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5 Things to Know Today: Oil Surges, Tariffs Land Tomorrow, Your Gas Tax Break Survives

  Monday, September 7, 2026 — Labour Day | Canadian Money Brief Markets are closed for the holiday, but the week ahead is loaded. Here are five things worth knowing before you head back to your desk tomorrow. 1. Oil Hits a Five-Week High as the Iran Conflict Escalates Crude climbed to $92.06 US/barrel on Saturday — up 17.75% over the past month and nearly 48% year over year — after Iran and the United States exchanged missile strikes this week. Israel's defence minister has threatened "crippling" attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure, the EU has formally joined the US-led sanctions campaign, and US Vice President JD Vance said Washington won't hold peace talks until Iran stops targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. What it means for you: Even with the federal gas tax break extended (see #4), pump prices track the price of crude itself. If your tank's getting low, filling up early this week may beat whatever the Strait of Hormuz situation does to prices by...

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New York Enforces New Law to Protect Consumers from Credit Card Surcharges

 

Credit card users in New York may have noticed a change in the way businesses display their prices. As of February 11, 2024, a new law requires businesses to clearly disclose any additional credit card surcharges before a customer begins to check out.

The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2023, aims to provide greater transparency and consumer protection in the marketplace. Businesses that impose a credit card surcharge must post the total price of the transaction, including the surcharge, prior to the sale. Alternatively, they can list the different prices for both card and cash payments for each item or service.

The law also limits the credit card surcharges to the amount charged to the business by the credit card company, which is usually around 3 to 4 percent. This prevents businesses from profiting from the surcharges or passing on other costs to the consumers.

The new law does not apply to debit cards, which are not subject to surcharges. It also does not prohibit businesses from offering discounts for cash payments, as long as they comply with the disclosure requirements.

Governor Hochul said that the new law will ensure that New Yorkers will not have to deal with hidden credit card costs and that they will be empowered to budget accordingly. The law will be enforced by the New York State Division of Consumer Protection, the New York State Attorney General, and local government. Consumers who encounter any violations of the law can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection or the Attorney General’s office.

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