** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ fall as much as 2.8% to 7,899, their lowest level since December 31, 2021; last down 2.2%
** Underlying crude oil prices take a beating after top consumer U.S. posts higher-than-expected stockpiles of the commodity, announcement from OPEC+ regarding an output hike continues to impact sentiment O/R
** Oil and gas major Woodside Energy WDS.AX drops as much as 5.1% to lowest since January 2022, while smaller rival Santos STO.AX is down 1%
** Sub-index is down 8% this year
(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)
((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))