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Occidental Begins Production from New Qatar Field

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 1999 --Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) today said production has begun from the offshore Idd el Shargi South Dome enhanced oil recovery project in Qatar at an initial rate of approximately 2500 barrels of oil per day.

South Dome is operated as a satellite of Occidental's larger Idd el Shargi North Dome enhanced oil recovery project. The fields are connected via a 22-kilometer undersea pipeline.

The new production comes from the first of seven appraisal wells scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2000 to evaluate the full potential of South Dome. Development plans are expected to be completed by year-end 2000.

For additional information on Occidental Petroleum Corporation, see the company's website at www.oxy.com

Contacts:  Howard Collins (media)
           310-443-6523
           Kenneth J. Huffman (investors)
           212-603-8183