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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...
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Farmers Rally in Madrid: Tractors Roar Against EU Policies

 


In a powerful display of discontent, hundreds of farmers have converged on central Madrid, steering their tractors through the city streets. Their mission: to voice frustration over European Union (EU) policies and demand relief from mounting production costs. This protest marks the culmination of more than two weeks of daily demonstrations across Spain.

Key Points:

  • Tractor Convoy: The sight of tractors rumbling through Madrid’s thoroughfares is unprecedented. These hardworking farmers are making their voices heard, emphasizing the challenges they face due to EU regulations.

  • Financial Strain: Farmers argue that the EU’s policies, particularly those related to the environment and other matters, impose a heavy financial burden. Their products become costlier compared to non-EU imports, affecting their livelihoods.

  • Spanish Perspective: Beyond EU policies, Spanish farmers also contend that a crucial law aimed at ensuring fair prices from major supermarket buyers remains unenforced. Meanwhile, consumer prices soar, exacerbating their plight.

  • European Echoes: Similar protests have reverberated across the EU bloc. In neighboring France, the continent’s largest agricultural producer, President Emmanuel Macron’s government grapples with angry farmers. Last month, major demonstrations swept through French cities, demanding better pay and assistance.

  • Call for Action: French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledges the farmers’ cries for change. He promises draft legislation to empower French farmers in commercial negotiations with distributors. Efforts to simplify hiring seasonal workers and protect local agriculture from imports are also underway.

As the tractors roll through Madrid, solidarity echoes across Europe. The struggle for fair treatment and sustainable farming practices continues, uniting farmers in their call for action.

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