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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...

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U.S. Embassy in Kyiv Closes Amid Warnings of Significant Russian Air Attack

 

In a precautionary move, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed its doors following warnings of a potentially significant Russian air attack. The embassy issued a statement advising employees to shelter in place and recommended that U.S. citizens in Kyiv be prepared to take immediate shelter if an air alert is announced.

This closure comes amid heightened tensions after the U.S. authorized the use of longer-range missiles by Ukraine, which were reportedly used in a recent attack on a Russian weapons warehouse. The Kremlin has responded with threats of retaliation, further escalating the conflict that has already seen frequent missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

The embassy’s warning is notable for its specificity, as air attacks have become a near-daily occurrence in Ukraine. However, the recent developments have added a new layer of urgency and caution to the situation.


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