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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Slow-Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Make this traditional Irish stew in your slow cooker! Cooking low and slow creates very tender beef and a robust flavor. The best part is that it's ready to eat after you get home from a long day.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds), cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bottle (12 ounces) Guinness stout or beef broth
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Minced fresh parsley
Directions

1. Place the first 5 ingredients in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker.

2. Toss beef with flour, salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches. Transfer beef to slow cooker with a slotted spoon. Reduce heat to medium. To same skillet, add tomato paste and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute.

3. Add beer to skillet, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in broth and thyme.

4. Cook, covered, on low until beef and vegetables are tender, 7-8 hours. Garnish with parsley.


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