July 31 (Reuters) - Oil and gas firm APA beat

analysts' estimates for second-quarter profit on Wednesday,

helped by higher production and oil prices.

Brent crude rose in the second quarter on an average

on OPEC+ production cut extension, expectations of strong demand

and Fed rate cuts, prompting oil firms to produce more.

The Houston-based firm's quarterly oil production was at

253,649 barrels per day (bpd), compared with 198,831 bpd a year

earlier.

APA said average oil prices rose 7.7% to $82.28 per barrel.

The company reported an adjusted profit of $1.17 per share

for the quarter ended June 30, compared with analysts' average

estimate of 94 cents, according to LSEG data.

(Reporting by Tanay Dhumal in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj

Kalluvila)