CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - April 17, 2012) - Petro Viking Energy Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:VIK) is pleased to announce the appointment of a high-profile industry figure as its Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Henri Wennekers, B.Sc., M.Sc., Dr.Sc. (Earth Sciences) has been appointed Chief Operating Officer effective immediately.

Over the course of a 35 year career, Dr. Wennekers has evaluated over 240 offshore exploration blocks in Libya, Nigeria, Namibia, Egypt, West Africa, Madagascar, Indonesia and China. His offshore drilling experience includes the continental shelf and rise of the Republic of China, South Mediterranean, Canada's Nova Scotia Shelf, Canadian Arctic Islands and the Mackenzie Delta. Dr. Wennekers has held senior positions and consulted to a range of clients including Husky Energy, Petro Canada, Devon Energy, Seneca Energy, British Gas Canada, Sirte Oil Company (Libya) and Sproule Associates Ltd.

"We are delighted that Henri has accepted our offer to join Petro Viking as Chief Operating Officer," stated Giovanni DeFrancesco, President and CEO. "He brings to our company a wealth of experience gleaned from many years with premier companies in the international oil and gas industry. We are confident that Henri's broad international off-shore experience will be instrumental in driving the business forward and developing our Namibian offshore blocks, which we expect to close on shortly."

As COO of the Company, Dr. Wennekers' responsibilities are expected to include providing day to day leadership and operational control over the development of the Company's previously announced acquisition of three blocks off the coast of Namibia.

The appointment is subject to customary TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Petro Viking

Petro Viking is a junior oil and gas company focused on exploration for crude oil in western Canada. Petro Viking entered into an agreement dated March 19, 2012 to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of a privately held company which has an interest in three prospective offshore Namibia blocks. The development of these blocks will be led by an experienced and qualified technical team with strong relationships in Namibia.

The TSX-V has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the fact that the Company has not closed the acquisition of the private company, as referred to in its press release dated March 20, 2012. Actual results may differ materially. The Company will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company.

Publication Contributing Sources

• Market Wire