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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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Israel’s Determination Amidst US Arms Embargo Threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted Israel’s readiness to “stand alone” in the face of a potential US arms embargo. The stern declaration comes as tensions escalate in Rafah, Gaza, where Israeli forces are poised for a possible full-scale invasion to combat Hamas militants.

  • Defiant Stance: Netanyahu evoked the spirit of the 1948 War of Independence, emphasizing Israel’s historical resilience and capability to triumph despite arms embargoes and overwhelming odds.
  • US Warning: President Joe Biden has threatened to withhold critical military supplies, including artillery shells, if Israel proceeds with an invasion of Rafah, citing concerns over civilian casualties.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The UN reports over 80,000 people have fled Rafah amidst continuous bombardment, with essential supplies like food and fuel dwindling for those remaining.
  • Continued Conflict: Despite peace talks faltering and the US’s stance, Israel maintains that victory over Hamas is unattainable without taking Rafah, underlining the ongoing seven-month war’s complexity.

Netanyahu’s remarks underscore a pivotal moment in Israeli-US relations, as Israel weighs its strategic options against the backdrop of international scrutiny and humanitarian considerations.

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