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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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Canada’s Carbon Price Set to Rise on April 1: What You Need to Know

Canada’s carbon price is poised to increase on April 1, despite some provincial leaders expressing concerns about affordability. Let’s delve into the details:

The impending carbon price hike is not unexpected. It’s a fundamental policy of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government. By putting a price on pollution, the aim is to encourage people to use fewer fossil fuels, ultimately reducing emissions from the economy. Annual increases are part of the government’s overall pricing scheme, with plans extending until at least 2030.

For most Canadians, the impact of the April 1 increase will be most noticeable at the gas station and on energy bills. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Gasoline: The carbon tax will add 17 cents per liter.
  • Diesel: Expect an additional 21 cents per liter.
  • Natural Gas: The increase amounts to 15 cents per cubic meter.

Keep in mind that British Columbia, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories have their own carbon pricing systems in place, while other provinces and territories fall under the federal backstop plan.

While the carbon price does play a role in household affordability, it’s essential to recognize that its effects are relatively small compared to global oil prices and corporate profitability. Canadians may also experience indirect effects, such as transportation costs influencing food prices.

In summary, Canada’s commitment to tackling climate change involves incremental carbon price increases, aiming for a greener and more sustainable future.

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