Citadel is exploring opportunities to acquire US oil production assets, signalling a potential further expansion by the hedge fund and commodities trading powerhouse into physical energy markets, according to a report by Reuters citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.

The firm founded by Ken Griffin was among the bidders for WildFire Energy, an Eagle Ford shale producer in South Texas that was being sold by private equity owners Warburg Pincus and Kayne Anderson, according to four people familiar with the process.

Magnolia Oil & Gas ultimately won the auction in July, agreeing to acquire WildFire for $4.06bn.

Citadel’s interest in WildFire forms part of a broader series of discussions the firm has held with private equity groups that own exploration and production companies, with a focus on oil-heavy assets, according to the sources.

The potential move comes as crude markets remain sensitive to geopolitical disruption in the Middle East. US oil and gas production has attracted increased attention from investors because domestic output can reach markets without relying on vulnerable transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

For hedge funds and commodity trading firms, physical production can also provide a strategic complement to derivatives trading. Owning producing assets gives traders exposure to physical barrels that can appreciate when supply disruptions and geopolitical shocks drive oil prices higher, potentially offsetting losses elsewhere in a trading portfolio.

Citadel is already a significant participant in oil, natural gas, electricity and other commodity markets. Expanding its ownership of physical assets would represent a further integration of its trading and investment activities.

Citadel and Warburg Pincus reportedly declined to comment, while Kayne Anderson reportedly did not respond to requests for comment.