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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Trump's Tariff Wars: A New Chapter in Global Trade

President Donald Trump has escalated his trade policy with the implementation of a new round of tariffs, marking a significant shift in the United States' approach to international commerce. Dubbed "reciprocal tariffs," these measures aim to address trade imbalances by imposing higher rates on goods from countries with trade surpluses with the U.S. The latest tariffs, which took effect on April 9, 2025, have sparked reactions worldwide, with trading partners like China announcing countermeasures, including an 84% tariff on American goods.

The economic impact of these tariffs is already being felt, with stock markets experiencing volatility and concerns rising about the potential for prolonged trade wars. While the administration argues that these tariffs will bolster domestic industries and reduce the trade deficit, critics warn of the risks to global economic stability and the strain on international relations.

The question remains: will these tariffs achieve their intended goals, or will they further complicate the global trade landscape?

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