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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 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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