Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), the national oil and gas company posted a surge in its net profit of RM17.2 billion for third quarter ended September 30, driven by higher crude oil, processed gas and liquefied natural gas sales volume as well as higher petroleum products trading volume.

"These were achieved on the back of stronger customer demand and incrased trading opportunities respectively, coupled with the effect of th estrengthening of the US dollar against the ringgit," Petronas president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas told reporters today.

The national oil company's recorded a net profit of RM14.4 billion over the corresponding period a year ago.

It recorded improved revenue of RM81.4 billion, compared with RM68.3 billion for the period between July and September this year.

Cumulatively, Petronas group recorded an 8.5 per cent growth in revenue for the period ended September 30 2013 at RM232.5 billion compared with RM214.3 billion a year ago.

This was mainly driven by higher crude oil and processed gas trading activities as well as higher crude oil, processed gas and LNG sales volume, albeit partially offset by a reduction in average realised prices for all major products.