July 31 (Reuters) - Refiner HF Sinclair beat

Wall Street estimates for second-quarter profit on Thursday,

helped by higher refining margins.

Top U.S. refiners were expected to post higher

second-quarter profits, rebounding from first-quarter losses as

stronger-than-expected diesel margins lifted earnings. The

improved margins helped peers such as Valero Energy ( VLO )

surpass Wall Street estimates.

Fuel makers have seen an unexpected boost in profits from

key products in recent months, offering relief after earnings

retreated from 2022 highs driven by a post-pandemic demand

rebound and supply disruptions following Russia's invasion of

Ukraine.

The company's adjusted refinery gross margin per barrel was

up at $16.50 in the quarter, compared with $11.33 from a year

earlier.

The company reported adjusted profit of $1.70 per share for

the three months ended June 30, compared with analysts' average

estimate of $1.02 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.