09:27 AM EDT, 10/08/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were edging higher premarket Wednesday, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund ( XLE ) advancing by nearly 0.2%.

The United States Oil Fund ( USO ) was nearly 0.3% higher and the United States Natural Gas Fund ( UNG ) was down 1.8%.

Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 0.8% higher at $62.25 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil gained 0.7% to $65.91 per barrel. Natural gas futures were down 1.7% at $3.439 per 1 million British Thermal Units.

Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) is considering re-entering Iraq after a two-year break through a heads-of-agreement with Basra Oil Co. and SOMO for the Majnoon oil field, multiple news outlets reported, citing Iraqi officials and another source familiar with the matter. Shares of Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) were 0.2% higher pre-bell.

Cenovus Energy ( CVE ) said it has entered an amendment for its agreement to acquire MEG Energy, representing its best and final offer. Shares of Cenovus Energy ( CVE ) were 0.8% lower premarket.

Core Natural Resources ( CNR ) stock was 0.2% higher after the company said it appointed Board Chair Jimmy Brock to the additional position of chief executive, with immediate effect.