1 EXHIBIT 21.1 BENTON OIL AND GAS COMPANY LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES -------------------- JURISDICTION NAME OF INCORPORATION ---- ---------------- Benton Oil and Gas Company of Louisiana (Named changed from Energy Partners in January 1994) California Benton Oil de Venezuela, C.A. Venezuela Benton-Vinccler, C.A.* Venezuela * All subsidiaries are wholly-owned by Benton Oil and Gas Company, except Benton-Vinccler, C.A. which, effective March 4, 1994, is owned 80% by Benton Oil and Gas Company.