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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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China Calls for Dialogue Amid Market Turmoil Following US Tariffs

China has responded to the recent market upheaval caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, stating that "the market has spoken" in rejecting the trade measures. The tariffs, which include a 34% levy on Chinese goods, have escalated tensions between the world's two largest economies. In retaliation, China imposed similar tariffs on U.S. goods and introduced export restrictions on rare earth materials.

The global stock markets reacted sharply, with significant losses marking the biggest downturn since the pandemic. The S&P 500, for instance, dropped by 9% over the week. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the need for "equal-footed consultation" to resolve trade differences and urged the U.S. to reconsider its approach.

Chinese commerce associations have also called for unity in exploring alternative markets, warning that the tariffs could exacerbate inflation in the U.S. and increase the likelihood of a recession. The trade dispute continues to unfold, with both sides showing no immediate signs of backing down.

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