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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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Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Holds as Lebanese Civilians Begin Returning Home


In the early hours of Wednesday, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, bringing a temporary halt to over a year of conflict. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden and approved by Israel's security cabinet.

As the ceasefire took hold, thousands of Lebanese civilians began returning to their homes in the south, despite warnings from the Israeli military to delay their return until the area is fully secured. The agreement stipulates a 60-day period for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese army will deploy troops to ensure Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure.

The ceasefire has been welcomed by international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who see it as a crucial step towards stability in the region. However, the situation remains tense, with both sides prepared to respond to any violations of the agreement.



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