Profit from turning crude oil into refined products in the third quarter this year fell to $6.6 a metric ton from $12.4 a ton in the second quarter of 2009.

Total's margin indicator reflects the difference between the market price of refined products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, and the cost of buying a selection of crude oils. Total's data also take into account variable costs ,such as the energy needed to run a refinery.

Total also said Wednesday that the average price of Brent crude over the third quarter rose to $68.1 a barrel from $59.1 a barrel in the previous three month period.

Company Web site: www.total.com

-By William Horobin and Adam Mitchell, Dow Jones Newswires, +33 1 4017 1740; william.horobin@dowjones.com