Ampol, an Australian fuel retailer giant, saw its shares rise by as much as 2.3% to A$33.3.

If these gains hold, it will be the company’s largest increase since July 20.

The company’s stock reached its highest level since July 25.

Ampol’s first-half profit and dividend surpassed market expectations, even as margins from its Lytton refinery in Brisbane softened.

Ampol declared an interim dividend of 95 Australian cents per share, surpassing the market consensus of 88 Australian cents per share.

The company reported a net profit after tax from continuing operations of A$329.6 million on a replacement-cost basis for the first half, outperforming the consensus estimate of A$302 million.

The stock has risen 16.9% this year, up to the last closing.

Ampol (ASX:ALD) is Australia’s largest fuel retailer.