** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ rise 1.1% to hit their highest levels since March 6
** The energy sub-index up as much as 1.6% in early trade
** Oil prices rose slightly overnight after the U.S. vowed to keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until the group ends its assaults on shipping
** Upbeat Chinese economic data also buoyed hopes for higher oil demand O/R
** Oil and gas giant Woodside Energy WDS.AX up as much as 1.3% to A$23.1, its highest since March 11
** Sector leader Santos STO.AX set for a seventh straight day of gains, up as much as 1.1% to A$6.36, its highest since March 5
** The sub-index down 7.5% YTD, including current session's moves vs a 3.1% decline in benchmark ASX 200 index .AXJO
(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru)
((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com;))

