09:26 AM EDT, 03/24/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were edging higher pre-bell Tuesday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF ( XLE ) advancing by 0.4%.

The United States Oil Fund ( USO ) was 3.9% higher and The United States Natural Gas Fund ( UNG ) was up 0.9%.

Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up 4.5% at $92.06 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil rose by 3.2% to $103.16 per barrel, and natural gas futures were 0.5% higher at $2.91 per 1 million British Thermal Units.

Borr Drilling ( BORR ) stock was up more than 1% after the company said it has agreed to acquire five jack-up rigs from Fontis Finance for $287 million, with closing expected during Q3, pending regulatory approval.

Valero Energy ( VLO ) has shut its 380,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Port Arthur, Texas following an explosion and fire at a diesel hydrotreater unit, multiple media outlets reported. Valero Energy ( VLO ) shares were down more than 1% premarket.

EQT (EQT) said it has increased the size of its ongoing cash tender offer for multiple series of senior notes, citing strong early participation. EQT stock was 0.8% higher pre-bell.