** Australia energy sub-index .AXEJ rises 2.9%, hitting its highest level since May 14

** Energy stocks track stronger oil prices, which rose after the U.S. barred Chevron CVX.N from exporting crude from Venezuela O/R

** Woodside WDS.AX up 3.9%, YTD down 9.2%; Santos STO.AX up 2.3%, YTD down 1.5%

** Sub-index down 7% YTD, including day's moves

(Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri in Bengaluru)

((shivangi.lahiri@thomsonreuters.com))