Energy stocks were rising Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) each adding about 1.3%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index advanced 0.7%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities index was up 0.6%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil was rising 0.9% to $62.83 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract was advancing 0.8% to $66.56 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures were up 0.2% at $3.10 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Valero Energy (VLO) is in discussions with California lawmakers about receiving millions of dollars from the state to continue operating its San Francisco-area refinery, which is set to close in April, Bloomberg reported. Valero gained 2.8%.

Exxon Mobil (XOM) said Tuesday it has agreed to acquire the technology, US-based assets and select international offices of Superior Graphite, a producer of graphite and advanced materials. Exxon shares rose 1.4%.

CMS Energy (CMS) subsidiary Consumers Energy said Tuesday it agreed to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers to Confluence Hydro, an affiliate of investment firm Hull Street Energy. CMS Energy shares added 0.5%.