Energy stocks were higher late Monday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index rising 1.7% and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) adding 1.9%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index was advancing 2.1%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities Index was falling 1.1%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose 2.8% to $85.77 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract advanced 2.5% to $90.30 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures added 1.3% to $2.93 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Helix Energy Solutions' (HLX) shareholders approved all proposals required to complete an all-stock combination with Hornbeck Offshore Services, the companies said Monday. Helix Energy shares rose 1.6%.