Capricorn builds an Egyptian platform for growth
The Edinburgh-headquartered producer sees its basin-entry acquisition as just the start of a journey that could even take it beyond oil and gas
UK-listed independent Capricorn Energy acquired, alongside local partner Cheiron, a portfolio of upstream oil and gas production, development and exploration interests in Egypt’s Western Desert from Shell in September last year. But, as Capricorn COO Paul Mayland tells Petroleum Economist, the deal is just the beginning of the journey. Mayland is upbeat about Egypt’s prospects, not least due to political will to support the sector that is not simply words but is translating into practical action on paying bills, reforming agreements and innovating on licensing. And he believes Capricorn brings a great deal to the Egyptian table in terms of its previous experience—leaving it well placed not o
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






