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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 Orders Evacuation of Gaza Humanitarian Zone Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of part of the Gaza Strip’s humanitarian zone, citing the presence of Hamas militants who have embedded themselves in the area. This zone, located in the southern Gaza Strip, has been a refuge for many Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict.

The evacuation order affects the eastern part of the al-Muwasi humanitarian zone. The Israeli military stated that Hamas militants have been using this area to launch rockets towards Israel, necessitating the evacuation to ensure civilian safety and to target the militants more effectively.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with many residents living in makeshift camps lacking basic sanitation and medical facilities. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with over 38,900 people reported dead since the war began.

Negotiations for a cease-fire continue, with efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to mediate a phased agreement between Israel and Hamas. Despite these efforts, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, exacerbated by the ongoing military operations and the deteriorating living conditions for its residents.

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