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BENTON OIL AND GAS COMPANY
1145 EUGENIA PLACE, SUITE 200
CARPINTERIA, CALIFORNIA 93013
(805) 566-5600
(805) 566-5610
December 5, 1996
Ms. Sonya Galindo
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549
Re: Benton Oil and Gas Company - Form S-3 Registration Statement
filed December 4, 1996
Dear Ms. Galindo:
In connection with the above-referenced filing, the Registrant hereby
amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to
delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment
that specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter
become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933
or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the
Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
Any questions or comments may be addressed to Jack A. Bjerke at (614)
462-5407 or Amy M. Shepherd at (614) 462-5476.
Sincerely,
/s/ A.E. Benton
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A.E. Benton
