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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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Putin Asserts Russia’s Capability to Conclude Ukraine Conflict


Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia possesses the necessary strength and resources to bring the ongoing war in Ukraine to its desired conclusion. In a recent interview, Putin emphasized that while Russia has the means to achieve its objectives, he hopes that nuclear weapons will not be required.

The conflict, which began in February 2022, has resulted in significant casualties and geopolitical tensions. Western leaders, including former U.S. President Joe Biden, have condemned the invasion as an imperial-style land grab, while Putin has framed it as a pivotal moment in Russia’s relations with the West. The Kremlin has maintained that the war is a response to NATO’s expansion and Western interference in Moscow’s sphere of influence.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a resolution, the Kremlin has indicated that a swift peace deal remains unlikely due to the complexity of the situation. As the war continues, global leaders remain divided on the path forward, with concerns about escalation and the broader implications for international stability.

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