By Jim Jelter
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Oil and gas stocks moved solidly higher in opening trades Tuesday, rising on higher oil prices and a gains across the broad stock market. The NYSE Arca Oil Index (XOI 1,026, +12.21, +1.20%) was up 1.4% at 1,027 points, with all components in the green, while the NYSE Arca Natural Gas Index (XNG 533.18, +9.15, +1.75%) was up 1.7% at 532 points. The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index (OSX 198.44, +2.54, +1.30%) was ahead 1.3% at 198. Crude oil futures for March were providing plenty of support, up $1.66, or 2.2%, at $75.79 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
