Oil prices have surged sharply in 2026 as escalating geopolitical tensions have disrupted major supply routes and tightened global energy markets. Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude have climbed more than 65% since the start of the year, reflecting growing concerns over constrained Middle East exports and damage to Russian energy infrastructure. With physical supplies remaining tight and fresh risks surrounding key shipping lanes, the oil rally continues to create a supportive backdrop for energy stocks with strong price momentum.

Against this backdrop, Baker Hughes (BKR Quick QuoteBKR - Free Report) , Marathon Petroleum (MPC Quick QuoteMPC - Free Report) and Solaris Energy Infrastructure (SEI Quick QuoteSEI - Free Report) stand out as three momentum stocks carrying favorable Zacks Ranks. Their strong price trends make them worth watching as investors look for ways to participate in the ongoing strength across the energy space. With crude markets still supported by supply constraints and geopolitical uncertainty, these stocks could remain in focus if oil prices stay elevated.

Oil Supply Concerns Keep Crude Prices Elevated

Brent crude has recently traded around the $105-per-barrel level, while West Texas Intermediate has hovered near $95. More important than the day-to-day moves is the scale of this year’s advance: both benchmarks have risen significantly since January. The rally has been driven largely by reduced oil flows from the Middle East, where disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks affecting Saudi export routes have made global supplies harder to move reliably.

Supply pressure extends beyond the Middle East. Ukrainian drone and missile attacks have damaged Russian oil infrastructure, reducing crude processing, production and exports. At the same time, Saudi crude exports have fallen sharply, while interruptions to key pipelines and Red Sea routes have added strain. Although negotiations between the United States and Iran can trigger sudden pullbacks, the broader market remains tight, keeping crude prices well above the levels seen at the beginning of 2026.

Oil Outlook Remains Supportive

The near-term outlook for oil remains favorable as supply risks continue to outweigh concerns over softer demand. The International Energy Agency has raised its estimate of this year’s global oil deficit and now expects the return of a surplus to be delayed until 2027. With major producing regions still facing export disruptions, crude prices could remain elevated, supporting continued investor interest in energy stocks displaying strong momentum.

Here’s What We Believe

We believe investors can benefit by following established bullish market trends, making momentum investing a useful strategy in the current environment.

The Zacks Style Score system helps identify stocks with favorable characteristics. In particular, the Momentum Score highlights stocks showing strong price trends that could continue.

We combine a Zacks Momentum Score of A with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which identifies stocks with strong prospects for outperforming the market over the next one to three months. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Since estimate revisions are a key driver of the Zacks Rank, stocks with favorable ranks and strong momentum scores can offer attractive short-term potential.

Here, we have selected three energy stocks for momentum investors based primarily on these two factors.

3 Stocks to Buy

Baker Hughes: It is an energy technology company with operations spanning oilfield services and equipment, industrial and energy technology, and a broader industrial portfolio following the Chart Industries acquisition. Baker Hughes’ offerings cover drilling, production, subsea systems, compression, power generation, flow control and digital solutions, giving it exposure across much of the energy value chain.

The current oil upswing could support BKR by encouraging stronger upstream activity and continued spending by producers, particularly across its Oilfield Services & Equipment business. At the same time, growing demand for gas infrastructure, power and industrial solutions adds diversification, while management continues to target stronger margins and durable earnings growth.

Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Baker Hughes’ 2026 earnings has moved up 12.5%.

Marathon Petroleum: It is a major U.S. refiner with operations spanning the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent and West Coast. Marathon Petroleum’s integrated refining and logistics network helps move crude efficiently and place finished fuels in attractive markets. Through MPLX, MPC also has sizable midstream exposure, including natural gas processing, pipelines and NGL infrastructure.

The current oil-market tightness could support Marathon Petroleum if strong fuel prices and wider refining spreads persist. Its flexible refining system can process both sweet and sour crude, helping optimize feedstock costs and margins. Meanwhile, MPLX adds steadier cash flows and growth exposure beyond refining.

Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Marathon Petroleum’s 2026 earnings has moved up 37%.

Solaris Energy Infrastructure: Solaris Energy Infrastructure provides power and logistics solutions across energy and industrial markets. Its Power Solutions business supplies behind-the-meter generation, distribution and related services, while Logistics Solutions serves upstream energy customers. The company is expanding rapidly, with 3.2 GW of power capacity under firm OEM purchase orders and long-term agreements supporting more than 2 GW of data-center demand.

SEI also benefits from exposure to oilfield activity through its logistics operations. If elevated oil prices encourage producers to maintain or increase drilling and completion work, demand for these services could improve. At the same time, logistics cash flow helps fund the company’s growing power platform.

Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Solaris Energy Infrastructure’s 2026 earnings has moved up 57%.