<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the audited
financial statements of BP Prudhoe Bay Royalty Trust as of, and for the year
ended, December 31, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                         535,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               (291,976)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 243,024
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              195
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       242,829
<OTHER-SE>                                           0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   243,024
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                44,603
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   845
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 43,758
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             43,758
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    43,758
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    2.045
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    2.045