Energy stocks were leaning lower premarket Tuesday with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) recently 0.4% lower.

The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 0.8% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.7% lower.

Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 1.3% lower at $69.82 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil lost 1.1% to $73.08 per barrel, and natural gas futures were down 1.2% at $3.18 per 1 million British Thermal Units.

Kosmos Energy (KOS) shares rose past 15% after the company said it does not currently plan to make an offer for Tullow Oil after preliminary discussions about the potential acquisition.

Talos Energy (TALO) said it has sold an additional 30.1% stake in its Talos Mexico subsidiary to Zamajal for $49.7 million in cash, with a further $33 million due upon the first commercial production from the Zama Field. Talos Energy shares were up 0.8% premarket.

Exxon Mobil's (XOM) Australian brand affiliate is facing legal proceedings initiated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over allegations of false or misleading statements about fuel sold at six Mobil stations in Queensland, the regulator said. Exxon Mobil shares were 0.4% lower pre-bell.