Empire Petroleum Corporation Upgraded to OTCQB® Venture Market

TULSA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Empire Petroleum Corporation EMPR ("Empire" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has been approved to upgrade its common shares from the Pink® Open Market to the OTCQB^® Venture Market under the trading symbol "EMPR", effective January 30, 2017.

President Mike Morrisett commented, "Upgrading to the OTCQB is a positive step forward for the Company. The upgrade confirms our commitment of increased transparency to our growing shareholder base and will improve the trading experience for investors."

OTCQB^®:

The OTCQB^® Venture Market, operated by OTC Markets Group Inc., requires companies to remain current and compliant in their reporting, and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. These standards provide improved investor confidence through verified information, as well as greater information availability, and transparent prices for investors with Real Time Level 2 quotes.

U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real Time Level 2 quotes for Empire at http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/EMPR/quote.

About Empire Petroleum Corporation:

Empire Petroleum Corporation EMPR is an Oklahoma based energy company engaged in the business of oil and gas exploration and development in North America.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts that address activities, events or developments that the company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the ability of the company to continue as a going concern. Actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking statements. For a list of certain material risks relating to the company, see Empire Petroleum Corporation's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

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