Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Canada Posts $1 Billion Trade Deficit in April

 

Canada recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $1.0 billion in April, according to Statistics Canada. This result follows a revised deficit of $2.0 billion for March, which was initially reported as $2.3 billion.

Here are the key points:

  • Exports:
    • Total exports in April increased by 2.6% to $64.4 billion.
    • Exports of energy products rose by 2.7%, with natural gas exports surging by 60.1%.
    • Crude oil exports also gained 3.0%.
    • Metal and non-metallic mineral products exports rose by 4.7%, driven by unwrought gold, silver, and platinum group metals.
  • Imports:
    • Total imports rose by 1.1% to $65.5 billion in April.
    • Imports of motor vehicles and parts increased by 4.2%.
    • Imports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts surged by 23.7%, including the delivery of several ships.
  • Trade in Services:
    • Canada’s monthly international trade in services deficit increased to $1.1 billion in April.
    • Imports of services rose by 1.1% to $18.0 billion, while exports of services remained essentially unchanged at $16.9 billion.
  • Combined Trade Deficit:
    • When goods and services are combined, Canada’s total trade deficit with the world was $2.2 billion in April, compared to $2.9 billion in March.

Economists expect further export gains due to higher oil pipeline capacity and one-off events in the auto sector, while imports may decline due to weak domestic demand and elevated inventory levels.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment