EXHIBIT 99.1      
      
NEWS RELEASE
      

CONTACT: KEVIN R. WHITE OR SHAWN ABERNATHY
         405 749-1300
      
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      
LOUIS DREYFUS NATURAL GAS CLOSES MERGER WITH AMERICAN EXPLORATION COMPANY
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The merger of American Exploration Company (AMEX:AX) into Louis Dreyfus
Natural Gas (NYSE:LD) was completed October 14, 1997 after approval by the
shareholders of both companies. 
      
The combined entity has total proved oil and gas reserves of over 1.2 trillion
cubic feet of natural gas equivalents comprised of approximately 80% natural
gas and 20% crude oil and liquids.  Daily production will be in excess of 300
million cubic feet of natural gas equivalents.  Additionally the Company will
have combined gross undeveloped acreage in excess of 2.5 million acres.
      
Mark Monroe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Dreyfus Natural
Gas, stated "We are extremely pleased with shareholder approvals for the
merger.  Both companies have been working closely since we announced the
merger in late June.  Consequently, we expect to complete the integration of
the two companies rather quickly and with no disruption in our drilling
plans." 
      
Mark Andrews, former President and Chief Executive Officer of American
Exploration who has been appointed Vice Chairman of Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas
noted, "This merger achieves several important goals for both companies.  The
combined enterprise has a more balanced asset base, better growth
opportunities and the financial wherewithal to execute its strategies."
      
As a result of the merger, each outstanding common share of American
Exploration stock will be converted into the right to receive .72 shares of
Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas common stock plus $3.00 in cash, resulting in the
issuance of 11.3 million shares of Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas common stock and
the payment of $47.2 million in cash.  Holders of American's $20 million 
convertible preferred stock will receive Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas preferred
shares with essentially identical features.  Trading of American Exploration
stock will cease as of October 14, 1997.  Former shareholders of American
Exploration will receive instructions on surrendering their shares in the near
future.
      
In related matters, Messrs. Peter G. Gerry and John H. Moore, directors of
American Exploration, were elected to the board of Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas. 
In addition, Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas established a new unsecured five year
revolving bank credit facility providing for up to $550 million to repay
indebtedness under its existing $300 million facility, to repay American's
bank indebtedness and to provide additional funding for the transaction.     
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     Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas is an independent energy company engaged in the
acquisition, development, exploration, production and marketing of natural gas
and crude oil.  Internet address:  http://www.ldng.com