereupon
  offered  and  sold  by the Initial Purchaser  only  to  certain
  qualified  institutional  buyers and  institutional  accredited
  investors.  The aggregate offering price of the Debt Units  was
  $75,000,000 and the aggregate offering price of the Equity Units
  was $25,000,030.  The aggregate discount to the Initial Purchaser
  with respect to the Debt Units was $3,000,000 and with respect to
  the Equity Units was $1,500,000.

o     On  April 8, 1997, the Company sold an aggregate of 276,000
  shares  of Common Stock to Je Hyun Lee, a non-U.S. person,  for
  which it received consideration of $51,750. The securities issued
  in this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act
  in reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     As set forth below, the Company sold in a private placement
  in  compliance with Regulation S under the Securities  Act,  an
  aggregate  of  3,000,000  shares of Common  Stock  through  the
  exercise  of warrants previously granted to Providence  Capital
  Ltd.  These warrants were initially issued on December 31, 1996
  as   incentive  to  exercise  4,168,000  warrants  acquired  in
  connection  with  series  of Unit offerings  conducted  through
  Rauscher Pierce & Clark, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
  Rauscher  Pierce  &  Clark  Ltd., as the  Placement  Agent,  in
  compliance with Regulation S of the Securities Act.

  Further,  on  April  22, 1997, the Company sold  in  a  private
  placement  in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities
  Act,  66,900  shares of Common Stock through  the  exercise  of
  warrants  previously  granted  to  Sreedeswar  Holdings,   Inc.
  These  warrants were initially issued on December 22, 1995,  in
  connection  with  a series of Unit offerings conducted  through
  Rauscher   Pierce   &   Clark,  Inc.,  and   its   wholly-owned
  subsidiary,  Rauscher  Pierce & Clark Ltd.,  as  the  Placement
  Agent,  in compliance with Regulation S of the Securities  Act.
  The  Company  agreed  to  reduce the  exercise  price  of  such
  warrants  provided  the  warrants were  immediately  exercised.
  Pursuant to such agreement the initial warrant exercise  prices
  of  $0.25 per share were reduced to $0.21 per share, net,  with
  the  Placement Agent accepting $0.01 per share rather  than  8%
  of the exercise price as set forth in the Placement Agreement.

                        Warrants       Shares
   Exercise  Date      Exercised       Issued     Net Consideration
   --------------      ---------     --------     ------------------

   April 18, 1997       440,289       440,289         $  55,036
   April 22, 1997        66,900        66,900         $  14,049
   April 30, 1997     2,559,711     2,559,711         $ 319,964

  In  all instances the warrants were exercised outside the  U.S.
  by  persons  or entities who certified that they were  non-U.S.
  persons  as  defined in Regulation S and the  shares  were  all
  delivered  against payment outside the U.S. in accordance  with
  such Regulation.

o     On  April 10, 1997, in connection with obtaining a loan for
  XCL-China Ltd. of $3.1 million, the Company granted an aggregate
  of  10,092,980 warrants to a group of four limited partnerships
  managed  by Kayne Anderson Investment Management, Inc. ("KAIM")
  (6,837,180); J. Edgar Monroe Foundation (325,580); Estate of J.
  Edgar  Monroe  (976,740);  Boland  Machine  &  Mfg.  Co.,  Inc.
  (325,580);  and Construction Specialists, Inc. d/b/a  Con-Spec,
  Inc.  (1,627,900), entitling such lenders the right to  acquire
  10,092,980 shares of Common Stock at $0.01 per share, exercisable
  on or before April 9, 2002.  All proceeds of this financing were
  applied to reduce the Company's indebtedness to Apache incurred
  in  connection with Zhao Dong Block operations. The  securities
  issued  in  this  transaction were  not  registered  under  the
  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section
  4(2) thereof.

o    Stock Purchase Warrants dated April 10, 1997, were issued to
  ING  (U.S.) Capital Corporation, as consideration for  entering
  into a Forbearance Agreement with the Company. Each warrant  is
  exercisable  at  $0.01 per share on or before  April  9,  2002,
  entitling ING to purchase up to 7,000,000 shares of Common Stock.
  The  securities issued in this transaction were not  registered
  under the Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided
  by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  March  26, 1997, the Company sold 3,200,000  shares  of
  Common Stock to Je Hyun Lee, a non-U.S. person, for consideration
  of $600,000. The securities issued in this transaction were not
  registered  under  the  Securities Act  in  reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     As set forth below, the Company sold in a series of private
  placements in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities
  Act, an aggregate of 73,000 shares of Common Stock through  the
  exercise of warrants previously granted to Sreedeswar Holdings,
  Inc.  These warrants were initially issued on December 22, 1995,
  in connection with a series of Unit offerings conducted through
  Rauscher Pierce & Clark, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
  Rauscher  Pierce  &  Clark  Ltd., as the  Placement  Agent,  in
  compliance with Regulation S of the Securities Act.  The Company
  agreed to reduce the exercise price of such warrants provided the
  warrants were immediately exercised.  Pursuant to such agreement
  the  initial  warrant exercise prices of $0.25 per  share  were
  reduced  to  $0.21  per share, net, with  the  Placement  Agent
  accepting $0.01 per share rather than 8% of the exercise price as
  set forth in the Placement Agreement.
                           Warrants     Shares
      Exercise Date       Exercised     Issued     Net Consideration
      -------------       ---------     ------     -----------------

      March 21, 1997       73,000       73,000         $ 15,330

  In all instances the warrants were exercised outside the U.S.
  by persons or entities who certified that they were non-U.S.
  persons as defined in Regulation S and the shares were all
  delivered against payment outside the U.S. in accordance with
  such Regulation.

o     During  February  1997,  the  Company  sold  its  remaining
  interest (41.089%) in the Seller Notes securing the Lutcher Moore
  Tract  ($217,961  in  principal) to  accredited  investors  for
  $193,916 net after discount.  In connection with the sale,  the
  Company issued stock purchase warrants to Donald A. and Joanne R.
  Westerberg and T. Jerald Hanchey pursuant to which the purchasers
  can acquire 1,874,467 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price
  of  $0.25  per  share,  expiring on  December  31,  1999.   The
  securities issued by the Company in this transaction  were  not
  registered  under  the  Securities Act  in  reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     As set forth below, the Company sold in a series of private
  placements in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities
  Act, an aggregate of 1,630,100 shares of Common Stock through the
  exercise of warrants previously granted to Sreedeswar Holdings,
  Inc.  These warrants were initially issued on December 22, 1995,
  in connection with a series of Unit offerings conducted through
  Rauscher Pierce & Clark, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
  Rauscher  Pierce  &  Clark  Ltd., as the  Placement  Agent,  in
  compliance with Regulation S of the Securities Act.  The Company
  agreed to reduce the exercise price of such warrants provided the
  warrants were immediately exercised.  Pursuant to such agreement
  the  initial  warrant exercise prices of $0.25 per  share  were
  reduced  to  $0.21  per share, net, with  the  Placement  Agent
  accepting $0.01 per share rather than 8% of the exercise price as
  set forth in the Placement Agreement.

                        Warrants       Shares
Exercise Date          Exercised       Issued        Net Consideration
- -------------          ---------       -------       ----------------- 
                                                 
February 4, 1997        1,000,000      1,000,000         $ 210,000
February 11, 1997         340,200        340,200         $  71,442
February 20, 1997         184,800        184,800         $  38,808
February 24, 1997         105,100        105,100         $  22,071

   In all instances the warrants were exercised outside the U.S.
   by persons or entities who certified that they were non-U.S.
   persons as defined in Regulation S and the shares were all
   delivered against payment outside the U.S. in accordance with
   such Regulation.

o     As set forth below, the Company sold in a series of private
  placements in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities
  Act, an aggregate of 4,168,000 shares of Common Stock through the
  exercise of warrants previously granted to Janz Financial Corp.
  Ltd.,  now  known  as Providence Capital Ltd.,  or  a  designee
  thereof, who certified that it was not a U.S. person as defined
  in Regulation S.  These warrants were initially issued on March
  8, 1996, and August 14, 1996, in connection with a series of Unit
  offerings conducted through Rauscher Pierce & Clark, Inc.,  and
  its wholly-owned subsidiary, Rauscher Pierce & Clark Ltd., as the
  Placement  Agent,  in  compliance  with  Regulation  S  of  the
  Securities  Act.   By agreement dated November  19,  1996,  the
  Company  agreed to reduce the exercise prices of such  warrants
  provided the warrants were immediately exercised.  Pursuant  to
  such agreement the initial warrant exercise prices of $0.35 and
  $0.25 per share were reduced to $0.125 per share.

                      Warrants        Shares
Exercise Date         Exercised       Issued     Net Consideration
- -------------         ---------       ------     ----------------- 

December 27, 1996        664,000         664,000       $ 83,000
December 31, 1996        664,000         664,000       $ 83,000
December 31, 1996        800,000         800,000       $100,000
January 8, 1997          530,000         530,000       $ 66,250
January 9, 1997        1,510,000       1,510,000       $188,750

  In  all instances the warrants were exercised outside the  U.S.
  by  persons  or entities who certified that they were  non-U.S.
  persons  as  defined in Regulation S and the  shares  were  all
  delivered  against payment outside the U.S. in accordance  with
  such Regulation.

o     In December 1996 and January 1997, the Company issued Stock
  Purchase  Warrants dated December 31, 1996 (2,128,000 warrants)
  and  January 8, 1997 (2,040,000 warrants) to purchase up to  an
  aggregate of 4,168,000 shares of Common Stock at $0.125 per share
  on  or  before  August 13, 2001 to Providence Capital  Ltd.  as
  additional consideration for the immediate exercise of 4,168,000
  warrants  described  above at the reduced exercise  price.  The
  securities issued in this transaction were not registered under
  the  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided  by
  Regulation S thereof.

o     In  November 1996, the Company issued 6,271,288  shares  of
  Common  Stock to holders of its Secured Subordinated  Notes  in
  respect  of $1,064,415.08 of interest payable October 1,  1996,
  including  penalty interest thereon.  The securities issued  in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) with respect
  to  5,330,594 shares and Regulation S with respect  to  940,694
  shares.

o    In November 1996, the Company issued Stock Purchase Warrants
  dated November 26, 1996, in connection with a sale of a 58.911%
  interest in a 50% interest in certain promissory notes ($314,500
  in principal) securing the Lutcher Moore Tract held by one of the
  Company's  wholly-owned subsidiaries for $250,000 in cash,  net
  after  discount,  entitling the following  holders  thereto  to
  purchase  up to 2,666,666 shares of Common Stock at $0.125  per
  share on or before December 31, 1999:

         Warrant Holder                                    Warrants
         --------------                                    --------
         Opportunity Associates, L.P.                        133,333
         Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional Investments, L.P.    666,666
         Arbco Associates, L.P.                              800,000
         Offense Group Associates, L.P.                      333,333
         Foremost Insurance Company                          266,667
         Nobel Insurance Company                             133,333
         Evanston Insurance Company                          133,333
         Topa Insurance Company                              200,000

     The   securities  issued  in  this  transaction   were   not
     registered  under  the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
     exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  October 30, 1996, the Company issued 33,125  shares  of
  Common Stock and warrants to purchase an additional 33,125 shares
  of  Common Stock to Mr. A. Rosenbloom issued in lieu of $14,326
  cash compensation.  The shares of Common Stock and the warrants
  were subsequently returned to the Company by the recipient  for
  personal  business  reasons.  The  securities  issued  in  this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On October 30, 1996, the Company issued 1,325,000 shares of
  Common  Stock and warrants to purchase an additional  2,466,875
  shares  of  Common  Stock  to  Mr.  Mitch  Leigh  in  lieu   of
  approximately  $580,000 in cash compensation under a consulting
  agreement  dated  July 10, 1996.  In February  1997,  effective
  October 1996, Mr. Leigh cancelled the consulting agreement  and
  returned the above-referenced shares of Common Stock and warrants
  to  the Company. The securities issued in this transaction were
  not  registered under the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     In August 1996, the Company sold 1,500,000 shares of Common
  Stock in a private placement transaction to Provincial Securities
  Ltd. for net consideration of $200,000. The securities issued in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     In  August  1996, the Company issued Common Stock  Purchase
  Warrants to Terrenex Acquisitions Corp. dated August 16,  1996,
  entitling the holder thereof to purchase up to 300,000 shares of
  Common Stock at $0.25 per share on or before December 31, 1998 as
  compensation for locating a purchaser for 1,500,000  shares  of
  Common  Stock sold to Provincial Securities Ltd. The securities
  issued  in  this  transaction were  not  registered  under  the
  Securities  Act  in  reliance upon the  exemption  provided  by
  Regulation S thereof.

o     In  August  1996,  the Company issued 2,800,000  shares  of
  Common Stock and 2,800,000 Common Stock Purchase Warrants to Janz
  Financial Corp. Ltd. ("Janz"), who placed the units with  their
  clients.  Each unit was comprised of one share of Common  Stock
  and one five-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock.
  The Company received $402,000 in proceeds from the placement. The
  securities issued in this transaction were not registered under
  the  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided  by
  Regulation S thereof.

o     In August 1996, the Company issued to Janz, as compensation
  for the placement of the 2,800,000 units described above, 280,000
  Common Stock Purchase Warrants at an exercise price of $0.25 per
  share  until  August 13, 2001. The securities  issued  in  this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     In  July  1996, the Company issued 1,500,000  Common  Stock
  Purchase  Warrants exercisable at $.25 per share expiring  five
  years  after  the  date  of issuance, to Arthur  Rosenbloom  as
  consideration  for  past fundraising services.  The  securities
  issued  in  this  transaction were  not  registered  under  the
  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section
  4(2) thereof.

o     In  July  1996, the Company issued 50,000 shares of  Common
  Stock   held  as  treasury  stock  to  an  accredited  non-U.S.
  institutional investor, The Securities Management Trust Limited
  A/C K, in a brokered transaction, for net proceeds after fees and
  discounts of $12,875. The securities issued in this transaction
  were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon the
  exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     In  June 1996, the Company issued 920,000 shares of  Common
  Stock   held  as  treasury  stock  to  an  accredited  non-U.S.
  institutional investor, The Securities Management Trust Limited
  A/C  K,  in a series of brokered transactions, for net proceeds
  after fees and discounts of $133,900. The securities issued  in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     In  May  1996, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,442,689
  shares of Common Stock to the holders of its Secured Subordinated
  Notes  in  consideration for $1,060,261.27 in interest  payable
  April 1, 1996, including penalty interest thereon. The securities
  issued  in  this  transaction were  not  registered  under  the
  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section
  4(2)  with  respect to 3,776,285 shares and Regulation  S  with
  respect to 666,404 shares.

o     On May 16, 1996, the Company issued 72,880 shares of Common
  Stock to EnCap Investments, L.C. as consideration for a finders
  fee of 4% ($22,775) earned in connection with the Regulation  S
  unit offering in Europe conducted by Rauscher Pierce & Clark, as
  placement  agent.  The fee was based on the offering  price  of
  $0.3125 per share. The securities issued in this transaction were
  not  registered under the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  the  following dates, the Company issued the  following
  numbers of Common Stock Purchase Warrants to Rauscher Pierce  &
  Clark  in  consideration  for acting  as  placement  agent  for
  Regulation S Units offerings conducted in Europe:

         Closing Date                 Warrants
         ------------                 --------
         December 22, 1995             696,000
         March 8, 1996                 204,000
         April 23, 1996                180,000

     The   securities  issued  in  this  transaction   were   not
     registered  under  the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
     exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     On  the following dates the Company issued units, each unit
  consisting  of  one  share of Common Stock and  Stock  Purchase
  Warrants to acquire one share of Common Stock, in connection with
  a Regulation S unit offering conducted through Rauscher Pierce &
  Clark, as placement agent, as follows:

Closing Date         Consideration     Common Stock     Warrants
- ------------         -------------     ------------     -------- 
December 22, 1995     $ 1,800,000       6,960,000       6,960,000
March 8, 1996         $   400,000       2,040,000       2,040,000
April 23, 1996        $   349,000       1,800,000       1,800,000


     The   securities  issued  in  this  transaction   were   not
     registered  under  the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
     exemption provided by Regulation S thereof.

o     On  February 9, 1996, the Company sold from treasury  stock
  416,667 units, each unit consisting of one share of Common Stock
  and one warrant to purchase Common Stock, to Longhorn Partners,
  at a unit price of $0.30 per unit.  The warrants are exercisable
  on or before December 28, 2000 at an exercise price of $0.50 per
  share.  The  securities  issued in this  transaction  were  not
  registered  under  the  Securities Act  in  reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o    On February 9, 1996, the Company issued to EnCap Investments
  L.C.  50,000 shares of Common Stock held as treasury  stock  as
  compensation for assisting the Company in transactions related to
  the  Zhao Dong Block. The securities issued in this transaction
  were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  February 9, 1996, the Company issued 317,264 shares  of
  Common Stock to EnCap Investments, L.C. as consideration for  a
  finders fee of 4% ($99,145) in connection with the Regulation S
  unit offering in Europe conducted by Rauscher Pierce & Clark, as
  placement  agent.  The fee was based on the offering  price  of
  $0.3125 per share. The securities issued in this transaction were
  not  registered under the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     In  January  1996, the Company issued 2,063,686  shares  of
  Common Stock to the holders of the Company's Secured Subordinated
  Notes in respect of $1,091,184.11 of interest payable October 1,
  1995, including penalty interest thereon. The securities issued
  in this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act
  in  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section  4(2)  with
  respect  to  1,754,133 shares and Regulation S with respect  to
  309,553 shares.

o     In  January  1996,  the Company issued  to  Target  Benefit
  Pension Trust (66,667) and Butler Partners (416,667) Common Stock
  Purchase  Warrants exercisable at $.50 per share  and  expiring
  December 28, 2000 in consideration for their agreement  to  not
  sell  shares  of  Common Stock acquired by  them  from  certain
  institutional  investors  for  a 90-day  period  following  the
  acquisition.  The securities issued in this transaction were not
  registered  under  the  Securities Act  in  reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     In  January 1996, the Company issued to the Trust of  Mitch
  Leigh FBO David Leigh (216,663) and FBO Rebecca Leigh (216,667)
  Common  Stock Purchase Warrants exercisable at $.50  per  share
  expiring January 2, 2001 in connection with a January 1996,  in
  consideration for their agreement not to sell shares of  common
  Stock acquired by them from certain institutional investors for a
  90-day period following the acquisition. The securities issued in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o    On December 6, 1995, the Company sold to John Chandler, from
  shares  of  Common Stock reserved for payment to William  Wang,
  186,896 shares of Common Stock at $0.35 per share.  The proceeds
  of  $65,414  were applied to reduction of Mr. Wang's receivable
  with the Company.  The securities issued in this transaction were
  not  registered under the Securities Act in reliance  upon  the
  exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     In  December  1995, the Company issued  to  Messrs.  Steven
  Gottlieb  (333,334); Ron Savarese (83,334)  and  Tushar  Ramani
  (333,334) Common Stock Purchase Warrants exercisable at $.50 per
  share in consideration for their agreement to not sell shares of
  Common  Stock  acquired  by  them  from  certain  institutional
  investors  for a 90-day period following the acquisition.   The
  securities issued in this transaction were not registered under
  the  Securities Act in reliance upon the exemption provided  by
  Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  September 21, 1995, the Company sold 75,000 units, each
  unit  comprised  of one share of Common Stock  and  warrant  to
  purchase Common Stock to Arthur Rosenbloom for a purchase price
  of  $32,438 at $0.4325 per unit.  The securities issued in this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On  September  21, 1995, the Company sold 3,000,000  units,
  each unit comprised of one share of Common  Stock and warrants to
  purchase  Common Stock to Mitch Leigh for a purchase  price  of
  $1,297,500 at $0.4325 per unit.  The securities issued in  this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o     On September 21, 1995, the Company issued 50,000 shares  of
  Common  Stock and 100,000 warrants to purchase Common Stock  to
  Arthur  Rosenbloom in lieu of $22,125 of cash compensation  for
  placing 3,000,000 units (described below).  In February 1997, Mr.
  Rosenbloom  returned these securities with the  value  of  such
  securities applied to Mr. Rosenbloom's subscription for Series F
  Preferred Stock issued in February 1997. The securities issued in
  this transaction were not registered under the Securities Act in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

o    In August 1995, the Company issued an aggregate of 4,266,861
  shares  of  Common  Stock to its certain holders  of  Series  A
  Preferred Stock in respect of $1.2 million in dividends payable
  December 31, 1994 and $1.3 million in dividends payable June 30,
  1995.  The  securities  issued in  this  transaction  were  not
  registered  under  the  Securities Act  in  reliance  upon  the
  exemptions provided by Section 4(2) and Regulation S thereof.

o     In June 1995, the Company issued 1,640,602 shares of Common
  Stock to the holders of the Secured Subordinated Notes in respect
  of  $1,074,664.07  interest payable April  1,  1995,  including
  penalty  interest  thereon.  The  securities  issued  in   this
  transaction  were  not registered under the Securities  Act  in
  reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) with respect
  to  1,394,511 shares and Regulation S with respect  to  246,091
  shares.

          Series A Preferred Stock
          ------------------------

          During 1990, the Company completed a rights offering of
600,000 units of 50 pounds sterling (U.K.) per "unit," each unit 
consisting of 1 share of Series A, Cumulative Convertible Preferred 
Stock, par  value $1.00  per share ("Series A Preferred Stock") and 
10 warrants to purchase Common Stock which expired unexercised 
pursuant to their terms.  Until November 10, 1997 the Series A 
Preferred Stock  was listed on the London Stock Exchange, and: 
ranked senior to Common Stock and pari passu with the Company's 
Series B, Series E and Series F Preferred Stock with respect to 
payment of dividends and distributions on liquidation; had a 
liquidation preference of 50 pounds sterling (U.K.) per share plus 
accrued and unpaid dividends; was not redeemable in certain limited 
circumstances; was nonvoting as a class, except in certain circumstances, 
including the right to cast 21 votes for each share of Series A Preferred 
Stock held on all resolutions proposed at a meeting of shareholders if, 
at the date  of notice convening a meeting of shareholders, the dividend
on  the  Series  A  Preferred Stock was six  months  or  more  in
arrears.   The Series A Preferred Stock was convertible,  at  the
holder's  option, on the basis of 21 shares of Common  Stock  for
every  one  share  of  Series  A  Preferred  Stock,  subject   to
adjustment and bore a cumulative dividend fixed at an annual rate
of 4.50 pounds sterling (U.K.) per share, payable semiannually in 
cash, or, at the  Company's  election,  in  additional  shares  of  
Series A Preferred Stock.

           During the second quarter of 1996, the Company  issued
450,261  shares of Common Stock upon conversion of 21,441  shares
of  Series  A  Preferred Stock, pursuant to  the  terms  thereof.
During  March 1997 an additional 39 shares of Series A  Preferred
Stock were converted into 819 shares of Common Stock.

          During February 1997, the Company sold 13,458 shares of
Series  A  Preferred Stock to accredited investors for  $157,240.
The   proceeds  were  used  to  pay  the  withholding  taxes  and
fractional  interests  with respect  to  the  December  31,  1995
dividend payment.  The securities issued by the Company  in  this
transaction  were  not  registered under the  Securities  Act  in
reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2) thereof.  In
March  1997,  the Company issued an additional 50,137  shares  of
Series  A Preferred Stock to holders of Series A Preferred  Stock
in  payment of this dividend, therefore fulfilling its obligation
for  such  dividend  period.  Effective November  10,  1997,  the
Company  recapitalized and combined the Series A Preferred  Stock
into an aggregate of 726,907 shares of Amended Series A Preferred
Stock  (including  approximately  $900,000  in  unpaid  dividends
declared for June 30, 1995 and accrued and unpaid dividends  from
June 30, 1996 through November 9, 1997).

      Series  B  Preferred Stock/Amended Series B  Preferred Stock
      ------------------------------------------------------------

           The  Series B, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock,
par  value $1.00 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock") bears
a  cumulative fixed dividend at an annual rate of $10 per  share,
payable  semiannually, and is entitled to 50 votes per  share  on
all matters on which Common Stockholders are entitled to vote and
separately  as  a class on certain matters; ranks senior  to  the
Common  Stock  and  pari passu with the Series  A  and  Series  E
Preferred  Stocks of the Company with respect to the  payment  of
dividends and distributions on liquidation; and has a liquidation
preference of $100 per share plus accumulated dividends.

          The Company had the option through May 1994, to pay the
dividend  in  shares of Common Stock, in which  case  the  annual
dividend  rate was $12 per share, with the holder being  entitled
to  require  the  Company to use its best efforts  to  sell  such
shares  on  their  behalf and to reimburse such  holder  for  the
difference, if any, between such net proceeds and $11  per  share
per  annum.   The  Company  is  currently  entitled  to  pay  the
redemption  price of the Series B Preferred Stock  in  shares  of
Common Stock.

           Effective  June 30, 1994, the terms of  the  Series  B
Preferred  Stock  were  amended to permit the  Company  to  issue
shares  of Common Stock in lieu of cash dividends for so long  as
the   Series   B   Preferred  Stock  remains   outstanding.    In
consideration  for this amendment, the Series B  Preferred  Stock
was  further  amended: (i) to reduce the exercise  price  of  the
remaining  2.5 million warrants outstanding from $2.00  to  $1.50
per  share  and to increase the number of shares of Common  Stock
covered  by  such warrants to 3.325 million shares  and  (ii)  to
extend the option of the holders to redeem their shares of Series
B  Preferred  Stock,  which were only redeemable  on  the  third,
fourth and fifth anniversaries of the dates of their issuance and
automatically  upon  exercise  of the  remaining  warrants,  upon
ninety  days notice to the Company, at any time and from time  to
time, after August 31, 1994, with the Company retaining the right
to pay the redemption price in Common Stock.

          In May 1995, the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock
exercised  its  redemption  rights.  In  July  1997,  the  holder
commenced  a  lawsuit against the Company and its  then-directors
regarding  the redemption of the shares.  Effective December  31,
1997,  the Company and the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock
entered  into an interim settlement with respect to  the  action,
conditioned upon the closing of the final settlement on or before
February 27, 1998 which was later extended to March 6, 1998.  The
closing of the final settlement took place on March 3, 1998,  and
on  that date the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock sold the
stock  and accompanying warrants to Arbco Associates, L.P., Kayne
Anderson   Non-Traditional  Investments,  L.P.,   Offense   Group
Associates,  L.P.  and  Opportunity  Associates,  L.P.,  each   a
California limited partnership whose general partner is KAIM Non-
Traditional,  L.P.   The  purchasers  exchanged  the   Series   B
Preferred  Stock  and accompanying warrants for an  aggregate  of
44,465 shares of Amended Series B Preferred Stock and warrants to
purchase  250,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to  adjustment,
and received 2,620 shares of Amended Series B Preferred Stock  in
payment  of  all accrued and unpaid dividends on  the  shares  of
Series B Preferred Stock exchanged by them.

          Series E Preferred Stock
          ------------------------ 
 
           During the third quarter of 1995 and first quarter  of
1996,  the  Company completed a private placement  of  up  to  an
aggregate  of  50,000 shares of a new series of  Preferred  Stock
designated the Series E, Cumulative Convertible Preferred  Stock,
$1.00  par  value  per share ("Series E Preferred  Stock").   The
Company  placed  44,129 shares of Series E  Preferred  Stock  for
which  it  received approximately $1.9 million in  cash  and  2.8
million  shares of its unregistered Common stock valued  at  $1.4
million in consideration.  During 1996, the Company issued  2,525
shares of Series E Preferred Stock in payment of the December 31,
1995  and  June  30,  1996 dividends.  During 1997,  the  Company
issued 5,261 shares of Series E Preferred Stock in payment of the
December  31,  1996  and  June  30,  1997  dividends.   Effective
November  10,  1997, the Company recapitalized and  combined  the
Series  E  Preferred Stock into an aggregate of 63,706 shares  of
Amended  Series A Preferred Stock (including accrued  and  unpaid
dividends paid in kind).

          Series F Preferred Stock
          ------------------------

           In December 1996, XCL authorized the issuance of up to
50,000  shares of a new series of Preferred Stock designated  the
Series F, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value
per   share   ("Series  F  Preferred  Stock")  to  two   existing
stockholders of XCL.  During February 1997, the Company issued  a
total  of  21,057  shares of Series F Preferred  Stock  to  Mitch
Leigh,  Abby  Leigh  and Arthur Rosenbloom  in  consideration  of
$225,000,  assignment of 1,408,125 shares  of  Common  Stock  and
2,500,000  warrants to purchase Common Stock and the  release  by
the purchasers of certain claims against the Company arising from
the  Company's inability to perform under the terms  of  existing
agreements.    Each  share  of  Series  F  Preferred   Stock   is
convertible into 400 shares of Common Stock.  In July  1997,  the
Company  issued  1,261  shares of Series  F  Preferred  Stock  in
payment  of  the June 30, 1997 dividends.  In January  1998,  the
forced  conversion  feature of the Series F Preferred  Stock  was
amended and effective January 16, 1998, the Company exercised its
right  to  force conversion of the Series F Preferred Stock  into
633,893 (post split) shares of Common Stock including accrued and
unpaid dividends thereon.

       All  of  the  aforementioned  securities  were  issued  in
transactions   intended  to  qualify  for   an   exemption   from
registration  under the Securities Act afforded by  Section  4(2)
thereof   and   Regulation  D  and/or  Regulation  S  promulgated
thereunder.

Item 16.     Exhibits and Financial Schedules

      The  following  instruments and documents are  included  as
Exhibits  to  this Registration Statement.  Exhibits incorporated
by reference are so indicated by parenthetical information.

Exhibit No.                                    Exhibit

3.1     Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
     Company.  (S)(i)

3.2     Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company.  (A)(i)

4.1     Forms of Common Stock Certificates.  (R)(i)

4.2     Form of Warrant dated January 31, 1994 to purchase
     2,500,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of
     $1.00 per share, subject to adjustment, issued to INCC.
     (D)(i)

4.3     Form of Registrar and Stock Transfer Agency Agreement,
     effective March 18, 1991, entered into between the Company
     and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (predecessor to
     Chemical Bank), whereby Chemical Bank (now known as
     ChaseMellon Shareholder Services) serves as the Company's
     Registrar and U.S. Transfer Agent.  (E)

4.4     Copy of Warrant Agreement and Stock Purchase Warrant
     dated March 1, 1994 to purchase 500,000 shares of Common
     Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, subject to
     adjustment, issued to EnCap Investments, L.C. (D)(ii)

4.5     Copy of Warrant Agreement and form of Stock Purchase
     Warrant dated March 1, 1994 to purchase an aggregate 600,000
     shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per
     share, subject to adjustment, issued to principals of San
     Jacinto Securities, Inc. in connection with its financial
     consulting agreement with the Company. (D)(iii)

4.6     Form of Warrant Agreement and Stock Purchase Warrant
     dated April 1, 1994, to purchase an aggregate 6,440,000
     shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per
     share, subject to adjustment, issued to executives of the
     Company surrendering all of their rights under their
     employment contracts with the Company. (C)(i)

4.7     Form of Warrant Agreement and Stock Purchase Warrant
     dated April 1, 1994, to purchase an aggregate 878,900 shares
     of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share,
     subject to adjustment, issued to executives of the Company
     in consideration for salary reductions sustained under their
     employment contracts with the Company. (C)(ii)

4.8     Form of Warrant Agreement and Stock Purchase Warrant
     dated April 1, 1994, to purchase 200,000 shares of Common
     Stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to
     adjustment, issued to Thomas H. Hudson.   (C)(iii)

4.9     Form of Warrant Agreement and Stock Purchase Warrant
     dated May 25, 1994, to purchase an aggregate 100,000 shares
     of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share,
     subject to adjustment, issued to the holders of Purchase
     Notes B, in consideration of amendment to   payment terms of
     such Notes. (C)(iv)

4.10     Form of Warrant Agreement and Stock Purchase Warrant
     dated May 25, 1994, to purchase an aggregate 100,000 shares
     of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share,
     subject to adjustment, issued to the holders of Purchase
     Notes B, in consideration for the granting of an option to
     further extend payment terms of such Notes.   (C)(v)

4.11     Form of Purchase Agreement between the Company and each
     of the Purchasers of Units in the Regulation S Unit Offering
     conducted by Rauscher Pierce & Clark with closings as
     follows:

          December 22, 1995                    116 Units
          March 8, 1996                         34 Units
          April 23, 1996                        30 Units  (J)(i)

4.12     Form of Warrant Agreement between the Company and each
     of the Purchasers of Units in the Regulation S Unit Offering
     conducted by Rauscher Pierce & Clark, as follows:

      Closing Date           Warrants     Exercise Price
      ------------           --------     ---------------
      December 22, 1995      6,960,000        $.50
      March 8, 1996          2,040,000        $.35
      April 23, 1996         1,800,000        $.35     (J)(ii)

4.13     Form of Warrant Agreement between the Company and
     Rauscher  Pierce & Clark in consideration for acting  as
     placement  agent in the Regulation S Units Offering, as
     follows:

        Closing Date             Warrants    Exercise Price
        ------------             --------    ---------------
        December 22, 1995         696,000         $.50
        March 8, 1996             204,000         $.35
        April 23, 1996            180,000         $.35     (J)(iii)

4.14     Form of a series of Stock Purchase Warrants issued to
     Janz Financial Corp. Ltd. dated August 14, 1996, entitling
     the holders thereof to purchase up to 3,080,000 shares of
     Common Stock at $0.25 per share on or before August 13,
     2001. (M)(i)

4.15     Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and
     Provincial Securities Ltd. dated August 16, 1996, whereby
     Provincial purchased 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock in a
     Regulation S transaction. (M)(ii)

4.16     Stock Purchase Warrant issued to Terrenex Acquisitions
     Corp. dated August 16, 1996, entitling the holder thereof to
     purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock at $0.25 per
     share on or before December 31, 1998. (M)(iii)

4.17     Form of a series of Stock Purchase Warrants dated
     November 26, 1996, entitling the following holders thereto
     to purchase up to 2,666,666 shares of Common Stock at $0.125
     per share on or before December 31, 1999:

     Warrant Holder                                    Warrants
     --------------                                    --------
     Opportunity Associates, L.P.                         133,333
     Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional Investments, L.P.     666,666
     Arbco Associates, L.P.                               800,000
     Offense Group Associates, L.P.                       333,333
     Foremost Insurance Company                           266,667
     Nobel Insurance Company                              133,333
     Evanston Insurance Company                           133,333
     Topa Insurance Company                               200,000 (N)(i)

4.18     Form of a series of Stock Purchase Warrants dated
     December 31, 1996 (2,128,000 warrants) and January 8, 1997
     (2,040,000 warrants) to purchase up to an aggregate of
     4,168,000 shares of Common Stock at $0.125 per share on or
     before August 13, 2001. (N)(ii)

4.19     Form of Stock Purchase Warrants dated February 6, 1997,
     entitling the following holders to purchase an aggregate of
     1,874,467 shares of Common Stock at $0.25 per share on or
     before December 31, 1999:

     Warrant Holder                                   Warrants
     --------------                                   --------
     Donald A. and Joanne R. Westerberg               241,660
     T. Jerald Hanchey                              1,632,807 (N)(iii)

4.20     Form of a series of Stock Purchase Warrants dated April
     10, 1997, issued as a part of a unit offered with Unsecured
     Notes of XCL-China Ltd., exercisable at $0.01 per share on
     or before April 9, 2002, entitling the following holders to
     purchase up to an aggregate of 10,092,980 shares of Common
     Stock:

     Warrant Holder                                   Warrants
     --------------                                   --------
     Kayne Anderson Offshore L.P.                           651,160
     Offense Group Associates, L.P.                       1,627,900
     Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional Investments, L.P.     1,627,900
     Opportunity Associates, L.P.                         1,302,320
     Arbco Associates, L.P.                               1,627,900
     J. Edgar Monroe Foundation                             325,580
     Estate of J. Edgar Monroe                              976,740
     Boland Machine & Mfg. Co., Inc.                        325,580
     Construction Specialists, Inc. d/b/a Con-Spec, Inc.  1,627,900  (N)(iv)

4.21      Form  of Purchase Agreement dated May 13, 1997, between
     the  Company  and  Jefferies & Company, Inc.  (the  "Initial
     Purchaser") with respect to 75,000 Units each consisting  of
     $1,000  principal amount of 13.5% Senior Secured  Notes  due
     May  1,  2004,  Series A and one warrant to  purchase  1,280
     shares of the Company's Common Stock with an exercise  price
     of $0.2063 per share ("Note Warrants"). (O)(i)

4.22      Form  of Purchase Agreement dated May 13, 1997, between
     the  Company  and  Jefferies & Company, Inc.  (the  "Initial
     Purchaser") with respect to 294,118 Units each consisting of
     one  share  of  Amended  Series  A,  Cumulative  Convertible
     Preferred Stock ("Amended Series A Preferred Stock") and one
     warrant to purchase 327 shares of the Company's Common Stock
     with  an  exercise  price  of  $0.2063  per  share  ("Equity
     Warrants"). (O)(ii)

4.23      Form of Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate dated
     May  20,  1997, between the Company and Jefferies & Company,
     Inc.,  as  the Initial Purchaser, with respect to  the  Note
     Warrants. (O)(iii)

4.24      Form of Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate dated
     May  20,  1997, between the Company and Jefferies & Company,
     Inc.,  as the Initial Purchaser, with respect to the  Equity
     Warrants. (O)(iv)

4.25      Form of Designation of Amended Series A Preferred Stock
     dated May 19, 1997. (O)(v)

4.26      Form  of  Amended Series A Preferred Stock certificate.
     (O)(vi)

4.27      Form  of  Global  Unit  Certificate  for  75,000  Units
     consisting of 13.5% Senior Secured Notes due May 1, 2004 and
     Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock. (O)(vii)

4.28      Form  of  Global  Unit Certificate  for  293,765  Units
     consisting of Amended Series A Preferred Stock and  Warrants
     to Purchase Shares of Common Stock. (O)(viii)

4.29      Form  of Warrant Certificate dated May 20, 1997, issued
     to  Jefferies  &  Company,  Inc.,  with  respect  to  12,755
     warrants  to purchase shares of Common Stock of the  Company
     at an exercise price of $0.2063 per share. (O)(ix)

4.30     Form of Stock Purchase Agreement dated effective as of
     October 1, 1997, between the Company and William Wang,
     whereby the Company issued 800,000 shares of Common Stock to
     Mr. Wang, as partial compensation pursuant to a Consulting
     Agreement. (Q)(i)

4.31     Form of Stock Purchase Warrants dated effective as of
     February 20, 1997, issued to Mr. Patrick B. Collins with
     respect to 200,000 warrants to purchase shares of Common
     Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 per
     share, issued as partial compensation pursuant to a
     Consulting Agreement. (Q)(ii)

4.32     Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
     Designation of Series F, Cumulative Convertible Preferred
     Stock dated January 6, 1998. (R)(ii)

4.33     Form of Stock Purchase Warrants dated January 16, 1998,
     issued to Arthur Rosenbloom (6,389), Abby Leigh (12,600) and
     Mitch Leigh (134,343) to purchase shares of Common Stock of
     the Company at an exercise price of $0.15 per share, on or
     before December 31, 2001. (R)(iii)

4.34     Certificate of Designation of Amended Series B,
     Cumulative Convertible  Preferred Stock dated March 4, 1998.
     (R)(iv)

4.35     Correction to Certificate of Designation of Amended
     Series B, Cumulative Convertible  Preferred Stock dated
     March 5, 1998. (R)(v)

4.36     Second Correction to Certificate of Designation of
     Amended Series B Preferred Stock dated March 19, 1998.
     (R)(vi)

4.37     Form of Stock certificate representing shares of Amended
     Series B Preferred Stock. (S)(ii)

4.38     Form of Agreement dated March 3, 1998 between the
     Company and Arbco Associates, L.P., Kayne Anderson Non-
     Traditional Investments, L.P., Offense Group Associates,
     L.P. and Opportunity Associates, L.P. for the exchange of
     Series B Preferred Stock and associated warrants into
     Amended Series B Preferred Stock and warrants. (S)(iii)

4.39     Form of Stock Purchase Warrants dated March 3, 1998
     between the Company and the following entities:

     Holder                                              Warrants
     ------                                              --------
     Arbco Associates, L.P.                                85,107
      Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional Investments, L.P.     79,787
      Offense Group Associates, L.P.                       61,170
     Opportunity Associates, L.P.                          23,936 (S)(iv)

5.1     Opinion of Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP (to be
     filed by Amendment).

10.1     Contract for Petroleum Exploration, Development and
     Production on Zhao Dong Block in Bohai Bay Shallow Water Sea
     Area of The People's Republic of China between China
     National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Corporation
     and XCL - China, Ltd., dated February 10, 1993. (B)

10.2     Form of Net Revenue Interest Assignment dated February
     23, 1994, between the Company and the purchasers of the
     Company's Series D, Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
     (D)(iv)

10.3     Modification Agreement for Petroleum Contract on Zhao
     Dong Block in Bohai Bay Shallow Water Sea Area of The
     People's Republic of China dated March 11, 1994, between the
     Company, China National Oil and Gas Exploration and
     Development corporation and Apache China Corporation LDC.
     (D)(v)

10.4     Consulting agreement between the Company and Sir Michael
     Palliser dated April 1, 1994. (F)(i)

10.5     Consulting agreement between the Company and Mr. Arthur
     W. Hummel, Jr. dated April 1, 1994. (F)(ii)

10.6     Letter of Intent between the Company and CNPC United
     Lube Oil Corporation for a joint venture for the manufacture
     and sale of lubricating oil dated January 14, 1995. (G)(i)

10.7     Farmout Agreement dated May 10, 1995, between XCL China
     Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and Apache
     Corporation whereby Apache will acquire an additional
     interest in the Zhao Dong Block, Offshore People's Republic
     of China. (G)(ii)

10.8     Modification  Agreement of Non-Negotiable  Promissory
     Note  and  Waiver  Agreement  between  Lutcher  &  Moore
     Cypress Lumber Company and L.M. Holding Associates, L.P.
     dated June 15, 1995. (H)(i)

10.9     Third  Amendment to Credit Agreement between Lutcher-
     Moore  Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress Lumber
     Company,  The First National Bank of Lake Charles,  Mary
     Elizabeth Mecom, The Estate of John W. Mecom,  The  Mary
     Elizabeth Mecom Irrevocable Trust, Matilda Gray  Stream, The
     Opal  Gray  Trust,  Harold  H.  Stream  III,   The
     Succession  of  Edward  M.  Carmouche,  Virginia  Martin
     Carmouche  and L.M. Holding Associates, L.P. dated  June 15,
     1995. (H)(ii)

10.10      Second   Amendment  to  Appointment  of  Agent   for
     Collection and Agreement to Application of Funds between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber  Company, L.M. Holding Associates, L.P. and  The
     First  National  Bank of Lake Charles,  dated  June  15,
     1995. (H)(iii)

10.11     Contract of Chinese Foreign Joint Venture dated  July
     17,  1995, between United Lube Oil Corporation  and  XCL
     China   Ltd.  for  the  manufacturing  and  selling   of
     lubricating oil and related products. (H)(iv)

10.12     Letter  of  Intent dated July 17, 1995  between  CNPC
     United  Lube Oil Corporation and XCL Ltd. for discussion of
     further projects. (H)(v)

10.13     Copy of Letter Agreement dated March 31, 1995, between
     the  Company and China National Administration  of  Coal
     Geology for the exploration and development of coal  bed
     methane  in  Liao Ling Tiefa and Shanxi Hanchang  Mining
     Areas. (I)(i)

10.14     Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 1995,
     between XCL Ltd. and China National Administration of Coal
     Geology. (J)(iv)

10.15     Form of Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber Company, The First National Bank of Lake Charles,
     Mary Elizabeth Mecom, The Estate of  John W. Mecom, The
     Mary  Elizabeth  Mecom  Irrevocable  Trust, Matilda Gray
     Stream, The Opal Gray  Trust,  Harold  H. Stream  III, The
     Succession of  Edward  M. Carmouche, Virginia Martin
     Carmouche and L.M. Holding  Associates,  L.P. dated January
     16, 1996. (J)(v)

10.16     Form of Third Amendment to Appointment of Agent for
     Collection and Agreement to application  of  Funds between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber  Company, L.M. Holding Associates,  L.P.  and The
     First National Bank of Lake  Charles,  dated  January 16,
     1996. (J)(vi)

10.17     Copy of Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 8,
     1996, between XCL-Texas, Inc. and Tesoro  E&P  Company, L.P.
     for  the sale of the Gonzales Gas Unit located in south
     Texas. (J)(vii)

10.18     Copy  of  Limited  Waiver  between  the Company  and
     Internationale  Nederlanden (U.S.)  Capital  Corporation
     dated April 3, 1996. (J)(viii)

10.19     Copy  of Purchase and Sale Agreement dated  April 22,
     1996, between XCL-Texas, Inc. and  Dan  A.  Hughes Company
     for the sale of the Lopez Gas Units located in south Texas.
     (K)

10.20     Form of Sale of Mineral Servitude dated June 18, 1996,
     whereby the Company sold its 75 percent mineral interest in
     the Phoenix Lake Tract to the Stream Family Limited Partners
     and Virginia Martin Carmouche Gayle.  (L)(i)

10.21     Form of Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber Company, The First National Bank of Lake Charles,
     Mary Elizabeth Mecom, The Estate of  John W. Mecom, The
     Mary  Elizabeth  Mecom  Irrevocable  Trust, Matilda Gray
     Stream, The Opal Gray  Trust,  Harold  H. Stream  III, The
     Succession of  Edward  M. Carmouche, Virginia Martin
     Carmouche and L.M. Holding  Associates,  L.P. dated August
     8, 1996. (N)(v)

10.22     Form of Assignment and Sale between XCL Acquisitions,
     Inc. and purchasers of an interest in certain promissory
     notes held by XCL Acquisitions, Inc. as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Date                  Purchaser                         Principal Amount  Purchase Price
     ----                  ---------                         ----------------  --------------

     <S>                   <C>                                   <C>            <C>
     November 19, 1996     Opportunity Associates, L.P.          $15,627.39     $ 12,499.98
     November 19, 1996     Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional 
                            Investments, L.P.                    $78,126.36     $ 62,499.98
     November 19, 1996     Offense Group Associates, L.P.        $39,063.18     $ 31,249.99
     November 19, 1996     Arbco Associates, L.P.                $93,743.14     $ 75,000.04
     November 19, 1996     Nobel Insurance Company               $15,627.39     $ 12,499.98
     November 19, 1996     Evanston Insurance  Company           $15,627.39     $ 12,499.98
     November 19, 1996     Topa Insurance Company                $23,435.79     $ 18,750.01
     November 19, 1996     Foremost Insurance Company            $31,249.48     $ 25,000.04
     February 10,  1997     Donald A. and Joanne R. Westerberg   $25,000.00     $ 28,100.00
     February 10, 1997     T. Jerald Hanchey                    $168,915.74     $189,861.29
     (N)(vi)
</TABLE>
10.23     Form of Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber Company, The First National Bank of Lake Charles, The
     Estate of Mary Elizabeth Mecom, The Estate of  John W.
     Mecom, The  Mary  Elizabeth  Mecom  Irrevocable  Trust,
     Matilda Gray Stream, The Opal Gray  Trust,  Harold  H.
     Stream  III, The Succession of  Edward  M. Carmouche,
     Virginia Martin Carmouche and L.M. Holding  Associates,
     L.P. dated January 28, 1997. (N)(vii)

10.24     Form of Act of Sale between the Company and The
     Schumacher Group of Louisiana, Inc. dated March 31, 1997,
     where in the Company sold its office building. (N)(viii)

10.25     Amendment No. 1 to the May 1, 1995 Agreement with
     Apache Corp. dated April 3, 1997, effective December 13,
     1996. (N)(ix)

10.26     Form of Guaranty dated April 9, 1997 by XCL-China Ltd.
     in favor of ING (U.S.) Capital Corporation executed in
     connection with the sale of certain Unsecured Notes issued
     by XCL-China Ltd. (N)(x)

10.27     Form of First Amendment to Stock Pledge Agreement dated
     April 9, 1997, between the Company and ING (U.S.) Capital
     Corporation adding XCL Land Ltd. to the Stock Pledge
     Agreement dated as of January 31, 1994. (N)(xi)

10.28     Form of Agreement dated April 9, 1997, between ING
     (U.S.) Capital Corporation, XCL-China and holders of the
     Senior Unsecured Notes, subordinating the Guaranty granted
     by XCL-China in favor of ING to the Unsecured Notes.
     (N)(xii)

10.29     Form of Forbearance Agreement dated April 9, 1997
     between the Company and ING (U.S.) Capital Corporation.
     (N)(xiii)

10.30     Form of a series of Unsecured Notes dated April 10,
     1997, between the Company and the following entities:

     Note Holder                                        Principal Amount
     -----------                                        ----------------

     Kayne Anderson Offshore, L.P.                           $200,000
     Offense Group Associates, L.P.                          $500,000
     Kayne Anderson Non-Traditional Investments, L.P.        $500,000
     Opportunity Associates, L.P.                            $400,000
     Arbco Associates, L.P.                                  $500,000
     J. Edgar Monroe Foundation                              $100,000
     Estate of J. Edgar Monroe                               $300,000
     Boland Machine & Mfg. Co., Inc.                         $100,000
     Construction Specialists, Inc. d/b/a Con-Spec, Inc.     $500,000 (N)(xiv)

10.31     Form of Subscription Agreement dated April 10, 1997, by
     and between XCL-China, Ltd., the Company and the subscribers
     of Units, each unit comprised of $100,000 in Unsecured Notes
     and 325,580 warrants. (N)(xv)

10.32     Form of Intercompany Subordination Agreement dated
     April 10, 1997, between the Company, XCL-Texas, Ltd., XCL
     Land Ltd., The Exploration Company of Louisiana, Inc., XCL-
     Acquisitions, Inc., XCL-China Coal Methane Ltd., XCL-China
     LubeOil Ltd., XCL-China Ltd., and holders of the Unsecured
     Notes. (N)(xvi)

10.33     Form of Indenture dated as of May 20, 1997, between the
     Company,  as  Issuer  and Fleet National  Bank,  as  Trustee
     ("Indenture"). (O)(x)

10.34      Form  of  13.5% Senior Secured Note due May  1,  2004,
     Series A issued May 20, 1997 to Jefferies & Company, Inc. as
     the Initial Purchaser (Exhibit A to the Indenture). (O)(xi)

10.35      Form  of  Pledge Agreement dated as of May  20,  1997,
     between  the  Company and Fleet National  Bank,  as  Trustee
     (Exhibit C to the Indenture). (O)(xii)

10.36      Form  of  Cash  Collateral and Disbursement  Agreement
     dated  as  of  May 20, 1997, between the Company  and  Fleet
     National Bank, as Trustee and Disbursement Agent, and Herman
     J.   Schellstede   &  Associates,  Inc.,  as  Representative
     (Exhibit F to the Indenture). (O)(xiii)

10.37      Form  of Intercreditor Agreement dated as of  May  20,
     1997,  between the Company, ING (U.S.) Capital  Corporation,
     the  holders of the Secured Subordinated Notes due April  5,
     2000 and Fleet National Bank, as trustee for the holders  of
     the 13.5% Senior Secured Notes due May 1, 2004 (Exhibit G to
     the Indenture). (O)(xiv)

10.38     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1997,
     by  and  between the Company and Jefferies &  Company,  Inc.
     with  respect to the 13.5% Senior Secured Notes due  May  1,
     2004 and 75,000 Common Stock Purchase Warrants (Exhibit H to
     the Indenture). (O)(xv)

10.39      Form  of  Security  Agreement,  Pledge  and  Financing
     Statement  and Perfection Certificate dated as  of  May  20,
     1997,  by  the Company in favor of Fleet National  Bank,  as
     Trustee (Exhibit I to the Indenture). (O)(xvi)

10.40     Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1997,
     by  and  between the Company and Jefferies &  Company,  Inc.
     with  respect  to the 9.5% Amended Series A Preferred  Stock
     and Common Stock Purchase Warrants. (O)(xvii)

10.41      Form of Restated Forbearance Agreement dated effective
     as of May 20, 1997, between the Company, XCL-Texas, Inc. and
     ING (U.S.) Capital Corporation. (O)(xviii)

10.42     Form of Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber Company, The First National Bank of Lake Charles, The
     Estate of Mary Elizabeth Mecom, The Estate of  John W.
     Mecom, The  Mary  Elizabeth  Mecom  Irrevocable  Trust,
     Matilda Gray Stream, The Opal Gray  Trust,  Harold  H.
     Stream  III, The Succession of  Edward  M. Carmouche,
     Virginia Martin Carmouche and L.M. Holding  Associates,
     L.P. dated May 8, 1997.  (P)(i)

10.43     Form of Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement between
     Lutcher-Moore Development Corp., Lutcher & Moore Cypress
     Lumber Company, The First National Bank of Lake Charles, The
     Estate of Mary Elizabeth Mecom, The Estate of  John W.
     Mecom, The  Mary  Elizabeth  Mecom  Irrevocable  Trust,
     Matilda Gray Stream, The Opal Gray  Trust,  Harold  H.
     Stream  III, The Succession of  Edward  M. Carmouche,
     Virginia Martin Carmouche and L.M. Holding  Associates,
     L.P. dated July 29, 1997. (P)(ii)

10.44     Form of Consulting Agreement dated February 20, 1997,
     between the Company and Mr. Patrick B. Collins, whereby Mr.
     Collins performs certain accounting advisory services.
     (Q)(ii)

10.45     Form of Consulting Agreement dated effective as of June
     1, 1997, between the Company and Mr. R. Thomas Fetters, Jr.,
     a director of the Company, whereby Mr. Fetters performs
     certain geological consulting services. (Q)(iii)

10.46     Form of Agreement dated October 1, 1997, between the
     Company and Mr. William Wang, whereby Mr. Wang performs
     certain consulting services with respect to its investments
     in China. (Q)(iv)

10.47     Form of Services Agreement dated August 1, 1997,
     between the Company and Mr. Benjamin B. Blanchet, an officer
     of the Company. (Q)(v)

10.48     Form of Promissory Note dated August 1, 1997, in a
     principal amount of $100,000, made by Mr. Benjamin B.
     Blanchet in favor of the Company. (Q)(vi)

21.1     Subsidiaries of the Company

     XCL-China Ltd.
     XCL-China LubeOil Ltd.
     XCL-China Coal Methane Ltd.
     XCL-Texas, Inc.
     XCL-Acquisitions, Inc.
     The Exploration Company of Louisiana, Inc.
     XCL Land Ltd.

23.1     Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.*

23.2     Consent of H.J. Gruy and Associates, Inc.*

23.3     Consent of Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP
(included in Exhibit 5.1)

24.1     Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of
this Registration Statement)

99.1     Form of Letter of Transmittal
_________________________
*Filed herewith.


(A)     Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement
     on Form 8-B filed on July 28, 1988, where it appears as
     Exhibits 3(c).

(B)     Incorporated by reference to a Registration Statement on
     Form S-3 (File No. 33-68552) where it appears as Exhibit
     10.1.

(C)     Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.
     2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-68552)
     where it appears as: (i) Exhibit 4.29; (ii) Exhibit 4.30;
     and (iii) through (v) Exhibits 4.34 through 4.36,
     respectively.

(D)     Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Annual
     Report on Form 10-K filed April 15, 1994, where it appears
     as:  (i) Exhibit 4.32; (ii) Exhibit 4.36; (iii) Exhibit
     4.37; (iv) through (v) Exhibit 10.41 through Exhibit 10.47,
     respectively; and (v) Exhibit 10.49.

(E)     Incorporated by reference to an Annual Report on Form 10K
     for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990, filed April 1,
     1991, where it appears as Exhibit 10.27.

(F)     Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to an Annual
     Report on Form 10-K/A No. 1 for the fiscal year ended
     December 31, 1994, filed April 17, 1995, where it appears
     as: (i) through (ii) Exhibits 10.22 through 10.23,
     respectively.

(G)     Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on  Form
     10-Q  for the quarter ended March  31,  1995, filed  May
     15, 1995, where it appears as: (i)  Exhibit  10.26; and (ii)
     Exhibit 10.28.

(H)     Incorporated  by reference to Quarterly  Report  on Form
     10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995,  filed August 14,
     1995, where it appears as: (i) through  (v) Exhibits 10.29
     through 10.33, respectively.

(I)     Incorporated by reference to Quarterly  Report on  Form
     10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1995, filed
     November  13, 1995, where it  appears  as Exhibit 10.35.

(J)     Incorporated by reference to Annual Report  on Form  10-K
     for the year ended December 31, 1995,  filed April 15, 1996,
     where it appears as:  (i) through  (iii) Exhibits  4.28
     through  4.30,  respectively;  and  (iv)  Exhibit 10.31 and
     (v) through (vii) Exhibits 10.33 through 10.36,
     respectively.

(K)     Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-
     Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, filed May 15, 1996,
     where it appears as Exhibit 10.37.

(L)      Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-
     Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, filed August 14,
     1996, where it appears as Exhibit 10.38.

(M)     Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-
     Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, filed November
     14, 1996, where it appears as (i) through (iii) Exhibits
     4.32 through 4.34.

(N)     Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K
     for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed April 15, 1997,
     where it appears as (i) through (iii) Exhibits 4.35 through
     4.38; (iv) Exhibit 4.40;  and (v) through (xvi) Exhibits
     10.39 through 10.50.

(O)     Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K
     dated May 20, 1997, filed June 3, 1997, where it appears as
     (i) through (ix) Exhibits 4.1 through 4.9 and (x) through
     (xviii) Exhibits 10.51 through 10.59.

(P)     Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-
     Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, filed August 14,
     1997, where it appears as (i) and (ii) Exhibits 10.60 and
     10.61.

(Q)     Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-
     Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, filed November
     14, 1997, where it appears as (i) Exhibit 4.52; and (ii)
     through (vi) Exhibits 10.61 through 10.66.

(R)      Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form  10-K
     for  the year ended December 31, 1997, filed April 15, 1998,
     where  it  appears  as (i) Exhibit 4.1;  (ii)  through  (vi)
     Exhibits 4.32 through 4.36, respectively.

(S)     Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to Annual
     Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997,
     filed April 22, 1998, where it appears as (i) Exhibit 3.1;
     and (ii) through (iv) Exhibits 4.37 through 4.39,
     respectively.

Item 17.     Undertakings

          The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales
are  being  made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
statement:

           (i)  To  include  any prospectus required  by  Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

           (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising  after  the effective date of the registration  statement
(or  the  most  recent post-effective amendment  thereof)  which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental  change
in  the  information  set  forth in the  registration  statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume
of  securities  offered (if the total dollar value of  securities
offered  would  not  exceed that which was  registered)  and  any
deviation  from  the  low or high and of  the  estimated  maximum
offering  range may be reflected in the form of prospectus  filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,
the changes in volume and prior represent no more than 20 percent
change  in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in  the
"Calculation   of  Registration  Fee"  table  in  the   effective
registration statement;

           (iii) To include any material information with respect
to  the  plan  of  distribution not previously disclosed  in  the
registration statement or any material change to such information
in the registration statement.

           (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under  the  Securities  Act  of 1933,  each  such  post-effective
amendment  shall  be  deemed to be a new  registration  statement
relating  to the securities offered therein, and the offering  of
such  securities at that time shall be deemed to be  the  initial
bona fide offering thereof.

           (3)  To  remove from registration by means of a  post-
effective amendment any of the securities being registered  which
remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

            Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers
and controlling persons of the undersigned registrant pursuant to
 the provisions described under Item 14 above, or otherwise, the
 undersigned registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of
 the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
    therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
 by the undersigned registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
   director, officer or controlling person of the undersigned
   registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
 person in connection with the securities being registered, the
   undersigned registrant will, unless, in the opinion of its
 counsel, the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
   submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
 whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
                   adjudication of such issue.
                                
                           SIGNATURES

           Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act  of
1933, the Company has duly caused this Registration Statement  on
Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Lafayette, State of Louisiana  on
the 5th day of May, 1998.

                                        XCL LTD.

                                      /s/   Marsden W. Miller, Jr.
                                   By:___________________________
                                        Marsden W. Miller, Jr.
                                        Chairman of the Board and
                                        Chief Executive Officer



                        POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW  ALL  MEN  BY THESE PRESENTS, that each  person  whose
signature  appears  below  constitutes and  appoints  Marsden  W.
Miller, Jr. and Benjamin B. Blanchet, and each of them (with full
power to each of them to act alone), his true and lawful attorney-
in-fact   and   agent,  with  full  power  of  substitution   and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in  any
and  all  capacities, to sign on his behalf individually  and  in
each capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-
effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file
the  same,  with  all  exhibits thereto and  other  documents  in
connection   therewith,   with  the   Securities   and   Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents,  and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act  and thing requisite and necessary to be done  in  and
about  the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes  as  he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming  all
that  said  attorneys-in-fact and agents and either of  them,  or
their  substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this  Registration  Statement has been signed  by  the  following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

       Signature                  Title                     Date

/s/ Marsden W. Miller, Jr.
- --------------------------
Marsden W. Miller, Jr.     Chairman of the Board and Chief
                           Executive Officer 
                           (principal executive officer)     May 5, 1998
/s/ John T. Chandler
- ------------------------- 
John T. Chandler           Vice Chairman of the Board        May 5, 1998

/s/ Benjamin B. Blanchet
- ------------------------- 
Benjamin B. Blanchet       Executive Vice President and 
                           Director                          May 5, 1998

/s/ Steven B. Toon
- -------------------------
Steven B. Toon             Chief Financial Officer 
                           (chief accounting officer)        May 5, 1998

/s/ R. Thomas Fetters, Jr.
________________________
R. Thomas Fetters, Jr.     Director                          May 5, 1998

/s/ Fred Hofheinz
- -------------------------
Fred Hofheinz              Director                          May 5, 1998

/s/ Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.
- -----------------------------
Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.   Director                         May 5, 1998

/s/ Arthur W. Hummel, Jr.
- --------------------------
Arthur W. Hummel, Jr.       Director                         May 5, 1998

/s/ Michael Palliser
- --------------------------
Sir Michael Palliser        Director                         May 5, 1998


- --------------------------
Peter F. Ross               Director                         ______, 1998


                                                       APPENDIX A
                                                                 

H.J. GRUY AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
1200 Smith Street, Suite 3040, Houston, Texas  77002 o FAX
(713) 739-6112 o (713) 739-1000



                         April 9, 1998
XCL, Ltd.
110 Rue Jean Lafitte
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508


                              Proved Reserves
                              Zhao Dong Block, China
                              98-202-104



Gentlemen:

At  your request, we estimated the proved reserves and
future net cash  flow as of January 1, 1998, attributable to
interests owned by XCL, Ltd. in the Zhao Dong Block, Bohai
Bay, China.

The  estimated  reserves,  future net cash  flow  and
discounted future  net  cash  flow  are summarized by
reserve  category  as follows:



                       Estimated                      Estimated
                     Net Reserves                 Future Net Cash Flow
                     -------------           ---------------------------


Discounted                Oil
at 10%                 (Barrels)            Nondiscounted    Per Year
                       ---------            -------------    -----------

Proved  Undeveloped    11,762,000           $ 129,105,000   $  55,031,000

     Apache  Payment      -0-               $   8,974,000   $   7,416,000
                      -----------            ------------      ----------

Total Proved           11,762,000           $ 138,079,000   $  62,447,000
                       ==========            ============     ===========

The   Apache  Payment  reflects  an  agreement  by  Apache
China Corporation  LDC to pay XCL - China Ltd. sixteen  and
two-thirds percent (16 2/3%) of the value of the Foreign
Contractor's  share of  the  recoverable  proved reserves in
the  Producing  Unit(s) located in the C field through the
Minghuazhen.

The  discounted  future net cash flows summarized  in  the
above table are computed using a discount rate of 10 percent
per annum.
Proved  reserves are estimated in accordance with the
definitions contained  in Securities and Exchange Commission
Regulation  S-X, Rule  4-10  (a).   The  definitions  are
included  in  part          as
Attachment I.

Future net cash flow as presented herein is defined as the
future cash  inflow attributable to the evaluated interest
in accordance with  the  production sharing agreement with
the Chinese National Oil  and  Gas  Exploration and
Development  Corporation  (CNODC). Future  costs  of
abandoning the facilities and  wells,  and  the restoration
of  producing properties to  satisfy   environmental
standards are not deducted from the cash flow.

Estimates of future net cash flow and discounted future net
cash flow are not to be interpreted to represent the fair
market value for  the estimated reserves.  The estimated
reserves included  in this report have not been adjusted for
risk.

For  the  economic forecasts presented in this  report,  the
oil prices  are held constant at the initial value.  Direct
operating costs  and  future  capital expenditures are  not
escalated  and therefore  remain  constant  for  the
projected  life  of   each property.

In conducting this evaluation, we relied on data supplied by
XCL, Ltd.   The extent and character of ownership, oil
prices,  direct operating   costs,   future  capital
expenditures,   accounting, geological,  and  engineering
data were accepted as  represented. The development schedule
for currently undeveloped properties was supplied  by  XCL,
Ltd.   No independent  well  tests,  property inspections,
or audits of operating expenses were  conducted  by our
staff in conjunction with this evaluation.  We did not
verify or determine the extent, character, status, or
liability, if any, of  any  current  or  possible future
detrimental  environmental conditions.

Reserve  estimates for these undeveloped reserves  are
based  on volumetric  calculations  and analogy  with  the
performance  of comparable wells.  Reserves estimates from
volumetric methods and from  analogy  comparisons are often
less  certain  than  reserve estimates based on well
performance obtained over a period during which  a
substantial portion of the reserve was  produced.     The
reserves  reported herein are estimates only and  should
not  be construed  as  exact  quantities.  Future conditions
may  affect recovery  of  estimated reserves and cash flows,
and reserves  of all  categories  may be subject to revision
as  more  performance data become available.

In  order to estimate the reserves, costs, and future cash
flows shown  in  this  report, we have relied in  part  on
geological, engineering, and economic data furnished by our
client.  Although we have made a best efforts attempt to
acquire all pertinent data and  to  analyze  it  carefully
with  methods  accepted  by  the petroleum industry, there
is no guarantee that the volumes of oil or  the  cash flows
projected will be realized.  The reserve  and cash  flow
projections  presented in  this  report  may  require
revision as additional data become available.

If  investments or business decisions are to be made in
reliance on  these estimates by anyone other than our
client, such person, with  the approval of our client, is
invited to visit our offices at  his expense so that he can
evaluate the assumptions made  and the  completeness and
extent of the data available on  which  our estimates are
based.

Any  distribution  or  publication of this  report  or  any part
thereof must include this letter in its entirety.

                      Yours very truly,

                      H.J. GRUY AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

                          /s/ James H. Hartsock

                         James H. Hartsock, Ph.D., P.E.
                         Executive Vice President


                         /s/ Tommy Elkins

                        Tommy Elkins
                        Petroleum Consultant


JHH:akr
Attachment

<PAGE>
     ATTACHMENT I

     DEFINITIONS OF PROVED OIL AND GAS RESERVES (1)


Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
- ----------------------------

Proved oil and gas reserves are the estimated quantities of
crude oil,  natural  gas, and natural gas liquid which
geological  and engineering  data  demonstrate with
reasonable  certainty  to  be recoverable in future years
from known reservoirs under  existing economic and operating
conditions, i.e., prices and costs  as  of the  date the
estimate is made.  Prices include consideration  of changes
in   existing  prices  provided  only  by   contractual
arrangements,   but   not  on  escalations  based   upon
future conditions.

Reservoirs  are  considered proved if economic
producibility  is supported  by  either  actual production
or conclusive  formation test.   The  area of a reservoir
considered proved  includes  (A) that portion delineated by
drilling and defined by gas-oil and/or oil-water  contacts,
if any, and (B) the  immediately  adjoining portions  not
yet drilled, but which can be reasonably judged  as
economically productive on the basis of available geological
and engineering  data.   In  the  absence  of  information
on  fluid contacts,  the lowest known structural occurrence
of hydrocarbons controls the lower proved limit of the
reservoir.

Reserves  which can be produced economically through
application of  improved  recovery techniques (such as fluid
injection)  are included  in the "proved" classification
when successful  testing by  a pilot project, or the
operation of an installed program  in the  reservoir,
provides support for the engineering analysis  on which the
project or program was based.

Estimates  of proved reserves do not include the following:
(A) oil  that  may  become  available from known  reservoirs
but  is classified  separately  as "indicated additional
reserves";  (B) crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas
liquids, the recovery  of which is subject to reasonable
doubt because of uncertainty as to geology, reservoir
characteristics, or economic factors; c  crude oil,  natural
gas, and natural gas liquids, that  may  occur  in
undrilled prospects; and (D) crude oil, natural gas, and
natural gas  liquids,  that  may  be recovered  from  oil
shales,  coal, gilsonite and other such sources.

Proved Developed Oil and Gas Reserves
- -------------------------------------

Proved  developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that
can  be expected  to  be recovered through existing wells
with  existing equipment and operating methods.  Additional
oil and gas expected to  be  obtained  through the
application of fluid  injection  or other  improved recovery
techniques for supplementing the natural forces  and
mechanisms of primary recovery should be included  as
"proved developed reserves" only after testing by a pilot
project or  after  the  operation of an installed program
has  confirmed through  production  response that  increased
recovery  will  be achieved.

Proved Undeveloped Reserves
- ---------------------------

Proved  undeveloped oil and gas reserves are  reserves  that
are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled
acreage,  or from  existing  wells  where a relatively
major  expenditure  is required  for recompletion.  Reserves
on undrilled acreage  shall be  limited  to those drilling
units offsetting productive  units that  are reasonably
certain of production when drilled.   Proved reserves  for
other undrilled units can be claimed only where  it can  be
demonstrated with certainty that there is continuity  of
production  from  the  existing productive formation.
Under  no circumstances should estimates for proved
undeveloped reserves be attributable  to  any acreage for
which an application  of  fluid injection  or  other
improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such
techniques have been proved effective by actual tests in the
area and in the same reservoir.

(1)   Contained in Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation
      S-X, Rule 4-10 (a)
<PAGE>

XCL CHINA, LTD.
SUMMARY OF PROJECTED CASH FLOWS - VARIOUS PRELIMINARY
CASES ZHAO DONG CONCESSION

C-4 WELL: SEC CASE
- ------------------
                            1996        1997       1998      1999
                            ----        ----       ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)         -            -          -        48
TOTAL OIL REVENUES (M$)       -            -          -       817
EXPLORATION EXPENSE (M$)      -            -          -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE (M$)             -            -          -
(714)
OPERATING EXPENSE (M$)        -            -          -
(99)
                          -----         ----       ----     -----
NET CASH FLOW (M$)            -            -          -         3
                          =====         ====       ====     =====

                                  2000     2001     2002     2003
                                  ----     ----     ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)               77       30        7        -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES (M$)          1,323      509      125        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE (M$)             -        -        -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT 
  EXPENSE (M$)                       -        -        -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE (M$)            (207)    (138)     (31)       -
                                 -----     ----     ----     ----
NET CASH FLOW (M$)               1,117      371       94        -
                                 =====     ====     ====     ====

                                 2004     2005      2006     2007
                                 ----     ----      ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)               -        -         -        -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES (M$)             -        -         -        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE (M$)            -        -         -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE (M$)                   -        -         -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE (M$)              -        -         -        -
                                 ----     ----      ----     ----
NET CASH FLOW (M$)                  -        -         -        -
                                 ====     ====      ====     ====

                                 2008     2009     2010     2011
                                 ----     ----     ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)               -        -        -        -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES (M$)             -        -        -        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE (M$)            -        -        -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE (M$)                   -        -        -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE (M$)              -        -        -        -
                                 ----     ----     ----     ----
NET CASH FLOW (M$)                  -        -        -        -
                                 ====     ====     ====     ====

                                2012     2013     2014     2015
                                ----     ----     ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS               -        -        -        -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES (M$)            -        -        -        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE (M$)           -        -        -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE (M$)                  -        -        -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE (M$)             -        -        -        -
                                ----     ----     ----     ----
NET CASH FLOW (M$)                 -        -        -        -
                                ====     ====     ====     ====

                                 TOTALS
                                 ------
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)               162
TOTAL OIL REVENUES (M$)           2,774
EXPLORATION EXPENSE (M$)              -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
      EXPENSE (M$)                 (714)
OPERATING EXPENSE (M$)             (475)
                                  -----
NET CASH FLOW (M$)                1,585
                                 ======


C BLOCK: SEC CASE
- -----------------
                              1996       1997       1998       1999
                              ----       ----       ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)            -          -          -        214
TOTAL OIL REVENUES               -          -          -      3,565
EXPLORATION EXPENSE        (15,817)         -          -          -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                     -          -     (3,212)    (8,365)
OPERATING EXPENSE                -          -          -        424
                            ------       ----      -----      -----
NET CASH FLOW              (15,817)         -     (3,212)    (5,223)
                            ======       ====      =====      =====

                              2000       2001       2002       2003
                              ----       ----       ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)          907        738        494        380
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          15,130     12,325      8,250      6,345
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -          -          -          -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                (4,300)         -          -          -
OPERATING EXPENSE           (1,620)    (1,848)    (1,626)    (1,452)
                            ------     ------      -----      -----
NET CASH FLOW                9,210     10,477      6,623      4,893
                            ======     ======      =====      =====

                             2004        2005        2006      2007
                             ----        ----        ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)         309         255         217       191
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          5,150       4,248       3,620     3,193
EXPLORATION EXPENSE             -           -           -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                    -           -           -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE          (1,351)     (1,278)     (1,227)   (1,164)
                            -----       -----       -----     -----
NET CASH FLOW               3,799       2,970       2,393     2,029
                            =====       =====       =====     =====

                             2008        2009        2010      2011
                             ----        ----        ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)         171         154         139       122
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          2,857       2,578       2,312     2,042
EXPLORATION EXPENSE             -           -           -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                    -           -           -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE          (1,105)     (1,052)       (392)     (343)
                            -----       -----       -----      -----
NET CASH FLOW               1,752       1,527       1,921      1,699
                            =====       =====       =====      =====

                             2012        2013        2014       2015
                             ----        ----        ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)         111          102          73         -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          1,860        1,699       1,221         -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE             -            -           -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                    -            -           -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE            (916)        (890)       (802)        -
                            -----        -----       -----      ----
NET CASH FLOW                944           809         419         -
                           =====         =====       =====      ====

                            TOTALS
                            ------
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)        4,577
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          76,395
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE               (15,877)
OPERATING EXPENSE          (17,491)
                             -----
NET CASH FLOW               43,028
                            ======

D BLOCK: SEC CASE
- -----------------
                             1996         1997        1998       1999
                             ----         ----        ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)           -            -           -        330
TOTAL OIL REVENUES              -            -           -      5,502
EXPLORATION EXPENSE       (24,409)           -           -          -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                    -            -      (4,957)   (12,909)
OPERATING EXPENSE               -            -           -       (654)
                           ------         ----       -----     ------
NET CASH FLOW             (24,409)           -      (4,957)    (8,061)
                           ======         ====       =====     ======

                             2000         2001        2002       2003
                             ----         ----        ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)       1,388        1,128         755        581
TOTAL OIL REVENUES         23,169       18,824      12,603      9,705
EXPLORATION EXPENSE             -            -           -          -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE               (6,636)           -           -          -
OPERATING EXPENSE          (2,500)      (2,851)     (2,510)    (2,241)
                           ------       ------       ------     -----
NET CASH FLOW              14,033       15,973       10,093     7,464
                           ======       ======       ======     =====

                             2004         2005         2006       2007
                             ----         ----         ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)         471            391            334     295
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          7,869          6,519          5,579   4,928
EXPLORATION EXPENSE             -              -              -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                    -              -              -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE          (2,085)        (1,972)        (1,894) (1,797)
                            -----          -----          -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW               5,784          4,547          3,685   3,131
                            =====          =====          =====   =====

                            2008            2009           2010     2011
                            ----            ----           ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)        264             238            215      190
TOTAL OIL REVENUES         4,409           3,979          3,585    3,168
EXPLORATION EXPENSE            -               -              -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                   -               -              -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE         (1,706)         (1,623)          (937)    (863)
                           -----           -----          -----    -----
NET CASH FLOW              2,703           2,356          2,648    2,305
                           =====           =====          =====    =====

                           2012             2013           2014     2015
                           ----             ----           ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)       172              157            113        -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES        2,870            2,622          1,884        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE           -                -              -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                  -                -              -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE        (1,413)          (1,374)        (1,238)       -
                          -----            -----          -----     ----
NET CASH FLOW             1,457            1,248            646        -
                          =====            =====          =====     ====

                            TOTALS
                            ------
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)        7,023
TOTAL OIL REVENUES         117,215
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
       EXPENSE             (24,502)
OPERATING EXPENSE          (27,658)
                            ------
NET CASH FLOW               65,055
                           =======


PAYMENT: 5.9% INTEREST
- ----------------------

                                1996        1997      1998      1999
                                ----        ----      ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)              -           -         -        66
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                 -           -         -     1,258
EXPLORATION EXPENSE           (1,416)          -         -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                       -           -         -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE                  -           -         -      (113)
                               -----        ----      ----     -----
NET CASH FLOW                 (1,416)          -         -      1,145
                               =====        ====      ====      =====


                               2000         2001       2002      2003
                               ----         ----       ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)            191         191        145       106
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             3,813       3,983      3,160     2,408
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -           -          -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                  (4,765)          -          -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (486)       (554)      (488)     (436)
                               -----       -----      -----     -----
NET CASH FLOW                 (1,437)      3,429      2,672     1,972
                               =====       =====      =====     =====

                                2004        2005       2006      2007
                                ----        ----       ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)             86          72         62        55
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             2,047       1,789      1,603     1,484
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -           -          -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                       -           -          -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (405)       (384)      (368)     (349)
                               -----       -----      -----     -----
NET CASH FLOW                  1,642       1,405      1,235     1,135
                               =====       =====      =====     =====

                                2008        2009       2010      2011
                                ----        ----       ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)             50          45         4         37
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             1,407       1,333     1,265      1,174
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -           -         -          -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                       -           -         -          -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (332)       (316)     (229)      (215)
                               -----       -----     -----      -----
NET CASH FLOW                  1,075       1,017     1,036        960
                               =====       =====     =====      =====

                                2012        2013        2014     2015
                                ----        ----        ----     ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)             33          30          22        -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             1,101       1,047         788        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -           -           -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                       -           -           -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (275)       (267)       (241)       -
                               -----       -----        ----     ----
NET CASH FLOW                    826         780         547        -
                               =====       =====        ====     ====

                            TOTALS
                            ------
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)        1,231
TOTAL OIL REVENUES          29,660
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                (4,765)
OPERATING EXPENSE           (5,458)
                             -----
NET CASH FLOW               19,437
                            ======

TOTAL
- -----

                                 1996      1997      1998      1999
                                 ----      ----      ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)               -         -         -       657
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                  -         -         -     9,884
EXPLORATION EXPENSE           (40,226)        -         -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                        -         -    (8,170)  (21,987)
OPERATING EXPENSE                   -         -         -    (1,177)
PARTNER PAYMENT                     -         -         -         -
                               ------      ----     -----    ------
NET CASH FLOW                 (40,226)        -    (8,170)  (12,624)
                               ======      ====     =====    ======

                                2000       2001      2002      2003
                                ----       ----      ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)          2,563      2,087      1,402    1,067
TOTAL OIL REVENUES            39,622     31,658     20,978   16,050
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -          -          -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                 (10,936)         -          -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE             (4,327)    (4,837)    (4,167)  (3,693)
PARTNER PAYMENT                8,974          -          -        -
                              ------     ------     ------   ------
NET CASH FLOW                 35,896     28,908     18,212   13,424
                              ======     ======     ======   ======

                               2004          2005     2006      2007
                               ----          ----     ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)           866           717      613       542
TOTAL OIL REVENUES           13,018        10,767    9,199     8,122
EXPLORATION EXPENSE               -             -        -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                      -             -        -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE            (3,436)       (3,250)  (3,122)   (2,961)
PARTNER PAYMENT                   -             -        -         -
                             ------         ------   -----     -----
NET CASH FLOW                10,449         8,234    6,691     5,702
                             ======        ======    =====     =====

                              2008          2009      2010      2011
                              ----          ----      ----      ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)          485           438       395       349
TOTAL OIL REVENUES           7,265         6,557     5,898     5,210
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -             -         -         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                     -             -         -         -
OPERATING EXPENSE           (2,811)       (2,674)   (1,329)   (1,206)
PARTNER PAYMENT                  -             -         -         -
                             -----         -----     -----     -----
NET CASH FLOW                4,940         4,321     4,963     4,353
                             =====         =====     =====     =====

                              2012         2013      2014       2015
                              ----         ----      ----       ----
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)          316          289       208          -
TOTAL OIL REVENUES           4,730        4,321     3,105          -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -            -         -          -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE                     -            -         -          -
OPERATING EXPENSE           (2,328)      (2,264)   (2,041)         -
PARTNER PAYMENT                  -            -         -          -
                             -----        -----     -----       ----
NET CASH FLOW                2,718        2,346     1,273          -
                             =====        =====     =====       ====

                            TOTALS
                            ------
NET FLOW RATE (MBBLS)       12,993
TOTAL OIL REVENUES         226,044
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT
     EXPENSE               (45,858)
OPERATING EXPENSE          (51,081)
PARTNER PAYMENT              8,974
                            ------
NET CASH FLOW              138,079
                           =======


<PAGE>

XCL CHINA, LTD.
PROJECTED CASH FLOWS - PRELIMINARY SEC CASE
ZHAO DONG CONCESSION:     1     MM BBL CASE
(C-4 WELL: SEC CASE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1998    1999      2000     2001    2002    2003
                                         ----    ----      ----     ----    ----    ----
<S>                                     <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                        17.16    17.16    17.16     17.16   17.16    17.16
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                    0      208      342       132      32        -
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)                 0       10       17         7       2        -
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                             -        -        -         -       -        -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                   0      125      205        79      19        -
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                     -      405      843       564     125        -
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)            -       24       49        33       7        -
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)             0      101      156        46      12        -
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                      -        -        -         -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)                -        -        -         -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT             -        -        -         -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED               -        -        -         -       -        -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)          -        -        -         -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                      -    2,915        -         -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)                -      170        -         -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED               -      101       68         6       1        -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)          -       68        -         -       -        -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                     -        -        6         1       -        -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)             -      101       68         6       1        -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                       0       73      208        86      23        -
X FACTOR                                0.950    0.950    0.950     0.950   0.950        -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                   0        4       10         4        1       -
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)             0       69      197        82       22       -
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)      0       34       97        40       11       -
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)                0       95      154        59       15       -


                                         2004      2005     2006     2007   2008     2009
                                         ----      ----     ----     ----   ----     ----
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                        17.16    17.16    17.16     17.16   17.16    17.16
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                   -        -       -         -        -       -
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)                -        -       -         -        -       -
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                            -        -       -         -        -       -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                  -        -       -         -        -       -
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                    -        -       -         -        -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)           -        -       -         -        -       -
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            -        -       -         -        -       -
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                     -        -       -         -        -       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -       -         -        -       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT            -        -       -         -        -       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED              -        -       -         -        -       -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -        -       -         -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                     -        -       -         -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -       -         -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED              -        -       -         -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -        -       -         -        -       -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                    -        -       -         -        -       -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            -        -       -         -        -       -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                      -        -       -         -        -       -
X FACTOR                                   -        -       -         -        -       -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                  -        -       -         -        -       -
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)            -        -       -         -        -       -
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)     -        -       -         -        -       -
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)               -        -       -         -        -       -


                                        2010      2011    2012      2013    2014    2015
                                        ----     -----    ----      ----    ----    ----

OIL PRICE ($BBL)                       17.16     17.16    17.16     17.16    17.16   17.16
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 -          -       -         -        -        -
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)              -          -       -         -        -        -
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                          -          -       -         -        -        -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                -          -       -         -        -        -
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                  -          -       -         -        -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         -          -       -         -        -        -
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          -          -       -         -        -        -
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                   -          -       -         -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)             -          -       -         -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT          -          -       -         -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED            -          -       -         -        -        -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)       -          -       -         -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                   -          -       -         -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)             -          -       -         -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED            -          -       -         -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)       -          -       -         -        -        -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                  -          -       -         -        -        -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          -          -       -         -        -        -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    -          -       -         -        -        -
X FACTOR                                 -          -       -         -        -        -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                -          -       -         -        -        -
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          -          -       -         -        -        -
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)   -          -       -         -        -        -
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             -          -       -         -        -        -
</TABLE> 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       TOTALS
                                       ------
<S>                                    <C>
OIL PRICE ($BBL)
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 715
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)               36
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                            -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                429
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                1,937
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         113
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          316
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                     -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT            -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED              -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                 2,915
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)             170
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED            177
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        68
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                    7
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          177
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    390
X FACTOR                                   -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                 19
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          370
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)   181
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             323
</TABLE>

FOREIGN CONTRACTOR CASH FLOW (M$)
                                 1998    1999    2000   2001   2002    2003
                                 ----    ----    ----   ----   ----    ----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES              -   1,051     989    328     66       -
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                  0     582   1,658    689    183       -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -       -       -      -      -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -  (1,428)      -      -      -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                   -    (198)   (413)  (277)   (61)      -
                                -----   -----   -----   ----   ----   ----
NET CASH FLOW                       0       7   2,234    741    188      -
                                =====   =====  ======   ====    ====   ====


                                 2004    2005    2006   2007    2008   2009
                                 ----    ----    ----   ----    ----   -----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES              -       -        -       -     -     -
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                  -       -        -       -     -     -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -       -        -       -     -     -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -       -        -       -     -     -
OPERATING EXPENSE                   -       -        -       -     -     -
                                -----    ----     ----    ----  ----  ----
NET CASH FLOW                       -       -        -       -     -     -
                                 ====    ====     ====    ====  ====  ====

                                 2010    2011     2012    2013  2014   2015
                                 ----    ----    ----     ----  ----   ----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES              -       -        -       -     -      -
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                  -       -        -       -     -      -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -       -        -       -     -      -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -       -        -       -     -      -
OPERATING EXPENSE                   -       -        -       -     -      -
                                 ----    ----     ----    ----  ----   ----
NET CASH FLOW                       -       -        -       -     -      -
                                 ====    ====     ====    ====  ====   ====

                                 TOTALS
                                 ------

COST RECOVERY REVENUES            2,434
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                3,113
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                   -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE   (1,428)
OPERATING EXPENSE                  (949)
                                  -----
NET CASH FLOW                     3,170
                                  =====


CASH FLOW TO EACH PARTNER (M$) (50% INTEREST)

                              1998    1999    2000    2001    2002    2003
                              ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    -----

TOTAL OIL REVENUES               0      817    1,323     509   125      -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -        -        -       -     -      -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE   -     (714)       -       -     -      -
OPERATING EXPENSE                -      (99)    (207)   (138)  (31)     -
                              ----     ----    -----    ----  ----   ----
NET CASH FLOW                    0        3    1,117     371    94      -
                             =====     ====    =====   ===== =====   ====


                              2004     2005     2006    2007    2008   2009
                              ----     ----     ----    ----    ----   -----

TOTAL OIL REVENUES               -       -         -       -       -       -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -       -         -       -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE   -       -         -       -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                -       -         -       -       -       -
                              ----    ----      ----    ----    ----    ----
NET CASH FLOW                    -       -         -       -       -       -
                              ====    ====      ====    ====    ====    ====


                              2010    2011      2012    2013    2014    2015
                              ----    ----      ----    ----    ----    ----

TOTAL OIL REVENUES               -       -         -       -       -       -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE              -       -         -       -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE   -       -         -       -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                -       -         -       -       -       -
                              ----    ----      ----    ----    ----    ----
NET CASH FLOW                    -       -         -       -       -       -
                              ====    ====      ====    ====    ====    ====


                                  TOTALS
                                  ------
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                2,774
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                   -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE     (714)
OPERATING EXPENSE                  (475)
                                  -----
NET CASH FLOW                     1,585
                                 ======

 NET PRESENT VALUES @ 10% AS OF 1-1-1998, (M$)     1,153


<PAGE>

XCL CHINA, LTD.
PROJECTED CASH FLOWS - PRELIMINARY CASE
ZHAO DONG CONCESSION:     18 MM BBL CASE
(C BLOCK: SEC CASE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1996     1997     1998   1999    2000     2001    2002     2003
                                       ----     ----     ----   ----    ----     ----    ----     ----

<S>                                   <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                      16.69     16.69   16.69   16.69   16.69    16.69   16.69    16.69
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                  0         0       0     629   2,664    2,912   2,187    1,672
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)               0         0       0      31     133      146     109       84
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                           -         -       -       -       -        -       -        -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                 0         0       0     378   1,598    1,747   1,312    1,003
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                   -         -       -   1,729   6,613    7,541   6,639    5,927
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)          -         -       -     304     396      452     398      355
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)           0         0       0     274   1,202    1,295     915      648
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)               31,634         -       -       -       -        -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)          1,895         -       -       -       -        -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT         (89)        -       -       -       -        -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED             0         0       0     274   1,202      330       -        -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)    1,806     1,806   1,806   1,532     330        -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                    -         -  13,112  34,141  17,551        -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)              -         -     786   2,046   1,052        -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED             -         -       -       -       -      965     915      648
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        -         7     786   2,831   3,883    2,917   2,003    1,355
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                   -         -       -      71     261      373     296      207
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)           0         0       0     274   1,202    1,295     915      648
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                     0         0       0     220     932    1,019     766      585
X FACTOR                              0.950     0.950   0.950   0.950   0.912    0.907   0.921    0.937
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                 0         0       0      11      82       95      60       37
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)           0         0       0     209     850      924     705      548
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)    0         0       0     103     417      453     346      269
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)              0         0       0     427   1,813    1,477     989      760

                                       2004    2005     2006     2007    2008    2009
                                       ----    ----     ----     ----    ----    ----

OIL PRICE ($BBL)                      16.69    16.69   16.69    16.69    16.69  16.69
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)              1,350    1,114     949      838      757    684
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)              68       56      47       42       38     34
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                           -        -       -        -        -      -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)               810      668     570      503      454    411
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)               5,514    5,216   5,010    4,753     4,511 4,292
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)        330      313     300      285      270    257
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)         480      356     269      218      184    153
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                    -        -       -        -        -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)              -        -       -        -        -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT           -        -       -        -        -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED             -        -       -        -        -      -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        -        -       -        -        -      -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                    -        -       -        -        -      -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)              -        -       -        -        -      -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED           480      356     269      218       32      -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)      875      519     249       32        -      -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                 141        -       -        -        -      -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)         480      356     269      218       32      -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                   473      390     332      293      418    393
X FACTOR                              0.950    0.950   0.950    0.950    0.950  0.950
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                24       19      17       15       21     20
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)         449      370     316      278      397    373
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)  220      182     155      136      194    183
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)            617      509     434      383      342    309


                                       2010     2011    2012     2013     2014   2015
                                       ----    -----    ----     ----     ----   ----

OIL PRICE ($BBL)                      16.69    16.69    16.69   16.69    16.69    16.69
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                621      549      492     448      323      -
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)              31       27       25      22       16      -
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                           -        -        -       -        -      -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)               373      329      295     269      194      -
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)               1,599    1,401    3,737   3,634    3,275      -
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         96       84      224     218      196      -
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)         277      245       71      51       (2)     -
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                    -        -        -       -        -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)              -        -        -       -        -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT           -        -        -       -        -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED             -        -        -       -       (2)     -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        -        -        -       -        2      -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                    -        -        -       -        -      -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)              -        -        -       -        -      -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED             -        -        -       -        -      -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        -        -        -       -        -      -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                   -        -        -       -        -      -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)           -        -        -       -       (2)     -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                   494      437      243     208      113      -
X FACTOR                              0.950    0.950    0.950   0.950    0.950      -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                25       22       12      10        6      -
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)         470      415      231     198      107      -
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)  230      204      113      97       53      -
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)            277      245      223     204      146      -

</TABLE>
                                           TOTALS
                                           ------
OIL PRICE ($BBL)
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                  18,190
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)                  910
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                                -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                 10,914
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                   71,391
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)           4,277
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            6,637
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                    31,634
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)               1,895
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT              (89)
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED              1,804
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         5,476
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                    64,804
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)               3,883
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED              3,883
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        15,449
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                    1,348
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            5,686
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                      7,317
X FACTOR                                       -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                    475
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)            6,842
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)     3,353
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)               9,155


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOREIGN CONTRACTOR CASH FLOW (M$)
                                  1996    1997    1998    1999    2000     2001    2002    2003
                                  ----    ----    ----    ----    ----     ----    -----   ----

<S>                                  <C>     <C>     <C>  <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
COST RECOVERY REVENUES               0       0       0    5,419   23,306   17,094  10,732   8,206
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                   0       0       0    1,711    6,955    7,555   5,767   4,485
EXPLORATION EXPENSE            (31,634)      -       -        -        -        -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE       -       -  (6,425) (16,729)  (8,600)       -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                    -       -       -     (847)  (3,240)  (3,695) (3,253) (2,904)
                                 -----   -----   -----     ----    -----   ------   ------  -----
NET CASH FLOW                  (31,634)      0  (6,425) (10,446)  18,420   20,955   13,247  9,786
                                ======   =====  ======   ======   ======   ======   ======  =====
</TABLE>

                                 2004    2005    2006     2007     2008   2009
                                 ----    ----    ----     ----    -----   -----

COST RECOVERY REVENUES          6,627   5,466   4,659    4,110    2,469   2,103
ALLOCABLE REVENUES              3,672   3,029   2,582    2,277    3,244   3,053
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -       -       -        -        -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -       -       -        -        -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE              (2,702) (2,556) (2,455)  (2,329)  (2,210) (2,103)
                                -----   -----   -----    -----    -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW                   7,597   5,940   4,785    4,058    3,503   3,053
                                =====   =====   =====    =====    =====   =====

                                2010     2011    2012    2013      2014     2015
                                ----     ----    ----    ----      ----    -----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES           784      687   1,831    1,780    1,564       -
ALLOCABLE REVENUES             3,841    3,397   1,889    1,617      878       -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -        -        -       -        -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE     -        -        -       -        -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (784)    (687)  (1,831)  (1,780) (1,605)     -
                                ----     ----    -----    -----   -----   ----
NET CASH FLOW                  3,841    3,397    1,889    1,617     837      -
                               =====    =====    =====    =====    ====   ====

                                 TOTALS
                                 ------

COST RECOVERY REVENUES           96,836
ALLOCABLE REVENUES               55,954
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                   -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE  (31,754)
OPERATING EXPENSE               (34,981)
                                 ------
NET CASH FLOW                    86,055
                                 ======
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CASH FLOW TO EACH PARTNER (M$) (50% INTEREST)

                                  1996    1997    1998    1999    2000    2001     2002    2003
                                  ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    -----    ----    ----
<S>                            <C>        <C>   <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                   0       0       0   3,565   15,130   12,325   8,250   6,345
EXPLORATION EXPENSE            (15,817)      -       -       -        -        -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE       -       -  (3,212) (8,365)  (4,300)       -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                    -       -       -    (424)  (1,620)  (1,848) (1,626) (1,452)
                                  ----    ----   -----    ----    -----    -----   -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW                  (15,817)      0  (3,212) (5,223)   9,210   10,477   6,623   4,893
                                ======    ====   =====   =====    =====   ======   =====   =====
</TABLE>
                                 2004   2005    2006    2007      2008    2009
                                 ----   ----    ----    ----      ----    -----

TOTAL OIL REVENUES              5,150  4,248    3,620   3,193     2,857   2,578
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -      -        -       -         -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -      -        -       -         -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE              (1,351) (1,278) (1,227) (1,164)   (1,105) (1,052)
                                -----   -----   -----   -----     -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW                   3,799   2,970   2,393   2,029     1,752   1,527
                                =====   =====   =====   =====     =====   =====


                                2010    2011     2012    2013     2014    2015
                                ----    ----     ----    ----     ----   -----
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             2,312   2,042    1,860    1,699    1,221       -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -       -        -        -        -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE     -       -        -        -        -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (392)   (343)    (916)    (890)    (802)      -
                                ----    ----     ----     ----     ----    ----
NET CASH FLOW                  1,921   1,699      944      809      419       -
                               =====   =====     ====     ====     ====    ====


                                   TOTALS
                                   ------

TOTAL OIL REVENUES                 76,395
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                     -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE    (15,877)
OPERATING EXPENSE                 (17,491)
                                   ------
NET CASH FLOW                      43,028
                                   ======


INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN 75%
NET PRESENT VALUES @ 10% AS OF 1-1-1998, (M$)     21,434


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
XCL CHINA, LTD.
PROJECTED CASH FLOWS - PRELIMINARY SEC CASE
ZHAO DONG CONCESSION:     28 MM BBL CASE
(D BLOCK: SEC CASE)

                                        1996    1997   1998    1999     2000   2001   2002     2003
                                        ---     ----   ----    ----     ----   ----   ----      ----
<S>                                    <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                       16.69    16.69   16.69  16.69   16.69   16.69   16.69    16.69
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                   0        0       0    971   4,111   4,493   3,375    2,581
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)                0        0       0     49     206     225     169      129
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                            -        -       -      -       -       -       -        -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                  0        0       0    583   2,467   2,696   2,025    1,548
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                    -        -       -  2,669  10,205  11,638  10,245    9,147
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)           -        -       -    160     611     697     614      548
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            0        0       0    423   1,855   1,999   1,411    1,000
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                48,818        -       -      -       -       -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)           2,925        -       -      -       -       -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT         (138)       -       -      -       -       -       -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED              0        0       0    423   1,855     509       -        -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)     2,787    2,787   2,787  2,364     509       -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                     -        -  20,234 52,688  27,085       -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -   1,212  3,157   1,623       -       -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED              -        -       -      -       -   1,490   1,411    1,000
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -        -   1,212  4,369   5,992   4,502   3,091    2,091
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                    -        -       -    109     403     576     457      319
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            0        0       0    423   1,855   1,999   1,411    1,000
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                      0        0       0    340   1,439   1,573   1,181      903
X FACTOR                               0.950    0.950   0.950  0.950   0.881   0.876   0.895    0.913
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                  0        0       0     17     171     195     124       78
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)            0        0       0    323   1,268   1,378   1,057      825
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)     0        0       0    158     621     675     518      404
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)               0        0       0    659   2,776   2,256   1,510    1,163


                                        2004    2005     2006   2007   2008   2009
                                        ----    ----     ----   ----   ----   ----

OIL PRICE ($BBL)                       16.69    16.69   16.69   16.69    16.69   16.69
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)               2,084    1,719   1,465   1,292    1,169   1,056
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)              104       86      73      65       58      53
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                            -       -        -       -        -       -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)              1,250    1,032     879     775      701     634
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                8,509    8,050   7,732   7,334    6,961   6,624
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         510      482     463     439      417     397
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          741      549     416     336      284     237
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                     -        -       -       -        -       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -       -       -        -       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT            -        -       -       -        -       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED              -        -       -       -        -       -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -        -       -       -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                     -        -       -       -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -       -       -        -       -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED            741      549     416     336       49       -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)     1,350      801     385      49        -       -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                  217        -       -       -        -       -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          741      549     416     336       49       -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    729      602     513     452      644     606
X FACTOR                               0.924    0.935   0.946   0.950    0.950   0.950
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                 56       39      27      23       32      30
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          674      563     485     430      612     576
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)   330      276     238     211      300     282
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             943      781     669     591      528     477


                                        2010    2011    2012   2013     2014   2015
                                        ----    ----    ----   ----     ----   ----
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                       16.69    16.69   16.69  16.69    16.69  16.69
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 959      847     759    692      498     -
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)               48       42      38     35       25     -
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                            -        -       -      -        -     -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                575      508     455    415      299     -
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                3,826    3,520   5,767  5,608    5,054     -
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         229      211     346    336      303     -
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          346      297     110     79       (4)    -
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                     -        -       -      -        -     -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -       -      -        -     -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT            -        -       -      -        -     -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED              -        -       -      -       (4)    -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -        -       -      -        4     -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                     -        -       -      -        -     -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)               -        -       -      -        -     -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED              -        -       -      -        -     -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)         -        -       -      -        -     -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                    -        -       -      -        -     -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            -        -       -      -       (4)    -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    682      593     375    321      174     -
X FACTOR                               0.950    0.950   0.950  0.950    0.950     -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                 34       30      19     16        9     -
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          648      564     356    305      166     -
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)   317      276     175    150       81     -
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             430      380     344    314      226     -
</TABLE>

                                         TOTALS
                                         ------
OIL PRICE ($BBL)
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 28,072
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)               1,404
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                               -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                16,843
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                 112,889
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)          6,764
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          10,079
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                   48,818
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)              2,925
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT            (138)
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED             2,783
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)        8,451
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                  100,007
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)              5,992
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED             5,992
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)       23,842
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                   2,081
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)           8,775
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    11,129
X FACTOR                                      -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                   900
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          10,229
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)    5,012
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             14,046

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOREIGN CONTRACTOR CASH FLOW (M$)

                                 1996   1997    1998    1999   2000    2001    2002    2003
                                 ----   ----    ----    ----   ----    ----    -----   ----

<S>                           <C>       <C>   <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
COST RECOVERY REVENUES              0      0       0    8,363   35,966   26,381  16,563  12,663
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                  0      0       0    2,640   10,371   11,268   8,644   6,747
EXPLORATION EXPENSE           (48,818)     -       -        -        -        -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -      -  (9,915) (25,817) (13,272)       -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                   -      -       -   (1,308)  (5,001)  (5,702) (5,020) (4,482)
                               ------  -----   -----    -----    -----    ------ ------  ------
NET CASH FLOW                 (48,818)     0  (9,915) (16,121)  28,065   31,946  20,186  14,928
                                =====  =====  ======   ======   ======   ======  ======  ======

</TABLE>
                                2004   2005     2006    2007     2008      2009
                                ----    ----    ----    ----     -----    -----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES         10,227   8,436   7,189    6,342   3,810    3,246
ALLOCABLE REVENUES              5,511   4,602   3,969    3,515   5,007    4,712
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -       -       -        -       -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -       -       -        -       -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE              (4,169) (3,944) (3,789)  (3,594) (3,411)  (3,246)
                                -----   -----   -----    -----   -----     ----
NET CASH FLOW                  11,568   9,094   7,370    6,263   5,406    4,712
                               ======   =====   =====    =====   =====    =====

                                2010    2011     2012     2013    2014    2015
                                ----    ----     ----     ----    ----   -----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES          1,875   1,725   2,826    2,748   2,413        -
ALLOCABLE REVENUES              5,296   4,611   2,914    2,496   1,355        -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                 -       -       -        -       -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -       -       -        -       -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE              (1,875) (1,725) (2,826)  (2,748) (2,476)       -
                                -----   -----   -----    -----   -----     ----
NET CASH FLOW                   5,296   4,611   2,914    2,496   1,292        -
                                =====   =====   =====    =====   =====     ====


                                   TOTALS
                                   ------

COST RECOVERY REVENUES            150,772
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                 83,657
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                     -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE    (49,004)
OPERATING EXPENSE                 (55,315)
                                   ------
NET CASH FLOW                     130,110
                                  =======


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CASH FLOW TO EACH PARTNER (M$) (50% INTEREST)


                                  1996    1997   1998     1999
2000     2001    2002    2003
                                  ----    ----   ----    ----
- ----     -----   ----    ----
<S>                             <C>       <C>   <C>     <C>
<C>     <C>     <C>      <C>
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                    0      0       0    5,502
23,169  18,824  12,603   9,705
EXPLORATION EXPENSE             (24,409)     -       -        -
- -       -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE        -      -  (4,957) (12,909)
(6,636)      -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                     -      -       -     (654)
(2,500) (2,851) (2,510) (2,241)
                                   ----   ----   -----    -----
- -----  ------  ------   -----
NET CASH FLOW                   (24,409)     0  (4,957)  (8,061)
14,033  15,973  10,093   7,464
                                  =====   ====   =====    =====
======  ======  ======   =====
</TABLE>

                                   2004   2005     2006    2007
2008   2009
                                   ----    ----    ----    ----
- ----   -----
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                7,869   6,519    5,579  4,928
4,409   3,979
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                   -       -        -      -
- -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE        -       -        -      -
- -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                (2,085) (1,972) (1,894) (1,797)
(1,706) (1,623)
                                  -----   -----   -----   -----
- -----    ----
NET CASH FLOW                     5,784   4,547   3,685   3,131
2,703   2,356
                                  =====   =====   =====   =====
=====   =====

                                  2010     2011    2012    2013
2014   2015
                                  ----    ----     ----    ----
- ----  -----
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                3,585   3,168   2,870   2,622
1,884      -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                   -       -       -       -
- -      -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE        -       -       -       -
- -      -
OPERATING EXPENSE                  (937)   (863) (1,413) (1,374)
(1,238)     -
                                  -----   -----   -----   -----
- -----    ----
NET CASH FLOW                     2,648   2,305   1,457   1,248
646      -
                                  =====   =====   =====   =====
=====    ====

                                       TOTALS
                                       ------
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                    117,215
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                         -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE        (24,502)
OPERATING EXPENSE                     (27,658)
                                       ------
NET CASH FLOW                          65,055
                                       ======



INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN 74%   NET
PRESENT VALUES @ 10% AS OF 1-1-1998, (M$)     32,444

<PAGE>

XCL CHINA, LTD.
PROJECTED CASH FLOWS - PRELIMINARY SEC CASE
ZHAO DONG CONCESSION:     46 MM BBL CASE
(ESTIMATE OF PAYMENT: PROVED ONLY - ESCALATED PRICING)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1996     1997    1998     1999    2000    2001   2002      2003
                                      ----     ----    ----     ----    ----    ----   ----      -----
<S>                                  <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                     16.32    17.32   18.32     19.14    19.99   20.88   21.80     22.76
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 0        0       0     1,600    6,775   7,405    5,563    4,253
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)              0        0       0        80      339     370      278      213
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                          -        -       -         -        -      16        -        -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                0        0       0       960    4,065   4,443    3,338    2,552
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                  -        -       -     3,914   16,818  19,179   16,884   15,075
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         -        -       -       205      841     919      774      662
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          0        0       0       756    3,224   3,524    2,563    1,889
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)              24,000        -       -         -        -       -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)         1,471        -       -         -        -       -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT       (207)       -       -         -        -       -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED            0        0       0       756      508       -        -        -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)   1,263    1,263   1,263       508        -       -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                   -        -       -         -  164,811       -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)             -        -       -         -    8,244       -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED            -        -       -         -    2,716   3,524    2,500      225
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)       -        -       -         -    5,527   2,003        -        -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                  -        -       -         -        -     497      225       20
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          0        0       0       756    3,224   3,524    2,500      225
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    0        0       0       560    2,371   2,576    2,010    3,153
X FACTOR                             0.950    0.950   0.950     0.940    0.845   0.837    0.865    0.879
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                0        0       0        34      367     420      271      381
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          0        0       0       526    2,004   2,156    1,739    2,772
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)   0        0       0       258      982   1,056      852    1,358
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             0        0       0     1,114    3,233   3,233    2,457    1,793


                                          2004     2005     2006  2007     2008    2009
                                         -----     ----     ----  ----     ----    ----
OIL PRICE ($BBL)                         23.76    24.80    25.88  27.00    28.17    29.38
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 3,435    2,833    2,415  2,130    1,926    1,741
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)                172      142      121    106       96       87
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                              -        -        -      -        -        -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                2,061    1,700    1,449  1,278    1,156    1,044
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                 14,023   13,266   12,742 12,087   11,472   10,916
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)           590      535      492    448      407      372
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)          1,471    1,165      956    830      748      673
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                       -        -        -      -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)                 -        -        -      -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT              -        -        -      -        -        -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED                -        -        -      -        -        -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)           -        -        -      -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                       -        -        -      -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)                 -        -        -      -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED               20        2        -      -        -        -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)           -        -        -      -        -        -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                      2        -        -      -        -        -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)             20        2        -      -        -        -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    2,652    2,155    1,801  1,576    1,423    1,282
X FACTOR                                 0.893    0.909    0.916  0.923    0.928    0.934
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                  283     196      151     122      102       84
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          2,370    1,959   1,651   1,454    1,320    1,198
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)   1,161     960      809     712      647      587
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)             1,460    1,223   1,050     932      847      769

                                         2010      2011    2012    2013     2014   2015
                                         -----     ----    ----    ----     ----   ----

OIL PRICE ($BBL)                         30.64     31.95    33.32  34.74   36.22  37.75
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                 1,580     1,395    1,250  1,140     821      -
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)                 79        70       63     57      41      -
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                              -         -        -      -       -      -
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)                  948       837      750    684     493      -
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                  7,925     7,422    9,504  9,241   8,329      -
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)           259       232      285    266     230      -
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)            689       605      465    418     263      -
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                       -         -        -      -       -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)                 -         -        -      -       -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT              -         -        -      -       -      -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED                -         -        -      -       -      -
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)           -         -        -      -       -      -
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                       -         -        -      -       -      -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)                 -         -        -      -       -      -
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED                -         -        -      -       -      -
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)           -         -        -      -       -      -
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                      -         -        -      -       -      -
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)              -         -        -      -       -      -
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                    1,242     1,093      902    817     550      -
X FACTOR                                 0.941     0.950    0.950  0.950   0.950      -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                   73        55       45     41      28      -
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)          1,169     1,039      857    776     523      -
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)     573       509      420    380     256      -
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)               700       623      560    511     369      -
</TABLE>
                                       TOTALS
                                        ------

OIL PRICE ($BBL)
GROSS OIL VOLUME (MBBLS)                46,263
CONS IND & COMM TAX (MBBLS)              2,313
ROYALTY (MBBLS)                             16
COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)               27,758
OPERATING EXPENSES (M$)                188,796
OPERATING EXPENSE VOLUME (MBBLS)         7,517
INVESTMENT RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)         20,240
EXPLORATION COSTS (M$)                       -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY (MBBLS)                 -
EXPLORATION RECOVERY ADJUSTMENT           (207)
EXPLORATION RECOVERY UTILIZED            1,263
EXPLORATION COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)       3,035
DEVELOPMENT COSTS (M$)                 164,811
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY (MBBLS)             8,244
DEVELOPMENT RECOVERY UTILIZED            8,988
DEVELOPMENT COST CARRYOVER (MBBLS)       7,530
DEEMED INTEREST (MBBLS)                    745
TOTAL COST RECOVERY OIL (MBBLS)         10,252
REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)                   26,164
X FACTOR                                     -
CHINESE SHARE OIL (MBBLS)                2,652
ALLOCABLE REMAINDER OIL (MBBLS)         23,512
CONTRACTOR ALLOCABLE OIL - 49% (MBBLS)  11,521
TOTAL CONTRACTOR OIL (MBBLS)            20,872

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

FOREIGN CONTRACTOR CASH FLOW (M$)

                                  1996     1997   1998     1999    2000    2001    2002     2003
                                  ----     ----   ----     ----     ----    ----    -----    ----
<S>                             <C>       <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
COST RECOVERY REVENUES               0        0      0   16,381   45,003  45,457  34,984    9,896
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                   0        0      0    4,938   19,632  22,055  18,579   30,919
EXPLORATION EXPENSE            (24,000)       -      -        -        -       -       -        -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE       -        -      0        -  (80,757       -       -        -
OPERATING EXPENSE                    -        -      -   (1,918)  (8,241) (9,398) (8,273)  (7,387)
                                ------    -----  -----    -----   ------  ------   -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW                  (24,000)       0      0  (19,401)  24,363  58,114   45,289  33,429
                                ======    ===== ======   ======   ======  ======   ======  ======
</TABLE>

                                2004    2005     2006    2007     2008    2009
                                 ----    ----    ----     ----    -----  -----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES           7,107   6,522   6,243    5,923   5,621   5,349
ALLOCABLE REVENUES              27,587  23,798  20,930   19,232  18,222  17,243
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                  -       -        -       -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE       -       -        -       -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (6,871) (6,500) (6,243)  (5,923) (5,621) (5,349)
                                 -----  ------  ------   ------  ------  ------
NET CASH FLOW                   27,823  23,820  20,930   19,232  18,222  17,243
                                ======  ======  ======   ======  ======  ======

                                 2010    2011    2012     2013     2014    2015
                                 ----    ----    ----     ----     ----    -----
COST RECOVERY REVENUES           3,883   3,637    4,657   4,528    4,081      -
ALLOCABLE REVENUES              17,551  16,264   13,997  13,214    9,277      -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                  -       -        -       -        -      -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE       -       -        -       -        -      -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (3,883) (3,637) (4,657)  (4,528)  (4,081)     -
                                ------  ------  ------    -----    -----   ----
NET CASH FLOW                   17,551  16,264  13,997   13,214    9,277      -
                                ======  ======  ======   ======    =====   ====


                                   TOTALS
                                   ------

COST RECOVERY REVENUES            209,273
ALLOCABLE REVENUES                293,437
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                     -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE    (80,757)
OPERATING EXPENSE                 (92,510)
                                   ------
NET CASH FLOW                      329,442
                                   =======

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CASH FLOW TO EACH PARTNER (M$) (5.9% INTEREST)


                                 1996     1997   1998    1999    2000    2001   2002     2003
                                 ----     ----   ----    ----    -----   ----   ----     ----
<S>                            <C>       <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
TOTAL OIL REVENUES                  0       0       0   1,258    3,813   3,983   3,160   2,408
EXPLORATION EXPENSE            (1,416)      -       -       -        -       -       -       -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE      -       -       0       -   (4,765)      -       -       -
OPERATING EXPENSE                   -       -       -    (113)    (486)   (554)   (488)   (436)
                                -----    ----   -----    ----    -----   -----   -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW                  (1,416)      0       0   1,145   (1,437)  3,429   2,672   1,972
                                =====    ====   =====   =====    =====   =====   =====   =====
</TABLE>

                                2004    2005     2006    2007    2008   2009
                                ----    ----     ----    ----    ----  -----
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             2,047   1,789    1,603   1,484   1,407  1,333
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -       -        -       -       -      -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE     -       -        -       -       -      -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (405)   (384)    (368)   (349)   (332)  (316)
                               -----    ----    -----   -----   -----   -----
NET CASH FLOW                  1,642   1,405    1,235   1,135   1,075   1,017
                               =====    ====    =====   =====   =====   =====


                               2010     2011     2012    2013    2014    2015
                               ----    ----     ----    ----     ----   -----
TOTAL OIL REVENUES             1,265   1,174    1,101    1,047    788      -
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                -       -        -        -      -      -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE     -       -        -        -      -      -
OPERATING EXPENSE               (229)   (215)    (275)    (267)  (241)     -
                               -----   -----     -----   -----    ---   ----
NET CASH FLOW                  1,036     960      826      780    547      -
                               =====    ====     ====     ====   ====   ====


                                 TOTALS
                                 ------
TOTAL OIL REVENUES               29,660
EXPLORATION EXPENSE                   -
SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT EXPENSE   (4,765)
OPERATING EXPENSE                (5,458)
                                  -----
NET CASH FLOW                    19,437
                                 ======


NET PRESENT VALUES @ 12% AS OF 1-1-2000, (M$)  8,974 (AMOUNT OF 
PAYMENT IN YEAR 2000)

NET PRESENT VALUES @ 10% AS OF 1-1-1998, (M$)  7,416 (DISCOUNTED
PAYMENT)
                                                                 


[Coopers & Lybrand Logo]       Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                               a professional services firm






CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We   consent  to  the  inclusion in this registration statement
on Form S-1 of our reports, both of which include an explanatory
paragraph regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern, dated April 10, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule of XCL Ltd.
and financial statements of XCL-China Ltd.  We also consent to 
the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."



/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Miami, Florida
May 6, 1998





H.J. GRUY AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
- ------------------------------------------------------------
1200 Smith Street, Suite 3040, Houston, Texas  77002 o FAX
(713) 739-6112 o (713)739-1000



            CONSENT OF H.J. GRUY AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

We hereby consent to the use of the name H.J. Gruy and Associates, Inc. 
and of references to H.J. Gruy and Associates, Inc. and to the inclusion
of and references to our report dated April 9, 1998 (Proved Reserves,
Zhao Dong Block, China) prepared for XCL Ltd. in the filing of the 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of XCL Ltd. for the year ended
December 31, 1997.

                         H.J. GRUY AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

                         /s/ James H. Hartsock

                         James H.Hartsock, PhD.,P.E.
                         Executive Vice President
 

May 6, 1998
Houston, Texas



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