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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2003
---------------------------------------

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________________ to ____________________

Commission file number 1-5507
------------------------------------------------

MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
................................................................................
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 06-0842255
................................................................................
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

P.O. Box 1146, Madison, Connecticut 06443-1146
................................................................................
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(203) 245-7664
................................................................................
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

................................................................................
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. |X| Yes |_| No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). |_| Yes |X| No

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's single class of common
stock as of February 11, 2004 was 25,727,376.





MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

December 31, 2003

Table of Contents


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page
ITEM 1 Financial Statements (unaudited)

Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2003
and June 30, 2003 3

Consolidated statements of income (loss) for the three and
six months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 4

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 5

Notes to consolidated financial statements 6

ITEM 2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 12

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk 26

ITEM 4 Disclosure Controls and Procedures 26

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 Legal Proceedings 27

ITEM 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 27

ITEM 5 Other Information 27

ITEM 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 27

Signatures 30

Certifications









MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, June 30,
ASSETS 2003 2003
- ------ -------------- ------------
Current assets: (unaudited) (Note)

Cash and cash equivalents $19,584,215 $20,041,464
Accounts and notes receivable 4,788,535 5,273,999
Marketable securities 2,343,653 1,796,503
Inventories 416,201 423,931
Other assets 246,900 297,118
----------- -----------
Total current assets 27,379,504 27,833,015
----------- -----------

Marketable securities 390,000 390,000

Property and equipment:
Oil and gas properties (successful efforts method) 73,796,132 59,407,254
Land, buildings and equipment 2,391,847 2,093,555
Field equipment 1,596,281 1,421,636
----------- -----------
77,784,260 62,922,445
Less accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization (49,331,387) (41,330,271)
------------ ------------
Net property and equipment 28,452,873 21,592,174
----------- -----------

Other assets 1,035,049 926,168
----------- -----------
Total assets $57,257,426 $50,741,357
=========== ===========

LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTERESTS AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 3,893,049 $ 4,709,281
Accrued liabilities 1,589,561 1,218,997
Income taxes payable 90,318 106,246
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 5,572,928 6,034,524
---------- ----------

Long term liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 1,902,273 1,770,727
Asset retirement obligations 5,190,041 3,858,263
---------- ----------
Total long term liabilities 7,092,314 5,628,990
---------- ----------

Minority interests 17,642,386 16,930,838

Commitments (Note 12) - -

Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share:
Authorized 200,000,000 shares
Outstanding 25,727,376 and 24,427,376 shares 257,274 244,274
Capital in excess of par value 44,402,741 42,907,741
----------- -----------
Total capital 44,660,015 43,152,015
Accumulated deficit (15,036,831) (15,598,483)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,673,386) (5,406,527)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 26,949,798 22,147,005
----------- -----------
Total liabilities, minority interests and stockholders' equity $57,257,426 $50,741,357
=========== ===========



Note: The balance sheet at June 30, 2003 has been derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements at that date.

See accompanying notes.







MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited)



Three months ended Six months ended
December 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues:

Oil sales $ 1,181,111 $ 724,315 $2,274,213 $1,525,303
Gas sales 3,087,632 2,626,559 6,918,131 4,655,498
Other production related revenues 329,713 314,229 802,619 465,034
Interest and other income 242,022 218,773 577,434 425,349
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues 4,840,478 3,883,876 10,572,397 7,071,184
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Costs and expenses:
Production costs 1,478,694 912,143 2,777,749 1,896,078
Exploration and dry hole costs 1,338,733 489,101 1,904,932 1,295,746
Salaries and employee benefits 717,651 535,613 1,280,606 946,127
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 1,665,642 782,402 2,743,601 1,656,328
Auditing, accounting and legal services 98,996 123,726 240,405 265,133
Accretion expense 88,591 75,179 170,464 148,864
Shareholder communications 87,717 84,189 120,482 114,768
Other administrative expenses 158,158 198,376 295,932 249,402
---------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total costs and expenses 5,634,182 3,200,729 9,534,171 6,572,446
---------- ---------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests
and cumulative effect of accounting change (793,704) 683,147 1,038,226 498,738
Income tax (provision) benefit 61,874 ( 212,348) ( 348,868) ( 213,200)
--------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Income (loss) before minority interests and cumulative
effect of accounting change (731,830) 470,799 689,358 285,538
Minority interests 226,196 (317,379) (127,706) (303,507)
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
accounting change (505,634) 153,420 561,652 (17,969)
Cumulative effect of accounting change - net - - - (737,941)
------------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ (505,634) $ 153,420 $ 561,652 $ (755,910)
============= =========== ========== ===========

Average number of shares outstanding
Basic 25,727,376 24,607,376 25,355,947 24,607,376
========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted 25,727,376 24,607,376 25,363,042 24,607,376
========== ========== ========== ==========

Net income (loss) per share (basic and diluted)
Before cumulative effect of accounting change $ (.02) $ .01 $ .02 $ -
Cumulative effect of accounting change-net - - - (.03)
------- ---- ----- ------
Net income (loss) $ (.02) $ 01 $ .02 $ (.03)
======= ==== ===== ======



See accompanying notes.






MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)




Six months ended
December 31,
------------
2003 2002
--------------- ------------


Operating Activities:

Net income (loss) $ 561,652 $ (755,910)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Cumulative effect of accounting change - 2,025,690
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 2,743,601 1,656,328
Accretion expense 170,464 148,864
Deferred income taxes (81,228) (448,666)
Minority interests 127,706 (376,535)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable 452,777 (280,806)
Other assets (65,341) (40,398)
Inventories 4,869 (145,284)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (353,935) 821,902
Income taxes payable (15,928) 44,754
Asset retirement obligations - (58,901)
---------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 3,544,637 2,591,038
---------- ----------

Investing Activities:
Marketable securities purchased (3,166,201) (700,000)
Marketable securities sold or matured 2,619,051 751,579
Sale of available-for-sale securities - 93,334
Net additions to property and equipment (4,250,536) (1,632,758)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (4,797,686) (1,487,845)
----------- -----------

Financing Activities:
Dividends to MPAL minority shareholders (744,971) (628,209)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities (744,971) (628,209)
========= =========

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents 1,540,771 (102,260)
---------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (457,249) 372,724
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 20,041,464 15,784,851
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $19,584,215 $16,157,575
========== ==========



See accompanying notes.





MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------

Note 1. Basis of Presentation
---------------------

Magellan Petroleum Corporation (the Company or MPC) is engaged in the
sale of oil and gas and the exploration for and development of oil and gas
reserves. At December 31, 2003, MPC's principal asset was a 55% equity interest
in its subsidiary, Magellan Petroleum Australia Limited (MPAL), which has one
class of stock that is publicly held and traded in Australia. MPAL's major
assets are two petroleum production leases covering the Mereenie oil and gas
field (35% working interest) and one petroleum production lease covering the
Palm Valley gas field (52% working interest). Both fields are located in the
Amadeus Basin in the Northern Territory of Australia. MPC has a direct 2.67%
carried interest in the Kotaneelee gas field in the Yukon Territory of Canada.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of MPC and MPAL and have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of
Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All such adjustments are
of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three and six month
periods ended December 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for the year ending June 30, 2004. For further information,
refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003. All
amounts presented are in United States dollars, unless otherwise noted.


Note 2. Kotaneelee Litigation
---------------------

During September 2003, the litigants in the Kotaneelee litigation
entered into a settlement agreement. During October 2003, the Company received
approximately $851,000, after Canadian withholding taxes and reimbursement of
certain past legal costs. The plaintiffs agreed to terminate all litigation
against the defendants related to the field, including the claim that the
defendants failed to fully develop the field. Since each party agreed to bear
its own legal costs, there were no taxable costs assessed against any of the
parties. The components of the settlement payment, which was recorded in
September 2003, were as follows:

Gas sales $1,135,000
Interest income 102,000
Canadian withholding taxes (386,000)
---------
Total $ 851,000
========



MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------

Note 3. Capital and stock options
-------------------------

During December 2000, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan to
purchase up to one million shares of its common stock in the open market.
Through December 31, 2003, the Company had purchased 680,850 of its shares at a
cost of approximately $686,000, all of which have been cancelled.

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB No. 25) and related
interpretations in accounting for its stock options because the alternative fair
value accounting provided under FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock
Based Compensation," as amended by SFAS 148 "Accounting for Stock-based
Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" requires use of option valuation
models to value stock options. Under APB No. 25, because the exercise price of
the Company's stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on
the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.

Expiration Number of
Options outstanding Dates shares Exercise Prices ($)
- ------------------- ----------- -------------- -------------------
June 30, 1999 196,000 1.57
Granted Feb. 2005 745,000 1.28
-------
June 30, 2000 941,000 1.28-1.57
Expired (20,000) 1.57
--------
June 30, 2001 921,000 1.28-1.57
Expired (50,000) 1.57
--------
June 30, 2002 871,000 1.28-1.57
Granted Jan. 2008 50,000 .85
-------
June 30, 2003 921,000 .85- 1.57
Expired (126,000) 1.57
Cancelled (25,000) .85
--------
December 31, 2003 770,000 .85-1.28
=======
($1.27 weighted average)


Summary of Options Outstanding at December 31, 2003
- ---------------------------------------------------

Expiration Exercise
Dates Total Vested Prices ($)
------------- ----- ------ ----------
Granted 2000 Feb. 2005 745,000 745,000 1.28
Granted 2003 Jan. 2008 25,000 25,000 .85
-------- ------
Total 770,000 770,000
======= =======

Options reserved for future grants 230,000
- ---------------------------------- =======

On October 20, 2003, options to purchase 126,000 shares of the
Company's common stock expired without being exercised. On December 31, 2003,
unvested options to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock were
cancelled when the terms of the grant were not satisfied.

Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective
assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. The assumptions used
in the 2000 valuation model were: risk free interest rate - 6.65%, expected life
- - 5 years, expected volatility - .419, expected dividend - 0. The assumptions
used in the 2003 valuation model were: risk free interest rate - 3.16%, expected
life - 5 years, expected volatility - .439, expected dividend - 0.




MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------


Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by Statement 148, and has been determined as if the Company had
accounted for its stock options under the fair value method of Statement 123.
The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model. For the purpose of pro forma disclosures,
the estimated fair value of the stock options is generally expensed in the year
of grant since most of the options are vested and immediately exercisable. The
Company's pro forma information follows:




Three months ended Three months ended
December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
--------------------- ------------------

Net income (loss) as reported $(505,634) $(.02) $153,420 $ .01
Stock option expense - - (3,900) -
---------- ------ --------- -----
Pro forma net income (loss) $(505,634) $(.02) $149,520 $ .01
========== ====== ======== =====





Six months ended Six months ended
December 31, 2003 December 31, 2002
------------------ ------------------

Net income (loss) as reported $561,652 $.02 $(755,910) $ (.03)
Stock option expense - - (7,800) -
-------- ---- ---------- ------
Pro forma net income (loss) $561,652 $.02 $(763,710) $ (.03)
======== ==== ========== =======


On July 10, 2003, a subsidiary of Origin Energy, Sagasco Amadeus Pty.
Limited, agreed to exchange 1.2 million shares of MPAL for 1.3 million shares of
the Company's common stock. After the exchange, MPC's interest in MPAL increased
to 55% from 52.44%. The value on July 10, 2003 of the Company's common stock
issued to Origin Energy increased the amount of common stock by $13,000 and
increased capital in excess of par value by $1,495,000 for a total of
$1,508,000. On October 8, 2003, the Company filed a registration statement on
Form S-3 to register the 1.3 million shares issued to Origin Energy for resale.
The Company estimates that the registration statement will be effective during
February 2004.






MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------

Note 4. Depletion, depreciation and amortization (DD&A)
-----------------------------------------------

The operator of the Mereenie field is implementing an extensive program
for additional drilling and capital improvements to meet gas sales' contract
requirements. The Mereenie Producers have agreed to install additional
compression equipment in the field at a cost of $13.1 million (MPAL share $4.6
million) that will increase field deliverability and partially meet certain gas
contract requirements. In addition, two gas wells will be drilled to meet the
gas contractual requirements until June 2007.

Note 5. Comprehensive income (loss)
---------------------------

Total comprehensive income (loss) during the three and six month
periods ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:


Accumulated other
Three months ended Six months ended comprehensive
December 31, December 31, loss
--------------------- --------------------- -----------
2003 2002 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----

Balance at June 30, 2003 $(5,406,527)
Net income (loss) $ (505,634) $153,420 $ 561,652 $(755,910)
Foreign currency translation
adjustments 2,491,304 587,064 2,733,141 (60,648) 2,733,141

Reclassification adjustment - 44,054 - 44,054
Unrealized gain on
available -for-sale securities - - - 6,160 -
----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------
Total comprehensive
income (loss) $1,985,670 $784,538 $3,294,793 $(766,344)
========== ======== ========== ==========

Balance at December 31, 2003 $(2,673,386)
============



Note 6. Investment in MPAL
------------------

On July 10, 2003, a subsidiary of Origin Energy, Sagasco Amadeus Pty.
Limited, agreed to exchange 1.2 million shares of MPAL for 1.3 million shares of
the Company's common stock. After the exchange, MPC's interest in MPAL increased
to 55% from 52.44%. The value on July 10, 2003 of the Company's common stock
issued to Origin Energy increased the amount of common stock by $13,000 and
increased capital in excess of par value by $1,495,000 for a total of
$1,508,000. The difference of approximately $661,000 between the acquisition
cost of the MPAL shares and the book value of the additional MPAL interest
acquired was allocated to oil and gas properties.

Note 7. Earnings per share
------------------

Earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of
common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The Company's
basic and diluted calculations of EPS are the same for the three months ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the six month period ended December 31, 2002
because the exercise of options is not assumed in calculating diluted EPS, as
the result would be anti-dilutive.The potential dilution items are the
outstanding stock options disclosed in Note 3.



MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------

Note 8. Segment Information
-------------------

The Company has two reportable segments, MPC and its subsidiary, MPAL.
Each company is in the same business; MPAL is also a publicly held company with
its shares traded on the Australian Stock Exchange. MPAL issues separate audited
consolidated financial statements and operates independently of MPC. Segment
information (in thousands) for the Company's two operating segments is as
follows:




Three months ended Six months ended
December 31, December 31,
----------------------- -------------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues:

MPC $ 1,014 $ 798 $ 2,366 $ 908
MPAL 4,737 3,772 9,117 6,849
Intersegment dividend (911) (686) (911) (686)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total consolidated revenues $ 4,840 $ 3,884 $ 10,572 $ 7,071
======= ======= ======== =======

Net income (loss) before cumulative
effect of accounting change:
MPC $ 682 $ 494 $1,317 $ 343
MPAL (276) 345 156 325
Intersegment dividend (911) (686) (911) (686)
-------- ---------- ------- -------
Consolidated net income (loss) $ (505) $ 153 $ 562 $ (18)
======== ====== ====== =======
Net income (loss):
MPC $ 682 $ 494 $1,317 $ 343
MPAL (276) 345 156 (413)
Intersegment dividend (911) (686) (911) (686)
-------- ---------- ------- -------
Consolidated net income (loss) $ (505) $ 153 $ 562 $ (756)
======== ====== ====== ========



Note 9. Unrealized Gain on Securities Held for Investment
-------------------------------------------------

During 1999, MPC sold its interest in the Tapia Canyon, California
heavy oil project for its approximate cost of $101,000 and received shares of
stock in the purchaser. During late 2000, the purchaser became a public company,
Sefton Resources, Inc. Effective November 30, 2002, MPC sold all of its interest
in Sefton Resources for $100,000 and recognized a gain of $6,666. Payment was in
the form of a 10% promissory note (secured by the Sefton Resources shares). The
unpaid balance of $90,000 at December 31, 2003, is being paid in monthly
installments of $3,000, plus interest.





MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------

Note 10. Exploration and Dry Hole Costs
------------------------------

The 2003 and 2002 costs related primarily to the exploration work being
performed on MPAL's properties. The dry holes were drilled on MPAL properties in
Australia and New Zealand.

Note 11. Asset Retirement Obligations
---------------------------

Effective July 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No.
143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS 143 requires legal
obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized
at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial
recognition of a liability, that cost is capitalized as part of the related
long-lived asset (oil & gas properties) and amortized on a units-of-production
basis over the life of the related reserves. Accretion expense in connection
with the discounted liability is recognized over the remaining life of the
related reserves. The estimated liability is based on the future estimated cost
of plugging the existing oil and gas wells and removing the surface facilities
equipment in the Palm Valley and Mereenie fields in the Northern Territory of
Australia. The liability is a discounted liability using a credit-adjusted
risk-free rate of approximately 8%. Revisions to the liability could occur due
to changes in the estimates of these costs.

Upon the adoption of SFAS 143, the Company recorded a discounted
liability (asset retirement obligations) of $3,794,000, increased oil and gas
properties by $526,000 and recognized a one-time, cumulative effect after-tax
charge of $738,000 (net of $316,000 deferred tax benefit and minority interest
of $680,000) which was included in net loss for the six month period ended
December 31, 2002.

A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations for the
six months ended December 31, 2003, is as follows:

Balance at July 1, 2003 $3,858,000
Liabilities incurred 633,000
Liabilities settled -
Accretion expense 170,000
Revisions to estimate -
Exchange effect 529,000
----------
Balance at December 31, 2003 $5,190,000
==========

During the six month period ended December 31, 2003, the Company
recorded a liability in the amount of $526,000 for the Nockatunga project in the
Eromanga Basin in Queensland and $107,000 for the Kotaneelee gas field in
Canada. The Kotaneelee settlement agreement provides that the carried interest
partners will share in the abandonment of the Kotaneelee field wells and
facilities.



MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------- ------------------------------------------

Note 12. Commitments
-----------

The following is a summary of MPAL's required and contingent
commitments for exploration expenditures for the five year period ending June
30, 2008 and its capital expenditure commitments for the fiscal year 2004. The
amount of capital expenditures for the period 2005-2008 are not known at this
time. The contingent amounts will be dependent on such factors as the results of
the current program to evaluate the exploration permits, drilling results and
MPAL's financial position.

Exploration Exploration
Capital Required Contingent
Fiscal Year Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures Total
- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ---------
2004 $2,652,000 $2,693,000 $ 4,713,000 $ 10,058,000
2005 - 859,000 18,431,000 19,290,000
2006 - 253,000 5,327,000 5,580,000
2007 - - 855,000 855,000
2008 - 1,081,000 1,081,000
---------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Total $2,652,000 $3,805,000 $30,407,000 $36,864,000
========== ========== =========== ===========

MPAL expects to fund its exploration costs through its cash and cash
equivalents and cash flow from Australian operations. MPAL also expects that it
will seek partners to share the above exploration costs. If MPAL's effort to
find partners is unsuccessful, it may be unable or unwilling to complete the
exploration program for some of its properties.

Note 13. Accounts and Notes Receivable
-----------------------------

Accounts and notes receivable consist primarily of the amounts due from
the sale of oil and gas ($3,019,000) and the amounts due from working interest
partners ($1,668,000).


Note 14. Pension plan costs

Pension plan costs for the three and six month periods ended December
31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

Three months ended Six months ended
------------------ ----------------
December 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
2003 2002 2003 2002
---- ---- ---- ----
$39,529 $35,218 $84,108 $74,949

The individual components of net pension expense for pension plan
costs were not significantly different during the periods.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations
---------------------

Forward Looking Statements
- --------------------------

Statements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations which are not historical in nature
are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward looking statements for
purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. The Company cautions readers that forward looking statements
are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking statements.
Among these risks and uncertainties are pricing and production levels from the
properties in which the Company has interests, and the extent of the recoverable
reserves at those properties. In addition, the Company has a large number of
exploration permits and faces the risk that any wells drilled may fail to
encounter hydrocarbons in commercially recoverable quantities. The Company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.






MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------

Critical Accounting Policies
- ----------------------------

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

The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its
oil and gas operations. Under this method, the costs of successful wells,
development dry holes and productive leases are capitalized and amortized on a
units-of-production basis over the life of the related reserves. Cost centers
for amortization purposes are determined on a field-by-field basis. The Company
records its proportionate share in joint venture operations in the respective
classifications of assets, liabilities and expenses. Unproved properties with
significant acquisition costs are periodically assessed for impairment in value,
with any impairment charged to expense. The successful efforts method also
imposes limitations on the carrying or book value of proved oil and gas
properties. Oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be
recoverable. The Company estimates the future undiscounted cash flows from the
affected properties to determine the recoverability of carrying amounts. In
general, analyses are based on proved developed reserves, except in
circumstances where it is probable that additional resources will be developed
and contribute to cash flows in the future.

Exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized pending
determination of proved reserves but are charged to expense if no proved
reserves are found. Other exploration costs, including geological and
geophysical expenses, leasehold expiration costs and delay rentals, are expensed
as incurred. Because the Company follows the successful efforts method of
accounting, the results of operations may vary materially from quarter to
quarter. An active exploration program may result in greater exploration and dry
hole costs.

Asset Retirement Obligation
- ---------------------------

Effective July 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No.
143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS 143 requires legal
obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized
at their fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial
recognition of a liability, that cost is capitalized as part of the related
long-lived asset (oil & gas properties) and amortized on a units-of-production
basis over the life of the related reserves. Accretion expense in connection
with the discounted liability is recognized over the remaining life of the
related reserves.

The estimated liability was based on the future estimated cost of
plugging the existing oil and gas wells and removing the surface facilities
equipment in the Palm Valley and Mereenie fields in the Northern Territory of
Australia. The liability is a discounted liability using a credit-adjusted
risk-free rate of approximately 8%. Revisions to the liability could occur due
to changes in the estimates of these costs. During the six months ended December
31, 2003, the Company recorded a liability for the Nockatunga project using a
credit-adjusted risk-free rate of 6.25% and for the Kotaneelee gas field using a
credit-adjusted risk-free rate of 4.5%.



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------


Revenue Recognition
- -------------------

The Company recognizes oil and gas revenue from its interests in
producing wells as oil and gas is produced and sold from those wells. Oil and
gas sold is not significantly different from the Company's share of production.
Revenues from the purchase, sale and transportation of natural gas are
recognized upon completion of the sale and when transported volumes are
delivered. Shipping and handling costs in connection with such deliveries are
included in production costs. Revenue under carried interest agreements is
recorded in the period when the net proceeds become receivable, measurable and
collection is reasonably assured. The time the net revenues become receivable
and collection is reasonably assured depends on the terms and conditions of the
relevant agreements and the practices followed by the operator. As a result, net
revenues may lag the production month by one or more months.

Use of Estimates
- ----------------

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are particularly
sensitive in the calculation of proven reserves, depletion, depreciation and
amortization and the amount of the Company's asset retirement obligations.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.


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


Consolidated
- ------------

At December 31, 2003, the Company on a consolidated basis had
approximately $22.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and marketable
securities.

A summary of the major changes in cash and cash equivalents during the
six month period ended December 31, 2003 is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period $20,041,000
Net cash provided by operations 3,545,000
Marketable securities purchased (matured) net (547,000)
Net additions to property and equipment (4,251,000)
Dividends to MPAL minority shareholders (745,000)
Effect of exchange rate changes 1,541,000
-----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $19,584,000
===========

Net cash provided by operations
- -------------------------------

Net cash provided by operations increased $954,000 from $2,591,000
during the 2002 period compared to $3,545,000 in the 2003 period. Cash funds
derived from operations increased $1,272,000 during the 2003 period, which was
offset by the $318,000 decrease in changes in operating assets and liabilities
during the 2003 period. The primarily reason for the increase in cash funds
derived from operations during the 2003 period is the nonrecurring settlement
payment of $851,000 from the Kotaneelee litigation.



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------

Marketable securities purchased and sold or matured
- ---------------------------------------------------

During the 2003 period, part of the proceeds of the Kotaneelee gas
field settlement was invested in securities with maturities for more than three
months.

Net additions to property and equipment
- ---------------------------------------

The net additions to property and equipment of $4,251,000 are primarily
the purchase of the Nockatunga project for approximately $1,400,000 and the
upgrading of the Mereenie field.

Dividends to MPAL minority shareholders
- ---------------------------------------

During November 2003, MPAL paid a dividend of A.$.05 per share to all
of its shareholders which totaled $1,656,000. MPC's share of the dividend was
approximately $911,000 and the amount paid to the minority shareholders was
$745,000.

Effect of exchange rate changes
- -------------------------------

The value of the Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar
increased 12% to $.7529 at December 31, 2003, compared to a value of $.6737 at
June 30, 2003.

As to MPC
- ---------

At December 31, 2003, MPC, on an unconsolidated basis, had working
capital of approximately $4.0 million. MPC's current cash position, its annual
MPAL dividend and the anticipated revenue from the Kotaneelee field should be
adequate to meet its current cash requirements. MPC has in the past invested and
may in the future invest substantial portions of its cash to maintain or
increase its majority ownership interest in its subsidiary. On July 10, 2003, a
subsidiary of Origin Energy, Sagasco Amadeus Pty. Limited, agreed to exchange
1.2 million shares of MPAL for 1.3 million shares of the Company's common stock.
After the exchange, the Company's interest in MPAL increased to 55% from 52.44%.

During November 2003, MPC received a dividend of approximately $911,000
from MPAL.

During December 2000, MPC announced a stock repurchase plan to purchase
up to one million shares of its common stock in the open market. Through
December 31, 2003, MPC had purchased 680,850 of its shares at a cost of
approximately $686,000, all of which have been cancelled. No purchases of shares
were made by MPC during the six months ended December 31, 2003.




Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------

As to MPAL
- ----------

At December 31, 2003, MPAL had working capital of approximately $17.8
million. MPAL has budgeted approximately $3.4 million for specific exploration
projects in fiscal year 2004 as compared to the $4.5 million expended during
fiscal 2003. However, the total amount to be expended may vary depending on when
various projects reach the drilling phase. MPAL's future revenues are expected
to be derived from the sale of gas in Australia, based on its current
composition of oil and gas reserves. MPAL's current contracts for the sale of
Palm Valley and Mereenie gas will expire during fiscal year 2009. Unless MPAL is
able to obtain additional contracts for its remaining gas reserves or be
successful in its current exploration program, its revenues will be materially
reduced after 2009.

The following is a summary of MPAL's required and contingent
commitments for exploration expenditures for the five year period ending June
30, 2008 and its capital expenditure commitments for the fiscal year 2004. The
amount of capital expenditures for the period 2005-2008 are not known at this
time. The contingent amounts will be dependent on such factors as the results of
the current program to evaluate the exploration permits, drilling results and
MPAL's financial position.

Exploration Exploration
Capital Required Contingent
Fiscal Year Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures Total
- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------
2004 $2,652,000 $2,693,000 $ 4,713,000 $ 10,058,000
2005 - 859,000 18,431,000 19,290,000
2006 - 253,000 5,327,000 5,580,000
2007 - - 855,000 855,000
2008 - 1,081,000 1,081,000
---------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Total $2,652,000 $3,805,000 $30,407,000 $36,864,000
========== ========== =========== ===========

MPAL expects to fund its exploration costs through its cash and cash
equivalents and cash flow from Australian operations. MPAL also expects that it
will seek partners to share the above exploration costs. If MPAL's efforts to
find partners are unsuccessful, it may be unable or unwilling to complete the
exploration program for some of its properties.

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

New Accounting Standards
- ------------------------

Effective July 1, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended. In April 2003,
the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 149, "Amendment
of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which amends
SFAS No. 133. This new statement incorporates interpretations that were included
in previous Derivative Implementation Group (DIG) guidance, clarifies certain
conditions, and amends other existing pronouncements. It is effective for
contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. Management has
determined that the adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have an impact on the
Company's financial statements.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. (FIN) 46,
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," was effective for the Company on
December 31, 2003. FIN 46 requires that the party to a VIE that absorbs the
majority of the VIE's losses, defined as the "primary beneficiary," consolidate
the VIE. The Company has determined that it is not required to consolidate or
disclose information about a VIE. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised
version of FIN 46R that is effective for the Company on March 31, 2004. FIN 46R
is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial
statements.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain
Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS
No. 150 establishes standards on how to classify and measure certain financial
instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 is
effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003,
and otherwise effective for the Company for the first quarter of fiscal 2004.
The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on the Company's financial
statements.

In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), "Employers'
Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." (SFAS No. 132R)
This statement revises employers' disclosures about pension plans and other
postretirement benefit plans, requires additional disclosures about the assets,
obligations, cash flows, and the net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit
pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans and requires
companies to disclose various elements of pension and postretirement benefit
costs in interim period financial statements. The annual disclosures in SFAS No.
132R are effective for the Company's defined benefit pension plan for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2004, while the new interim period disclosures are required
for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The required disclosures are included
in Note 14. Pension plan costs.

Three months ended December 31, 2003 vs. December 31, 2002
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Revenues
--------

Oil sales increased 63% in the 2003 quarter to $1,181,000 from
$724,000 in 2002 because of a 28% Australian foreign exchange rate increase
discussed below and new oil sales from the Cooper Basin and the Nockatunga
project. Oil unit sales are expected to continue to decline in the Mereenie
field unless additional development wells are drilled to maintain production
levels. MPAL is dependent on the operator (65% control) of the Mereenie field to
maintain production. Oil unit sales (before deducting royalties) in barrels
(bbls) and the average price per barrel sold during the periods indicated were
as follows:




Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------




Three months ended December 31,
-------------------------------
2003 Sales 2002 Sales
------------------- ----------------------
Average price Average price
Bbls A.$ per bbl Bbls A.$ per bbl
---- ---------- ---- ----------
Australia:

Mereenie field 36,100 40.02 33,378 42.24
Cooper Basin 1,781 37.49 - -
Nockatunga project 10,229 35.25 - -
------ ------
Total 48,110 38.91 33,378 42.24
====== ======


Gas sales increased 18% to $3,088,000 in 2003 from $2,627,000 in 2002
because of the 28% Australian foreign exchange rate increase discussed below.

Three months ended December 31,
-------------------------------
2003 2002
----------- -----------
Australia $2,996,000 $2,545,000
Canada-recurring 92,000 82,000
----------- -----------
Total $3,088,000 $2,627,000
========== ==========





During the 2003 period, the volume of gas sold in Australia decreased
4%, and the average price of gas sold decreased 3%. The volumes in billion cubic
feet (bcf) (before deducting royalties) and the average price of gas per
thousand cubic feet (mcf) sold during the periods indicated were as follows:



Three months ended December 31,
-------------------------------
2003 Sales 2002 Sales
------------------- ----------------------
A.$ average price per mcf A.$ average price per mcf
------------------------- -------------------------
bcf mcf Bcf mcf
--- --- --- ---


Australia: Palm Valley .714 2.25 .799 2.43
Australia: Mereenie 1.064 2.84 1.045 2.86
----- -----
Total 1.778 2.60 1.844 2.67
===== =====


Other production related revenues increased 5% to $330,000 in 2003 from
$314,000 in 2002. Other production related revenues are primarily MPAL's share
of gas pipeline tariff revenues.

Interest and other income increased 11% to $242,000 in 2003 from
$219,000 in 2002 primarily because of the 28% Australian foreign exchange rate
increase discussed below that was partially offset by less funds in Australia to
invest and lower interest rates.



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------


Costs and Expenses
------------------

Production costs increased 62% in 2003 to $1,479,000 from $912,000 in
2002 in part because of the 28% Australian foreign exchange rate increase
discussed below. During 2003, production costs also increased because of the
Nockatunga project ($176,000) and the Cooper Basin ($25,000).

Exploration and dry hole costs increased 174% to $1,339,000 in 2003
from $489,000 in 2002. The 2003 and 2002 costs related to the exploration work
being performed on MPAL's properties. For the 2003 period, exploration costs
totaled $473,000 and dry hole costs totaled $866,000. For the 2002 period,
exploration costs totaled $270,000 and dry hole costs totaled $219,000. The dry
holes were drilled on MPAL properties in Australia and New Zealand. In addition
there was a 28% Australian foreign exchange rate increase discussed below.

Salaries and employee benefits increased 34% to $718,000 in 2003 from
$536,000 in 2002. During the 2003 period, there was a 28% increase in the
Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed below. In addition, there were
also regular annual increases in salaries.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization increased 113% from $782,000
in 2002 to $1,666,000 in 2003. During the 2003 period, there was a 28% increase
in the Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed below. Depletion expense
for the Palm Valley and Mereenie fields increased 52% during the period
primarily because of the increased costs of the current Mereenie development
program and in the 2002 period the Palm Valley reserves were increased by 35%.
In addition, $206,000 in DD&A was also recorded for the Nockatunga project and
the Cooper Basin. The reserves in the Cooper Basin were reduced by 50%
from 50,000 barrels to 25,000 barrels during the current period because of lower
oil production than estimated. DD&A increased by approximately $47,000 because
of this change in reserves.

Auditing, accounting and legal expenses decreased 20% in 2003 to
$99,000 from $124,000 in 2002 primarily because the 2002 period included higher
audit fees in connection with the adoption of the new accounting standard for
asset retirement obligations.



Accretion expense increased 19% in the 2003 period from $75,000 in 2002
to $89,000 in 2003. Accretion expense represents the accretion on the asset
retirement obligations (ARO) under SFAS 143 that was adopted effective July 1,
2002. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003, there was a revision of
estimates that reduced the amount of ARO. The decrease in the 2003 period was
offset by the 28% increase in the Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed
below and the additions for the Nockatunga project and the Kotaneelee gas field.

Shareholder communications costs increased 5% from $84,000 in 2002 to
$88,000 in 2003 primarily because of MPC and MPAL's increased costs related to
their status as public companies.

Other administrative expenses decreased 20% from $198,000 in 2002 to
$158,000 in 2003. During the 2003 period, there was a 28% increase in the
Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed below. In addition, there were
increases in directors' fees and expenses, rent and travel expenses during the
2003 period. These increases were offset by the amount of overhead that MPAL, as
operator, charged its partners during 2003.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------


Income Taxes
------------

Income tax provision decreased in 2003 to a tax benefit of $62,000
from a tax provision of $212,000 in 2002. The components of the income tax (in
thousands) between MPC and MPAL were as follows:


2003 2002
------- -------
Pretax consolidated income (loss) $(794) $ 683
MPC's loss not recognized 206 172
Permanent differences (159) (216)
----- -----
Book taxable income (loss) $(747) $ 639
====== =====

Australian tax rate 30% 30%
=== ===

Australian income tax benefit (provision) $ 224 $(192)
Tax benefit of MPAL losses reversed (139) -
MPC income tax (provision) (23) (20)
------ -----
Income tax benefit (provision) $ 62 $(212)
==== ======

Current income tax (provision) $(23) $(27)
Deferred income tax (provision) benefit 85 (192)
---- ------
Income tax benefit (provision) $62 $ (212)
=== =======

Effective tax rate 8% 31%
== ===

MPC's 2003 and 2002 income tax provisions represent the 25% Canadian
withholding tax on its Kotaneelee gas field carried interest net proceeds. The
tax benefit of $139,000 in the prior quarter has been reversed because of the
current period loss. As of June 30, 2003, MPAL had an operating loss of
$5,550,000 from financing the exploration activities, the $1,665,000 benefit of
which had not been taken into account because there was no assurance at the time
that the loss benefit would be realized.


Exchange Effect
---------------

The value of the Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar
increased to $.7529 at December 31, 2003 compared to a value of $.6813 at
September 30, 2003. This resulted in a $2,491,000 credit to the foreign currency
translation adjustments account for the three months ended December 31, 2003.
The average exchange rate used to translate MPAL's operations in Australia was
$.7167 for the quarter ended December 31, 2003, which is a 28% increase compared
to the $.5583 rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2002.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------


Six months ended December 31, 2003 vs. December 31, 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------


Revenues
--------

Oil sales increased 49% in the 2003 quarter to $2,274,000 from
$1,525,000 in 2002 because of a 24% Australian foreign exchange rate increase
discussed below and new oil sales from the Cooper Basin and the Nockatunga
project. Oil unit sales are expected to continue to decline in the Mereenie
field unless additional development wells are drilled to maintain production
levels. MPAL is dependent on the operator (65% control) of the Mereenie field to
maintain production. Oil unit sales (before deducting royalties) in barrels
(bbls) and the average price per barrel sold during the periods indicated were
as follows:




Six months ended December 31,
-----------------------------
2003 Sales 2002 Sales
------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Average price Average price
Bbls A.$ per bbl Bbls A.$ per bbl
---- --- ------- ---- --- -------
Australia:

Mereenie field 69,016 40.33 70,010 43.24
Cooper Basin 4,662 35.69 - -
Nockatunga project 18,267 35.90 - -
------ ------
Total 91,945 39.21 70,010 43.24
====== ======


Gas sales increased 49% to $6,918,000 in 2003 from $4,655,000 in 2002
because of the 24% Australian foreign exchange rate increase discussed below and
the proceeds from the Canadian Kotaneelee gas field settlement.

Six months ended December 31,
2003 2002
------------ --------
Australia $5,592,000 $4,485,000
Canada-recurring 191,000 170,000
Canada-settlement 1,135,000 -
--------- ----------
Total $6,918,000 $4,655,000
========== ==========

During the 2003 period, the volume of gas sold in Australia increased
3% but the average price of gas sold decreased 2%. The volumes in billion cubic
feet (bcf) (before deducting royalties) and the average price of gas per
thousand cubic feet (mcf) sold during the periods indicated were as follows:





Six months ended December 31,
-----------------------------
2003 Sales 2002 Sales
----------------------- --------------------
A.$ average price per mcf A.$ average price per mcf
------------------------- -------------------------
bcf mcf bcf mcf
--- --- --- ---


Australia: Palm Valley 1.456 2.21 1.577 2.48
Australia: Mereenie 2.029 2.82 1.818 2.75
----- -----
Total 3.485 2.56 3.395 2.62
===== =====



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------


Other production related revenues increased 72% to $802,000 in 2003
from $465,000 in 2002. Other production related revenues are primarily MPAL's
share of gas pipeline tariff revenues which increased as a result of the higher
volumes of gas sold, and because of the 24% Australian foreign exchange rate
increase discussed below.

Interest and other income increased 36% to $577,000 in 2003 from
$425,000 in 2002 primarily because of the $102,000 interest received from the
funds held in escrow from the Kotaneelee settlement and because of the 24%
Australian foreign exchange rate increase discussed below.

Costs and Expenses
------------------

Production costs increased 47% in 2003 to $2,778,000 from $1,896,000 in
2002 in part because of the 24% Australian foreign exchange rate increase
discussed below. During 2003, production costs also increased because of the new
costs of Nockatunga project ($343,000) and the Cooper Basin ($42,000).

Exploration and dry hole costs increased 47% to $1,905,000 in 2003 from
$1,296,000 in 2002. The 2003 and 2002 costs related to the exploration work
being performed on MPAL's properties. For the 2003 period, exploration costs
totaled $774,000 and dry hole costs totaled $1,131,000. For the 2002 period,
exploration costs totaled $710,000 and dry hole costs totaled $586,000. The dry
holes were drilled on MPAL properties in Australia and New Zealand. In addition
there was a 24% Australian foreign exchange rate increase discussed below.

Salaries and employee benefits increased 35% to $1,281,000 in 2003 from
$946,000 in 2002. During the 2003 period, there was a 24% increase in the
Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed below. In addition, there were
also regular annual increases in salaries.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization increased 66% from $1,656,000
in 2002 to $2,744,000 in 2003. During the 2003 period, there was a 24% increase
in the Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed below. Depletion expense
for the Palm Valley and Mereenie fields increased 28% during the period
primarily because of the increased costs of the current Mereenie development
program and in the 2002 period the Palm Valley reserves were increased by 35%.
In addition, $206,000 in DD&A was also recorded for the Nockatunga project and
the Cooper Basin. The reserves in the Cooper Basin were reduced by 50%
from 50,000 barrels to 25,000 barrelsduring the current period because of lower
oil production than estimated. DD&A increased by approximately $47,000 because
of this change in reserves.

Auditing, accounting and legal expenses decreased 9% in 2003 to
$240,000 from $265,000 in 2002 primarily because the 2002 period included higher
audit fees in connection with the adoption of the new accounting standard for
asset retirement obligations.

Accretion expense increased 14% in the 2003 period from $149,000 in
2002 to $170,000 in 2003. Accretion expense represents the accretion on the
asset retirement obligations (ARO) under SFAS 143 that was adopted effective
July 1, 2002. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003, there was a
revision of estimates that reduced the amount of ARO. The decrease in the 2003
period was offset by the 24% increase in the Australian foreign exchange rate as
discussed below and the additions for the Nockatunga project and the Kotaneelee
gas field.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations (Cont'd)
------------------------------


Shareholder communications costs increased 4% from $115,000 in 2002 to
$120,000 in 2003 primarily because of MPC and MPAL's increased costs related to
their status as public companies.

Other administrative expenses increased 19% from $249,000 in 2002 to
$296,000 in 2003. During the 2003 period, there was a 24% increase in the
Australian foreign exchange rate as discussed below. In addition, there were
increases in directors' fees and expenses, rent and travel expenses during the
2003 period. These increases were offset by the amount of overhead that MPAL, as
operator, charged its partners during 2003.

Income Taxes
------------

Income tax provision increased in 2003 to $349,000 from $213,000 in
2002. The components of the income tax (in thousands) between MPC and MPAL were
as follows:


2003 2002
-------- -------
Pretax consolidated income $1,038 $ 499
MPC's (income) loss not recognized (839) 301
Permanent differences (482) (232)
----- -----
Book taxable income (loss) $ (283) $ 569
======= =====

Australian tax rate 30% 30%
=== ===

Australian income tax benefit (provision) $ 85 $ (171)
MPC income tax (provision) (434) (42)
----- -----
Income tax (provision) $ (411) $ (213)
======= =======

Current income tax (provision) $(434) $ (42)
Deferred income tax benefit (provision) 85 (171)
------ ------
Income tax provision $(349) $ (213)
====== =======

Effective tax rate 33% 43%
=== ===
MPC's 2003 and 2002 income tax provisions represent the 25% Canadian
withholding tax on its Kotaneelee gas field carried interest net proceeds. As of
June 30, 2003, MPAL had an operating loss of $5,550,000 from financing the
exploration activities, the $1,665,000 benefit of which had not been taken into
account because there was no assurance at the time that the loss benefit would
be realized.


Exchange Effect
---------------

The value of the Australian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar
increased to $.7529 at December 31, 2003 compared to a value of $.6737 at June
30, 2003. This resulted in a $2,733,000 credit to the foreign currency
translation adjustments account for the six months ended December 31, 2003. The
12% increase in the value of the Australian dollar increased the reported asset
and liability amounts in the balance sheet at December 31, 2003 from the June
30, 2003 amounts. The average exchange rate used to translate MPAL's operations
in Australia was $.6878 for the six month period ended December 31, 2003, which
is a 24% increase compared to the $.5528 rate for six month period ended
December 31, 2002.





MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------

The Company does not have any significant exposure to market risk,
other than as previously discussed regarding foreign currency risk and the risk
of fluctuations in the world price of crude oil, as the only market risk
sensitive instruments are its investments in marketable securities. For fiscal
year 2003, oil sales represented approximately 25% of production revenues,
therefore, an increase in the world price of crude oil would only have a modest
positive impact on the Company's earnings, while a decrease in crude oil prices
would have a similar negative impact on earnings. Gas sales, which represented
approximately 75% of production revenues in fiscal 2003, are derived primarily
from the Palm Valley and Mereenie fields in the Northern Territory of Australia
and the gas prices are set according to long term contracts that are subject to
changes in the Australian Consumer Price Index. At December 31, 2003, the
carrying value of such investments in marketable securities including those
classified as cash and cash equivalents was approximately $22.3 million, which
approximates the fair value of the securities. Since the Company expects to hold
the investments to maturity, the maturity value should be realized.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
- ------- -----------------------

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
----------------------------------

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the
participation of the Company's management, including James R. Joyce, the
Company's President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2003. Based on
this evaluation, the Company's President concluded that the Company's disclosure
controls and procedures were effective such that the material information
required to be included in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission
reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in SEC rules and forms relating to the Company, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, and was made known to him by others within those
entities, particularly during the period when this report was being prepared.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
------------------------------------------

There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over
financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)
under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2003 of the
Company's fiscal year ending June 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over
financial reporting.










MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Item 1 Legal Proceedings
- ------ -----------------

During September 2003, the litigants in the Kotaneelee litigation
entered into a settlement agreement. During October 2003, the Company received
approximately $851,000, after Canadian withholding taxes and reimbursement of
certain past legal costs. The plaintiffs agreed to terminate all litigation
against the defendants related to the field, including the claim that the
defendants failed to fully develop the field. Since each party agreed to bear
its own legal costs, there were no taxable costs assessed against any of the
parties.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
- ------- ----------------------------------------------------

(a) On December 4, 2003, the Company held its 2003 Annual General
Meeting of Stockholders.

(b) The following director was reelected a director of the Company. The
vote was as follows:

Shares Stockholders
--------------------------- ---------------------------
For Withheld For Withheld
--- -------- --- --------
Donald V. Basso 21,560,127 755,743 1,695 163

(c) The firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP was appointed as the Company's
independent auditors for the year ending June 30, 2004. The vote was as follows:

Shares Stockholders
------ ------------
For 21,729,692 1,658
Against 430,204 90
Abstain 176,174 110

Item 5. Other Information
- ------- -----------------


During October 2003, the Semaphore 1 well in PEL 110 of the Cooper
Basin in South Australia was drilled and plugged and abandoned as a dry hole at
a cost to MPAL of approximately $300,000.

On November 3, 2003, the Thungo 8 well in ATP267P (PL 51) reached
total depth with good shows. The well will be cased and suspended as a future
oil well. The Thungo 8 well was drilled in the Nockatunga project (MPAL interest
41%) in the Eromanga Basin in Queensland.

On November 6, 2003, the Callisto 1 well (MPAL share 39%) in ATP267P
was spudded and on November 8, 2003, the Waitpinga 1 well (MPAL share 50%) in
PEL 94 in the Cooper Basin was also spudded. Both wells were drilled and plugged
and abandoned as dry holes.

Palm Valley Petroleum Lease No. 3 which was due to expire on November
8, 2003, has been renewed for an additional 21 years.



MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
December 31, 2003

Planning for the Palm Valley-11 well is in process but the well is not
expected to be spudded before late February 2004.

During February 2004, MPAL completed a farmout agreement with the
operator of its United Kingdom properties PEDL 98 and 113 on the Isle of Wight.
The operator will earn a 17.5% interest in the properties by funding 35% of the
cost of drilling an exploration well. The operator will also earn a 5% interest
in PEDL 99 in the Portsdown area of southern England. MPAL held a 45% interest
in each permit before the farmout agreement.

MPAL has reached an agreement with the operator of WA-306-P in the
Browse Basin of Western Australia to farmout a 37.5% interest in the permit for
the drilling of an exploration well on permit. MPAL will reduce its current 50%
interest to 12.5%. Drilling of the well is planned for later this year.

MPAL was granted an offshore exploration permit PEP 38225 in the Great
South Basin to the south of the South Island of New Zealand. MPAL also holds a
100% interest in the adjacent exploration permit PEP 38222.






MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Form 10-Q

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

December 31, 2003

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ------- --------------------------------

(a) Exhibits
--------
31. Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications.
------------------------------

Certification of James R. Joyce, President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, pursuant
to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
is filed herein.

32. Section 1350 Certifications.
----------------------------

Certification of James R. Joyce, President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. ss. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, is furnished herein.


(b) Reports on Form 8-K
-------------------

On October 2, 2003, the Company filed Amendment No. 2 to a
Current Report on Form 8-K to report that Ernst & Young LLP was dismissed as the
Company's independent auditors on September 26, 2003.

On October 7, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form
8-K to report that Deloitte & Touche LLP was retained as the Company's new
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004.

On November 3, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on
Form 8-K to report that both the Wawiri-1 well and the Bluff-1 well in New
Zealand were drilled and plugged and abandoned as dry holes.

On November 18, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on
Form 8-K to report that the Waitpinga-1 well in the Cooper Basin and the
Callisto-1 well in the Eromanga Basin in Australia were drilled and plugged and
abandoned as dry holes.

On December 11, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on
Form 8-K to report that Mr. James R. Joyce, the President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer will retire as of June 30, 2004.







MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

December 31, 2003



SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized:





MAGELLAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION
------------------------------
Registrant






Date: February 12, 2004 By /s/ James R. Joyce
--------------------------------
James R. Joyce, President and
Chief Financial and Accounting Officer


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