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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Looming U.S. Port Strike Threatens Supply Chain Stability

 

As the possibility of a U.S. port strike looms, experts warn of severe disruptions to supply chains that could have far-reaching consequences. The potential work stoppage at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports could lead to significant delays, with cargo backlogs lasting for weeks or even months.

Fraser Johnson, a professor at Western University’s Ivey Business School, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that an East Coast port strike would be “absolutely devastating” to North American supply chains. The breakdown in contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and port operators has heightened concerns, with no resolution in sight.

The impact of such a strike would extend beyond the U.S., affecting global trade and logistics. Businesses reliant on timely shipments could face inventory shortages, increased costs, and operational challenges. As the October 1 deadline approaches, stakeholders are anxiously monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that averts a major supply chain crisis.


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