Australian energy stocks have registered a notable dip, reaching their lowest level in the past eight weeks.

The energy sub-index saw a slide of 1.3%, registering the lowest level since July 24.

This decline in oil prices comes amid expectations of a U.S.

interest rate hike and ahead of other central banks' guidance on their rate outlooks.

Among those affected, Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) fell 1.4%, marking the lowest in more than 8 weeks, while shares of Santos (ASX:STO) saw a drop of 1.6%, their lowest since the end of August.

Despite these setbacks, the sub-index has risen 5.3% this year as of its most recent close.

Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS) is a prominent Australian petroleum exploration and production company, while Santos (ASX:STO) is one of the leading independent oil and gas producers in the Asia-Pacific region.