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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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Trade Tensions Ignite Challenges for the US Dollar


The US dollar, long perceived as a symbol of strength in the global economy, is finding itself in turbulent waters. Former President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which aimed to reshape international trade dynamics, have inadvertently set off a series of economic ripples. These tariffs, targeting imports from key trading partners, sparked retaliatory measures, creating uncertainty in global markets.

The trade disputes have influenced the value of the US dollar by altering currency flows and investor confidence. While some industries saw temporary benefits from protectionist measures, others faced rising costs and disrupted supply chains, adding pressure on the domestic economy. The international response to these policies has also reshaped alliances and market relationships, further affecting the dollar's global standing.

As countries navigate this complex economic environment, the stability of the US dollar remains a central concern, highlighting the intricate link between trade policies and currency dynamics. The ongoing trade turmoil serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in global economic strategy.



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