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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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How to Eat Healthy on a Budget in 2024

 


The cost of food is expected to rise by 3.5% in 2024, according to the latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization. This means that eating healthy can be challenging for many people who are on a tight budget. However, there are some ways to save money and still enjoy nutritious meals. Here are some tips:

- Plan your meals ahead and make a shopping list. This will help you avoid impulse buying and wasting food. You can also look for sales and discounts on items that you need.

- Buy in bulk and freeze or store the leftovers. You can save money by buying larger quantities of staples like rice, beans, pasta, oats, and frozen vegetables. You can also cook large batches of soups, stews, casseroles, and other dishes and freeze them for later use.

- Choose seasonal and local produce. Fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown locally are usually cheaper and fresher than those that are imported or out of season. You can also visit farmers' markets or join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program to get fresh produce at a lower price.

- Grow your own food. If you have some space and time, you can grow your own herbs, salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and other crops in pots, containers, or a small garden. This will not only save you money but also give you access to organic and pesticide-free food.

- Cook from scratch and avoid processed foods. Processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, fat, and additives, which can harm your health and increase your medical bills. Cooking from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and the portion sizes. You can also use cheaper cuts of meat, such as chicken thighs, ground beef, or pork shoulder, and make them tender and flavorful by using marinades, spices, herbs, and slow cooking methods.

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