ORYXE Energy Selects Afton Chemical to Produce OR-LED Additive; Construction of New Plant Will Ensure Steady Supply of Low-Emission Diesel Additive in Texas

IRVINE, Calif.--May 3, 20051, 2005--ORYXE Energy International and Afton Chemical Corporation, a leading manufacturer of petroleum additives, have signed an agreement to construct a manufacturing facility in Pasadena, Texas. The new facility will produce ORYXE Energy's OR-LED additive for distribution throughout the state.

The agreement further demonstrates ORYXE Energy's commitment to the Texas market and will ensure an ample supply of OR-LED for fuel refiners and distributors relying on alternative plans to comply with the new Texas Low-Emission Diesel (TX-LED) rule.

OR-LED is the first and only splash-blended diesel additive to win approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for use in alternative plans to meet the stricter standards for on-road and off-road diesel that take effect October 1, 2005.

"Afton Chemical offers the world-class capabilities needed to successfully manufacture our OR-LED additive product," said Walter Schindler, chairman and chief executive officer of ORYXE Energy. "They are a world recognized specialty chemical manufacturing company with an award-winning safety and environmental track record."

The OR-LED plant should reach its planned capacity in early September, with limited quantities of the additive available for early adoption customers in the next 90 days.

In addition to assisting in the design and construction of the new facility, Afton Chemical will blend the OR-LED additive for distribution to customers in the TX-LED control area that includes 110 counties across Texas. ORYXE Energy will also utilize Afton's integrated inventory management and distribution system called "X-CHANGE(SM)" to supply its customers.

"Afton Chemical has a passion for manufacturing innovative additives and we see OR-LED as an elegant solution for complying with the new TX-LED rule," said Alex Pettigrew, Afton Chemical's senior global business manager, diesel fuel additives. "We expect that the agreement between Afton Chemical and ORYXE Energy will make a meaningful difference in the Texas market by ensuring the supply of OR-LED is readily available."

OR-LED's approval by the TCEQ followed a rigorous engine testing protocol performed at the West Virginia University National Research Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Laboratory, recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency and certified by the California Air Resources Board. The tests were conducted under strict federal testing guidelines and procedures.

The tests showed that OR-LED demonstrated a greater than 5.7 percent reduction in Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), greater than 20 percent reduction in Total Hydrocarbons (THC), the main contributors to smog formation, and approximately 10 percent reduction in Carbon Monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas, all major concerns for Texas air quality stewards. Widespread use of OR-LED in diesel fuel would result in reducing up to 6,000 tons of NOx annually.

About ORYXE Energy

ORYXE Energy International, Inc., (www.oryxe-energy.com) based in Irvine, Calif., develops, certifies and distributes proprietary additives that improve fuel performance and reduce toxic emissions from the combustion of hydrocarbons, such as diesel fuel and gasoline. Founded in 2001, ORYXE Energy was named a Top 100 Innovator by Red Herring magazine in late-2004. The company holds one U.S. patent and has 10 patents pending.

Odyssey Venture Partners (www.odysseyventure.com) of Newport Beach, Calif., and Ridgewood Capital (www.ridgewoodcapital.com) of Ridgewood, N.J. are the lead venture capital investors in ORYXE Energy.

About Afton Chemical

Based in Richmond, Va., Afton Chemical Corporation (www.aftonchemical.com) develops and manufactures petroleum additives that enhance the performance of lubricating oils and fuels to enhance their performance in machinery, vehicles, and other equipment. From customer formulated chemical blends to market-generated additive components, Afton Chemical technology helps fuels burn cleaner, engines run smoother and machines last longer.

Forward-Looking Statements

Estimates, expectations and business plans are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including product introduction schedules, market receptiveness, regulatory approvals and commercial viability, could differ materially due to changes in conditions affecting the industry, political, legal or regulatory developments, and market conditions.