EXHIBIT 99.1

[PETROQUEST ENERGY, INC. LETTERHEAD]




NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information, contact:    Robert R. Brooksher, Vice President -
                                     Corporate Communications
                                     (337) 232-7028


                 PETROQUEST ENERGY ANNOUNCES OFFICER APPOINTMENT

Lafayette, Louisiana - January 3, 2002 - PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: PQUE)
announced today the appointment of Stephen H. Green as Senior Vice
President-Exploration. Since joining PetroQuest in September 1999, Mr. Green has
served as Vice President-Exploration and Business Development Manager. His
responsibilities will include directing the Company's exploration efforts both
onshore and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. During the eighteen years prior to
joining PetroQuest, Mr. Green held various management and technical positions in
both exploration and development with Ocean Energy, Inc., Newfield Exploration
Company and Tenneco, Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from
the University of South Alabama in 1978 and a Masters of Science Degree in
Geology from the University of Louisiana Lafayette in 1980.

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production
company primarily focused on growing its reserves and shareholder value through
a combination of drilling development locations and high potential exploration
prospects along the coast of and in the Gulf of Mexico.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements
are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected. Among those risks, trends and
uncertainties are our estimate of the sufficiency of our existing capital
sources, our ability to raise additional capital to fund cash requirements for
future operations, the uncertainties involved in estimating quantities of proved
oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, the
timing of development expenditures and the operating hazards attendant to the
oil and gas business. In particular, careful consideration should be given to
cautionary statements made in the various reports PetroQuest has filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. PetroQuest undertakes no duty to update or
revise these forward-looking statements.