01:35 PM EDT, 03/19/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were higher Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index rising 0.9% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) adding 1%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index climbed 1.7%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities index was up 0.6%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil was rising 1.1% to $83.61 a barrel while the global benchmark Brent crude contract was advancing 0.7% to $87.49 a barrel.

Henry Hub natural gas futures were 0.8% higher at $1.72 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Pembina Pipeline ( PBA ) said Tuesday it has received approval from Canada's Competition Bureau for the proposed takeover by Pembina of Enbridge's interest in the Alliance, Aux Sable, and NRGreen joint ventures. Pembina shares rose 0.6%.