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Refining constraints widen gap between crude oil and U.S. gasoline prices

Illustration accompanying article: Refining constraints widen gap between crude oil and U.S. gasoline prices
  • U.S. gasoline prices remain 32% above pre-war levels at $3.94 a gallon, while crude oil is only 18% higher, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis citing data from OPIS.
  • Gasoline crack spreads — the difference between gasoline and crude prices — are averaging 90 cents a gallon in July, the highest in four years, based on Novi Labs data.
  • China has cut its crude imports by nearly half and reduced refined fuel exports; IEA emergency releases have been mostly crude rather than gasoline and diesel.
  • Global refining capacity has been severely curtailed by conflict in the Middle East and Russia, with Russian diesel exports banned and U.S. biofuel blending mandates adding 14 cents a gallon to pump prices.
 2026-07-17 · 3 MIN READ

Wildfire smoke affects nearly every human body system, studies find

Illustration accompanying article: Wildfire smoke affects nearly every human body system, studies find
  • Wildfire smoke affects nearly every system in the human body and kills tens of thousands of people annually, according to a review of medical studies by the Associated Press.
  • Within hours of exposure, ambulance runs for asthma cases spike, and emergency rooms within a day see surges in heart attacks, cardiovascular and lung problems, and mental health issues, doctors told the AP.
  • Pregnant women face increased risks of premature births and low-birth-weight babies who may develop lifelong breathing problems, studies show.
  • Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to some cancers and dementia.
 2026-07-17 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Warming atmosphere driving more frequent flash floods, experts say