Reliance Industries beat expectations for third-quarter profit on Thursday, as its retail business benefited from strong festive demand, while its telecom unit was bolstered by higher cellular tariffs and a rise in 5G subscribers.

Reliance Industries Ltd., controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, posted a slightly better-than-expected quarterly profit, as gains from higher telecom tariffs offset the weakness in its petrochemical business.

Reliance Industries Ltd on Thursday reported a 7.4 per cent rise in its December quarter net profit as retail business rebounded, telecom earnings surged on higher tariffs and mainstay oil and petrochemicals business delivered consistent performance.

Reliance Industries on Thursday reported a better-than-expected third-quarter profit, helped by strong performance across its energy, retail and digital services segments.