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
16 January 2026
The country’s global energy importance and domestic political fate are interlocked, highlighting its outsized oil and gas powers, and the heightened fallout risk
16 January 2026
The global maritime oil transport sector enters 2026 facing a rare convergence of crude oversupply, record newbuild deliveries and the potential easing of several geopolitical disruptions that have shaped trade flows since 2022
15 January 2026
Rebuilding industry, energy dominance and lower energy costs are key goals that remain at odds in 2026
14 January 2026
Chavez’s socialist reforms boosted state control but pushed knowledge and capital out of the sector, opening the way for the US shale revolution






