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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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Drones Patrol Greek Beaches to Tackle Sunbed Overcrowding


Greek beaches, once synonymous with sunbed-covered shores, are now witnessing a crackdown enforced by drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are on a mission to restore order and combat overcrowding caused by unauthorized sunbeds and umbrellas.

Overcrowding and Unauthorized Businesses

In recent years, Greek public beaches have fallen victim to fly-by-night businesses that set up sunbeds and umbrellas without proper permits. These establishments charge beachgoers for services while encroaching on public spaces. Locals have grown increasingly frustrated, leading to citizen-led movements like “The Beach Towel Movement” and “Free Beaches for All.”

The Drone Solution: Enforcing New Legislation 

To address this issue, the Greek government introduced legislation in March. Drones now patrol popular beaches, including those on the Athens Riviera, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu. Their mission? Detecting illegally placed sunbeds and umbrellas. Citizens also assist by using the MyCoast digital app to report violations.

Legal Requirements and Fines 

The new law mandates that Greek beaches must be 70% sunbed-free (or 85% in protected areas). Violators face hefty fines. For instance, a business operating without a license on Thymari beach received a €220,000 penalty—an hour’s drive south of Athens.

Balancing Tourism and Environment 

Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis emphasizes the need to protect both the environment and citizens’ right to free beach access. By enforcing rules, Greece aims to preserve its pristine coastlines while supporting responsible entrepreneurship.

In summary, drones are now the guardians of Greek beaches, ensuring that sunbeds don’t crowd out the natural beauty that draws tourists from around the world. 

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