01:58 PM EDT, 09/15/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were mixed Monday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index up 0.2% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) easing 0.1%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index was adding 0.1%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities index was up 0.1%.

Ukraine over the weekend continued its attacks on Russian refineries, sending drones to the Novoil refinery in the city of Ufa, though damage was limited, according to a Guardian report. The attack is the latest by the Ukraine on Russia's oil sector as it attempts to limit the oil exports funding Russia's invasion and cut fuel supplies to its military.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose 0.9% to $63.28 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract advanced 0.6% to $67.41 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures were 2.3% higher at $3.01 per 1 million BTU.

In sector news, Blackstone (BX) has agreed to buy a natural gas power plant in Western Pennsylvania from private investment firm Ardian for about $1 billion amid growing electricity demand for AI technologies.

In corporate news, California Resources ( CRC ) and Berry (BRY) have struck an all-stock merger deal valuing Berry at about $717 million, inclusive of net debt, the firms said Monday. California Resources ( CRC ) shares jumped past 7%, and Berry surged 23%.

Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) plans to introduce a mechanism allowing retail investors to cast shareholder ballots automatically in line with board recommendations. Exxon shares were 0.1% lower.

Ring Energy ( REI ) said Chief Financial Officer Travis Thomas has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Ring was down 0.9%.