Eni SpA (E), Italy's biggest energy company by revenue, is keeping its forecast for Brent oil prices unchanged at $90 a barrel, adding that it expects the price of crude to be in a downward trend, rather than a rising one.

"Oil prices should be in the $90 to $100 a barrel range, unless there are dramatic international events," Chief Executive Paolo Scaroni said Thursday, speaking on the sidelines of a conference.

Around 0920 GMT, ICE Brent crude oil futures for August delivery were down 54 cents, or 0.5%, at $105.22 a barrel, as the army's ousting of President Mohammed Morsi in Egypt late Wednesday, after days of violent protest, appeared to restore some calm to the market.

The unrest in Egypt has prompted Eni to repatriate most of its foreign staff in the North African country as a safety precaution, said Mr. Scaroni. However, the Italian company hasn't stopped natural gas production in Egypt .

"All is going well [in Egypt for our operations]," said Mr. Scaroni, adding he was a little concerned "but not a lot" about the situation there.

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