UPDATE 1-Capricorn Energy rises after $50 million payment from Egypt

(Adds background in paragraphs 2-3, details from the company's statement 4-5) Oct 24 (Reuters) – Shares of Capricorn Energy jumped nearly 16% on Friday after the oil and gas producer received $50 million from Egypt's state-owned petroleum corporation under a concession agreement. In May, Capricorn and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) agreed to merge eight concessions in Egypt into a single deal under a joint venture with Cheiron Oil and Gas, boosting investments and production in the company's core region. Capricorn's accelerating cash collections from Egypt come as international oil firms operating in the country face lengthy delays in payments, with improved flows signalling the government's efforts to clear arrears to energy companies. The Scotland-based company said it expects to receive further material payments against arrears before the year-end. Capricorn said it expects to deliver annual production above the mid-point of its 17,000-21,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day guidance. (Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)

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