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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...

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Trump Proposes Tariff Reduction Amid Trade Talks with China


In a surprising move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 80% ahead of a crucial trade meeting between top U.S. and Chinese officials in Switzerland. This proposal marks a potential shift in the ongoing trade war, which has seen escalating tariffs from both nations.

Trump announced his stance on social media, stating that an 80% tariff "seems right" and urging China to open its markets to American goods. The upcoming discussions, led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, aim to address concerns over the impact of tariffs on consumer prices and global trade stability.

The trade war, which began during Trump's presidency, has significantly affected both economies, with China retaliating against U.S. tariffs by imposing its own restrictions. While Trump had previously resisted lowering tariffs, his latest remarks suggest a willingness to negotiate if the talks yield positive results.

As global markets react to the possibility of reduced trade tensions, analysts are watching closely to see whether this proposal will lead to a meaningful agreement between the two economic giants. The outcome of the weekend talks could shape the future of U.S.-China trade relations and influence broader economic policies worldwide.

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