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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's Tariff Gamble: Boom or Bust?

In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has predicted that his sweeping global tariffs will lead to an economic boom for the United States. The tariffs, which impose significant taxes on imports from various countries, are aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and creating jobs. Trump has emphasized that these measures will "bring back manufacturing jobs" and "restore America's economic glory."

However, the immediate reaction from global markets tells a different story. Financial markets worldwide have experienced sharp declines, with major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping significantly. Economists warn that the tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth, potentially offsetting any benefits from increased domestic production.

While Trump remains optimistic about the long-term impact of his policies, critics argue that the tariffs could strain international relations and disrupt global supply chains. The coming months will reveal whether Trump's vision of economic prosperity will materialize or if the tariffs will trigger a recession instead.

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