03:49 PM EST, 02/10/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were higher late Monday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index rising 1.9% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) adding 2.2%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index climbed 3.1%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities index was up 0.5%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose 2% to $72.41 a barrel while the global benchmark Brent crude contract advanced 1.8% to $75.97 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures rose 4.2% to $3.45 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Stardust Power ( SDST ) shares jumped past 9% after it said Monday it has signed a licensing deal that gives it the exclusive rights to use KMX Technologies' vacuum membrane distillation technology for lithium extraction and concentration in the US, Canada and some other markets.

NRG Energy ( NRG ) shares added 1.8% after it said Monday it has entered into a partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee to bring seven international soccer matches to NRG Stadium in Houston.

Elliott Investment Management has amassed a stake in BP (BP), according to media reports. BP shares gained 7.3%.

Kosmos Energy ( KOS ) shares rose over 8% after the company said it has achieved first liquified natural gas production at the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, offshore Mauritania and Senegal.