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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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Russia Awaits Clarity on US-Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal

Russia has expressed caution as it awaits further details on a proposed 30-day ceasefire agreement between the United States and Ukraine. The deal, reached during talks in Saudi Arabia, includes a temporary halt to hostilities along the entire front line, as well as the cessation of missile, drone, and bomb attacks. The agreement also outlines provisions for the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children relocated to Russia.

The United States has resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, signaling its commitment to the ceasefire plan. However, the proposal hinges on Russia's acceptance, with U.S. officials emphasizing that Moscow's cooperation is essential for achieving peace.

While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to support the ceasefire, Russian officials remain skeptical. Concerns have been raised about the lack of guarantees accompanying the proposal, with some viewing it as a potential trap that could weaken Russia's position.

The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response, but the international community watches closely as the possibility of a ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope for an end to the prolonged conflict.

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