May 8 (Reuters) – Pipeline operator Enbridge beat first-quarter adjusted ‌profit expectations on Friday, ‌helped by steady gains in its gas ​transmission and utility businesses.

The company is benefiting from rising demand for natural gas, utility ‌infrastructure and ⁠power supply for data centers, allowing the company ⁠to generate steady growth even amid geopolitical tensions and ​commodity price ​volatility.

It reported ​a rise in ‌core profit from its gas distribution unit to C$1.7 billion, from C$1.6 billion last year.

Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge reported adjusted ‌profit of 98 ​Canadian cents per ​share ​for the three months ‌ended March 31, compared ​with ​analysts’ average estimate of 94 Canadian cents, according to ​data ‌compiled by LSEG.

(Reporting by Katha ​Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing ​by Pooja Desai)