Energy stocks were higher Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index rising 0.2% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) adding 0.5%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index was decreasing 2.2%, while the Dow Jones US Utilities index was adding 0.8%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose 1.6% to $67.78 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract advanced 1.4% to $71.05 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures were 3.1% higher at $3.08 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Chart Industries' (GTLS) shares jumped past 15% after it terminated its merger deal with Flowserve (FLS) and agreed to be acquired by Baker Hughes (BKR) in a $13.6 billion cash deal. Baker Hughes shares were down 1.8%, and Flowserve rose 0.7%.

Expro (XPRO) shares surged nearly 30% after it reported Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations

Chevron (CVX) said Tuesday that John Hess, former CEO of Hess (HES), has been named to its board of directors. Chevron shares were down 0.3%.

Ares Management (ARES) said a fund managed by Ares Infrastructure Opportunities formed a joint venture with Shell's (SHEL) Savion Equity subsidiary to hold stakes in five US solar projects. Shell was advancing 0.8%.