Energy stocks were higher Thursday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index climbing 1.9% and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) adding 1.6%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index was climbing 2%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities Index was falling 1.3%.

In sector news, Iran struck energy infrastructure across the Middle East, including a key liquefied natural gas export facility in Qatar, in a major escalation of the conflict that has disrupted energy supplies.

Qatar said Wednesday that Iran struck the Ras Laffan Industrial City gas facility, causing significant damage, according to media reports. It is the world's largest LNG export facility, CNBC reported.

Separately, QatarEnergy Chief Executive Saad al-Kaabi said Iranian attacks have wiped out 17% of Qatar's liquified natural gas export capacity, resulting in $20 billion in lost revenue, Reuters reported Thursday, citing an interview with the CEO.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil was rising 0.1% to $96.45 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract was advancing 0.9% to $108.30 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures rose 3.1% to $3.16 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Saudi Aramco's SAMREF joint venture in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, was hit by an aerial strike Thursday, Reuters reported, citing an industry source. The strike had minimal impact on the refinery, according to the report. Exxon shares were up 0.2%.

Shell (SHEL) said Thursday it is working closely with local authorities, partners, and customers to assess damage following Iran's attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City natural gas refinery in Qatar. Shell shares were down 1.5%.

Cheniere Energy (LNG) shares jumped past 6% after UBS lifted the company's price target to $305 from $301, while keeping the buy rating.