Eni third-quarter profits fall as production hits high

MILAN (Reuters) - Italian energy group Eni <ENI.MI> said its adjusted net profit in the third quarter fell 44% on the year, in line with expectations, as lower oil and gas prices took their toll.

It said production jumped 6% to 1.89 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, its highest level for a third-quarter, and said it expected a further increase in the final quarter.

The major said it would invest slightly less than the 8 billion euros ($8.9 billion) it had previously targeted for the year.

($1 = 0.9005 euros)

(Reporting by Stephen Jewkes)