Higher oil prices driven by the Middle East conflict helped offset a decline in PetroChina's (HKG:0857, SHA:601857) fuel sales volume and production during the first half, leading to a rise in attributable profit.

China's largest oil producer posted an attributable net profit of 103.9 billion yuan for the first half, up 22% from a year earlier, after adjustments. Earnings per share increased to 0.57 yuan from 0.47 yuan in the year-ago period, according to a Friday filing with the Hong Kong Exchange.

Revenue edged up 5.3% year over year to 1.527 trillion yuan, which it attributed to the combined impact of higher prices and sales volume changes in its oil, gas, and chemical products.

Crude oil sales volume decreased alongside lower production, though this was offset by a jump in average realized prices. Similarly, gasoline sales and the combined production of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel declined as rising oil prices and alternative energy adoption reduced market demand.

Looking ahead, PetroChina said it will "actively promote" a return to production in its Middle East projects as the situation in the region changes to expand oil and gas output and grow its green power consumption capability.

The company declared an interim dividend of 0.26 yuan per share, payable Oct. 26 to shareholders on record as of Sept. 15.