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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...

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Trump Defends Tariffs Amidst Economic Uncertainty



In a recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump defended his tariff strategy, despite acknowledging the potential economic discomfort it may cause. Trump emphasized that the tariffs, which represent the largest increases in a century, are designed to generate significant revenue and rebalance what he perceives as unfair trading relationships. He assured Americans that the economic pain, manifesting as higher prices, would be a "little disturbance" that the nation could overcome.

Trump's speech, which lasted a record-setting 100 minutes, focused on his political strengths, including immigration policies and social issues, while spending relatively little time addressing consumer prices and inflation. He blamed high prices on his predecessor, Joe Biden, and offered few new ideas to lower costs.

The president's approval rating has declined in recent polls, and data shows new strains on the economy, including stagnating factory activity, simmering inflation, and declining consumer confidence. Despite these challenges, Trump remains committed to his tariff strategy, believing it will ultimately benefit the American economy.


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