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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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Biden Warns Netanyahu: Rafah Incursion Risks Escalation in Gaza Crisis


In a significant diplomatic exchange, U.S. President Joe Biden recently had his first phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in two months. The focus of their conversation? The escalating situation in Gaza, specifically the potential for an Israeli military operation in Rafah.

During the call, President Biden delivered a clear message to Netanyahu: An Israeli incursion into Rafah would deepen anarchy in the already volatile region. The stakes are high, and both leaders recognized the need for urgent dialogue.

Tensions between Israel and the United States have risen, and the situation in Gaza remains precarious. The possibility of a famine looms over northern Gaza, with half of the population facing “crisis levels of food insecurity or worse,” according to the United Nations. Against this backdrop, any military action could have severe consequences.

Biden and Netanyahu agreed that teams from each side would meet in Washington to discuss the situation. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of a comprehensive discussion on the way forward in Gaza.  The goal is to find a path that ensures safety, stability, and humanitarian support for the people caught in the crossfire.

As the world watches, the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian needs hangs in the balance. The Rafah issue is a red line, and any misstep could exacerbate an already fragile situation.

President Biden’s warning underscores the gravity of the moment. The fate of Gaza rests on delicate negotiations, and the international community holds its breath. As the crisis unfolds, the world waits to see whether diplomacy can prevail over conflict.


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