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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's Tariff Tango: The Strain on U.S.-Canada Relations

The relationship between the United States and Canada, historically marked by mutual respect and cooperation, has taken a sharp turn under President Donald Trump's administration. The latest chapter in this strained dynamic is Trump's imposition of sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. While these issues are more pronounced at the U.S.-Mexico border, Canada has found itself caught in the crossfire.

The tariffs, which also include a 10% levy on Canadian energy exports, have sparked a trade war between the two nations. Canada has responded with its own counter-tariffs, targeting $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, with plans for additional measures. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to stand firm, emphasizing the need to protect Canadian jobs and the economy.

For consumers, the impact is immediate and tangible. Prices for everyday goods, from groceries to construction materials, are expected to rise as businesses pass on the increased costs. Economists warn that these tariffs could lead to job losses, economic instability, and even a potential recession.

The broader implications are equally concerning. The tariffs threaten to unravel decades of free trade agreements and could set a precedent for future economic conflicts. As both nations brace for the fallout, the question remains: can this long-standing partnership withstand the strain?

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