Aug 1 (Reuters) - Canadian Natural Resources ( CNQ )

posted a rise in quarterly profit on Thursday, as the energy

producer benefited from higher crude prices and an increase in

output.

The Calgary, Alberta-based company's net income rose to

C$1.72 billion ($1.24 billion), or C$0.80 per share, for the

three months ended June 30, from C$1.46 billion, or C$0.66 per

share, a year earlier.

($1 = 1.3832 Canadian dollars)