Skip to main content

Featured

Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

article

Kremlin Criticizes U.S.-Proposed Ceasefire as Favoring Ukraine

A senior Kremlin official has expressed skepticism over a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the ceasefire would merely provide a temporary respite for Ukraine's military forces. Speaking to state television, Ushakov emphasized that Russia seeks a long-term peaceful settlement that addresses its strategic concerns and interests.

The proposal, endorsed by Ukraine, has been presented as a step toward de-escalating the three-year conflict. However, Ushakov criticized the initiative, suggesting it could be a tactical move to bolster Ukraine's military preparedness. The Kremlin has indicated that it requires more detailed information from the U.S. before taking a definitive stance on the matter.

The ceasefire proposal comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts by the U.S., with President Donald Trump urging both sides to consider the plan as a pathway to broader peace negotiations. While Ukraine has signaled its willingness to support the truce, Russia's response remains uncertain, with officials reiterating their focus on achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Comments