Solvay, one of the world’s largest soda ash producers, reported a second-quarter profit that exceeded analyst’s estimates as price increases and rising demand for some products compensated for higher energy costs.

Net income more than doubled to €111 million from €44 million a year earlier, the Brussels-based company confirmed in a statement.

Solvay said it raised prices for products including soda ash, caustic soda, polyvinyl chloride and specialty polymers by 11%. The volume sold increased by 4% after Solvay expanded production capacity for specialty polymers.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and special items rose by 12% to €304 million and were unchanged as a proportion of revenue, at 18%.