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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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Trump's Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican Imports Set for March 4

In a significant move that could reshape North American trade dynamics, President Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will go into effect on March 4. This decision comes after months of negotiations and escalating trade tensions between the United States and its neighbors.

The tariffs, which include a 25% duty on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, are part of a broader strategy to protect American industries and reduce the trade deficit. The Trump administration argues that these measures are necessary to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector, which has been adversely affected by cheaper foreign materials.

Canada and Mexico have been working to avoid these tariffs by enhancing border security and curbing fentanyl trafficking. Despite these efforts, the Trump administration has decided to proceed with the tariffs, citing the need for more substantial progress.

The implementation of these tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for the North American economy. Industries that rely on cross-border supply chains, such as automotive and energy sectors, may face increased costs and disruptions. Critics argue that the tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers and potential retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico.

As the March 4 deadline approaches, businesses and policymakers on both sides of the border are bracing for the impact of these tariffs. The move underscores the Trump administration's commitment to using tariffs as a tool for economic policy and trade negotiations.


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