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5 local Gas Stations updated their prices today.

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<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1zyvQf_1GuOdGPv00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1zyvQf_1GuOdGPv00" width="1440" height="960" ></p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">As of 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, oil sold for $97.65 per barrel (using Brent as the benchmark, which we’ll get into momentarily). That’s $2.66 lower than yesterday and approximately a $33.50 rise over the past year.</p><figure class="wp-block-table optimized-table-widget"><table><tbody><tr><th></th><th>Oil price per barrel</th><th>% Change</th></tr><tr><td>Price of oil yesterday</td><td>$100.31</td><td>-2.65%</td></tr><tr><td>Price of oil 1 month ago</td><td>$106.94</td><td>-8.68%</td></tr><tr><td>Price of oil 1 year ago</td><td>$64.15</td><td>+52.22%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will oil prices go up?</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s impossible to predict the future of oil prices. Several factors determine the movement of oil, but it ultimately boils down to supply and demand. Again, when threats of economic downturn, war, etc. are high, the oil trajectory can turn rapidly.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How oil prices translate to gas pump prices</h3><p class="wp-block-paragraph">When you pay for gas at the pump, you’re paying for more than just the crude oil itself; you’re also springing for links along the chain, such as the refineries and wholesalers—not to mention taxes and local gas station markups.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, the crude oil aspect affects the final price most dramatically, as it typically accounts for more than half the price per gallon. When oil prices spike, so do gas prices. And frustratingly, when oil prices drop, gas prices tend to take their time drifting down to the lower price (sometimes referred to as “rockets and feathers”).</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">The role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve</h3><p class="wp-block-paragraph">In case of emergency, the U.S. has a store of crude oil known as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Its primary purpose is energy security in case of disaster (think sanctions, severe storm damage, even war). But it can also go a long way toward softening crippling price hikes during supply shocks.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s not a long-term answer—more of an immediate relief to assist the consumer and keep critical parts of the economy running, like key industries, emergency services, public transportation, etc.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How oil and natural gas prices are linked</h3><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Oil and natural gas are both major energy fuels. A big change in oil prices can affect natural gas by extension. For example, if oil prices increase, some industries may swap natural gas for some segments of their operations where possible—which increases demand for natural gas.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Historical performance of oil</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">When examining oil’s performance, there are generally two major benchmarks:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Brent crude oil</strong> is the main global oil benchmark.</li><li><strong>West Texas Intermediate (WTI)</strong> is the main benchmark of North America.</li></ul><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Between the two, Brent better represents global oil performance because it prices much of the world’s traded crude. And, it’s often the best way to track historical oil performance. In fact, even the U.S. Energy Information Administration now uses Brent as its primary reference in its Annual Energy Outlook.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking at the Brent benchmark across several decades, oil has been anything but steady. It’s seen spikes due to factors such as wars and supply cuts, and it’s also seen crashes from global recessions and an oversupply (called a “glut”). For example:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The early 1970s brought the first big oil shock when the Middle East cut exports and imposed an embargo on the U.S. and others during the Yom Kippur War.</li><li>Prices dropped in the mid-1980s for reasons such as lower demand and more non-OPEC oil producers entering the industry.</li><li>Prices spiked again in 2008 with increased global demand, but it soon plummeted alongside the global financial crisis.</li><li>During the 2020 COVID lockdown, oil demand collapsed like never before—bringing prices below $20 per barrel.</li></ul><p class="wp-block-paragraph">All to say, oil’s historical performance has been anything but smooth. Again, it’s hugely affected by wars, recessions, OPEC whims, evolving energy initiatives and policies, and much more.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Energy coverage from <em>Fortune</em></h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking to stay up-to-date regarding the latest energy developments? Check out our recent coverage:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/08/pentagon-fortress-critical-minerals-stockpile-tungsten-rare-earth/" rel="nofollow">Pentagon’s war stockpile plan hits a minerals wall</a></li><li><a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/07/alabama-power-advertising-ratepayers-psc/" rel="nofollow">Alabama Power spent $6M+ on ads last year. Customers can be billed for half of them until 2029</a></li><li><a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/07/geologic-freak-smackover-americas-lithium-dependence-china-big-oil/" rel="nofollow">A ‘geologic freak’ may end America’s lithium dependence on China, and Big Oil is already there</a></li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently asked questions</h2>How is the current price of oil per barrel actually determined? <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The current price of oil per barrel depends largely on supply and demand, including news about potential future supply and demand (geopolitics, decisions made by OPEC+, etc.). In the U.S., prices also move based on how friendly an administration is to drilling, as it can affect future supply. For example, 2025 saw the Trump administration move to reopen more than 1.5 million acres in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasing, reversing the Biden administration’s policy of limiting oil drilling in the Arctic.</p>How often does the price of oil change during the day? <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The price of oil updates constantly when the “futures” markets are open. A futures market is effectively an auction where people agree to buy or sell oil in the future. As long as people and companies are trading contracts, the oil price is changing.</p>How does U.S. shale oil production affect the current price of oil? <p class="wp-block-paragraph">In short, shale is rock that contains oil and natural gas. Think of shale as energy yet to be tapped. The more shale the U.S. accesses, the more energy we’ll have—and the more easily oil prices can keep from spiking as much thanks to a greater supply.</p>How does the current price of oil impact inflation and the broader economy? <p class="wp-block-paragraph">When oil is expensive, it tends to make everyday items cost more. This can be related to energy (your heating, gas utilities, etc.), but it’s also due to the logistics involved with making those items accessible to you. Shipping, for example, can affect the price of things at the grocery store, as it’s more expensive to get those products from warehouses and farms onto the shelf.</p><p>This story was originally featured on <a href="https://fortune.com/article/price-of-oil-11-09-2026/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fortune.com</a></p></div></body>

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When oil prices change, it affects your energy costs—and even the price of everyday items. Here’s why.

Current price of oil as of November 9, 2026

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Florida Gov.-elect Byron Donalds faced backlash after saying he had not heard Republicans blame Joe Biden for gas prices. His response contradicted Gov. Ron DeSantis, who accused Republican candidates of misleading voters about fuel costs after election losses. The interviewer challenged his denial by recalling Republicans who blamed Biden on the same program.

‘Selective Amnesia Is Crazy’: Florida Gov.-Elect Byron Donalds Sparks Heavy Backlash After Saying He Didn’t Hear Republicans Blame Biden for Gas Prices

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1lHov0_1GtDdzSY00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1lHov0_1GtDdzSY00" width="1600" height="899" ></p><p dir="ltr">Most drivers likely prefer some brands of gas stations over others, be that for their convenience offerings, their loyalty schemes, or simply their gas prices. Far fewer drivers are likely to be aware of who they're actually spending money with when they visit their favorite chain, since the ownership of each location can vary even if the sign out front stays the same.</p><p dir="ltr">Plenty of gas station brands are owned by parent companies that drivers might not know about, including many foreign companies. Some <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2097991/us-gas-station-chains-owned-by-british-companies/" rel="nofollow">popular brands are owned by British companies</a>, while others are <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2102334/us-gas-station-chain-owned-by-canadian-company/" rel="nofollow">owned by Canadian companies</a> or even&nbsp;Japanese companies. 7-Eleven is one of the chains with Japanese owners, having been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tokyo-listed Seven &amp; i Holdings company since 2005. As well as operating gas stations under its own branding, 7-Eleven also owns two more gas station brands, Stripes and Speedway.</p><p dir="ltr">It bought its first Stripes locations in 2018 and then acquired the remaining locations in 2024. Speedway is another recent purchase, having been acquired by 7-Eleven in 2021. Those purchases have helped bring 7-Eleven's combined gas station network to over 8,200 locations in total. That network has been gradually expanded over the course of almost a century, with 7-Eleven's predecessor, Tote'm Stores, adding its first fuel locations back in 1928, just a year after its very first convenience location was opened.</p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2265252/family-minivans-better-ratings-than-chrysler-pacifica/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">4 Family Minivans With Better Ratings Than The Chrysler Pacifica</a></p><h2>Some 7-Eleven gas stations are independently operated</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2nSXtD_1GtDdzSY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2nSXtD_1GtDdzSY00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Speedway gas station in New Jersey Jhvephoto/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">As previously mentioned, who operates different locations of a chain can vary, even if the branding doesn't.&nbsp;This is the case for several major gas station brands, including 7-Eleven and its subsidiary brands, because entrepreneurs can open their own 7-Eleven location under the company's franchise program.</p><p dir="ltr">To open a 7-Eleven franchise location, entrepreneurs need to have at least $100,000 in cash or other liquid assets, and they'll ideally have&nbsp;experience owning or managing a similar business.&nbsp;If they meet those initial criteria and pass enough further checks, they'll be able to operate their own 7-Eleven franchise location.</p><p dir="ltr">The appeal is pretty clear: as well as being recognizable to drivers across the country, 7-Eleven and its sister brands are regarded as being some of the <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2159663/best-gas-stations-in-2026-ranked/" rel="nofollow">best gas station brands</a> by many drivers. Franchisees get to take advantage of that brand prestige, while 7-Eleven gets another location to add to its ever-growing network.</p><p>Want the latest in tech and auto trends? <a href="https://subscribe.slashgear.com/newsletter-syndicated?utm_source=newsbreak&amp;utm_medium=slashgear-NL-feed" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to our free newsletter</a> for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=slashgear.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">add us as a preferred search source</a> on Google.</p><p>Read the <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2306005/gas-station-brands-owned-by-7-eleven/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on SlashGear</a>.</p></div></body>

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Not every gas station connected to 7-Eleven has its name on the sign. The convenience store giant has grown through deals that aren't always obvious to drivers.

Gas Station Brands You May Not Have Realized Are Owned By 7-Eleven

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has recently sparked criticism on social media after blaming U.S. President Donald Trump for the high cost of living in the state. Most of the criticism came from seemingly unhappy Pennsylvania locals, who appear to be tired of high taxes. In a post shared on X,...

‘You Have Done Nothing’: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Slammed After Blaming Trump For High Gas Prices

<body><div><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everyone loves the idea of a bargain on wheels, but a motorhome that sells for almost nothing usually comes with a reason. So when one man’s winning bid on a Georgie Boy motorhome came in at just $225, he had to ask the obvious question.</p><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3VtVON_1Gw7u5KQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3VtVON_1Gw7u5KQ00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: Niko Brothers / YouTube (left); Oleg Yunakov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (right)</figcaption></figure><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The buyer, one half of a pair of rebuilders who post as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@NikoBrothers" rel="nofollow">@NikoBrothers</a>, says that number plus fees bought him a Georgie Boy Pursuit sitting at a salvage auction yard in Indiana. It was a good eight-hour drive from home.</p><figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DzUp_Nu2ClI?feature=oembed" allowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div></figure><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzUp_Nu2ClI" rel="nofollow">Watch the original video</a></p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">He says that kind of price is usually what parts buyers pay, not people planning to fix something.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Nobody else wanted this thing. Why?”</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">A $225 Georgie Boy Motorhome, Up Close</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Walking around it, he finds plenty of small problems. The front glass has damage, one wiper is gone and a mirror is missing. Fortunately, he brought a spare mirror. Inside, there is mold on the fridge and some torn-up upholstery, but the floor feels solid, the roof looks good and the layout includes bunk beds.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Underneath, the driveshaft is hanging loose. After a search, he finds the missing cup and bolts tucked inside, although a few small rollers are gone. He cleans and greases what he has and gets it back together.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">It Fired Right Up</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Next comes the power. At first, the batteries seem to be missing, until he finds them hiding in one last compartment. With a jump box connected, the dash lights up. The odometer shows 48,000 miles. Then he turns the key.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Wow, it fired right up.”</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Then comes the twist. When he checks the fuel gauge before leaving, the tank is full. He figures that much gas is worth roughly $200 to $240, about as much as he paid for the whole motorhome.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“the crazy part is full tank of gas.”</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Long Drive Home</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the engine warms up, he also walks past several newer motorhomes listed with water or burn damage, a few of which he thinks came from dealers. Some look nearly new inside, but most have no power at all. He suspects electrical trouble on a few of them, which makes his old Pursuit look even better by comparison.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">He admits he expected trouble on the way. A patched-up driveshaft and an unknown history are not a great mix for a long trip. Still, once it has warmed up, he decides it looks good enough to try.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the glass taped and the borrowed mirror in place, he points it toward home. About four hours in, he notes, they had burned through half a tank. Even so, the lights worked, it drove straight and the trip ended with no breakdowns.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Back at the shop, the checks continue. The generator starts and shows 984 hours, although it is not yet powering the coach. The slide-outs work, and the steps and awning are manual. He plans to clean it thoroughly before deciding what comes next.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Check Before Bidding On A Cheap Motorhome</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">A cheap motorhome can be a great deal or a money pit. Here is what we took from this one:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Look for water damage first. Soft floors and stained ceilings are expensive to fix.</li><li>Check under it for loose or missing driveline parts before you try to drive it far.</li><li>Bring basic spares, such as a mirror, tape and a jump box, if you plan to drive it home.</li><li>Find the batteries early, because a motorhome often has more than one.</li><li>Budget for tires, fluids and a generator service, even if it runs well.</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Things Stand</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Georgie Boy is home, running and driving, and the slides work. The generator still needs attention, and the cleanup is just getting started. When he asks viewers whether it was worth the money, he answers his own question.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I got to say, for this price, not too bad.”</p></div></body>

Block Source: Fast Lane Only

Everyone loves the idea of a bargain on wheels, but a motorhome that sells for almost nothing usually comes with a reason. So when one man’s winning bid on a Georgie Boy motorhome came in at just $225, he had to ask the obvious question. The buyer, one half of a pair of rebuilders who...  The post Man Wins A Georgie Boy Motorhome At Auction For $225, Finds A Full Tank Of Gas He Figures Is Worth About As Much, Then Drives It About 8 Hours Home appeared first on FAST LANE ONLY .

Man Wins A Georgie Boy Motorhome At Auction For $225, Finds A Full Tank Of Gas He Figures Is Worth About As Much, Then Drives It About 8 Hours Home

<body><div><p class="wp-block-paragraph">When a car is sold as having catastrophic engine failure, most buyers picture a pricey replacement motor. Two mechanics in Kent, England, took on a 2019 Range Rover Evoque with exactly that label and decided to find out for themselves.</p><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0UqX8B_1GvLnZvC00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0UqX8B_1GvLnZvC00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: salvage rebuilds uk / YouTube (left); Throwawayacc222 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (right)</figcaption></figure><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rob and Chris run a Land Rover workshop and post as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@sruk" rel="nofollow">@sruk</a>. Rob says a woman contacted him because the Evoque had been sitting on her driveway after it broke down.</p><figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yAyfZJqp0fY?feature=oembed" allowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div></figure><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAyfZJqp0fY" rel="nofollow">Watch the original video</a></p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“But catastrophic engine failure as usual.”</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Nice Range Rover Evoque With A Bad Reputation</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">For starters, the SUV is an HSE Dynamic with a glass roof, and Rob calls it the very last of that body shape. The interior is clean. However, the paint is not. He says the seller told him children on bikes had scraped it while it sat.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“My kids have ruined it.”</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to the seller’s account, the car had started going very slowly on the road before it quit. The oil was at the minimum mark, and she had been told the engine was gone. Rob and Chris suspected the turbocharger, a failure they say they have seen many times on these engines, often linked to a blocked particulate filter.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Locked Solid, Then A Clue</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chris put a bar on the crank and the engine would not turn. With the intake pipe off, a small camera showed oil around the turbo, and a pick revealed a wobbly turbo shaft.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Next, they pulled all four injectors. Number four was coated in oil, which matched what a Land Rover specialist friend had told them: when the turbo fails, oil can fill the charge cooler and flood the first cylinder in line, locking the engine. With the fuel pump fuse pulled and a rag over the injector holes, they spun it over. Oil spat out of number four.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Then they drained the intercooler. Rob says probably a liter of oil poured out of it, and it kept dripping.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“That’s where the missing oil is.”</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Backup Engine Just In Case</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, they were not counting on luck. Rob says they had bought a Discovery Sport from a friend for 2,000 pounds, mainly so they would have its engine if the Range Rover Evoque needed one, and they could sell the rest of that car for scrap.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">After that, they fitted new injector seals, bolted everything back together and turned the key. The engine started. It sounded choppy at first, which Rob traced to an injector he had not torqued down yet, but it was not knocking.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think we got lucky with the result here, mate. Turbo it is.”</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meanwhile, Chris read the mileage as 56,000. Their plan now is a new turbocharger, a cleaned particulate filter, a good service and a lot of paint work.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Owners Can Learn From This Range Rover Evoque</h2><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Check the oil level often on turbocharged engines. A dropping level can be an early sign of trouble.</li><li>If a turbo fails, stop driving. Oil can collect in the intake and cause far worse damage.</li><li>A ‘blown engine’ diagnosis is worth a second opinion. Here the bottom end turned out to be fine.</li><li>Keep up with services and oil changes. The mechanics say these engines last when they are looked after.</li><li>Ask about the particulate filter on diesels. A blocked filter can stress the turbo.</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Things Stand</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Range Rover Evoque runs and is waiting for its turn on the lift. The mechanics plan to remove and clean the particulate filter, fit a new turbo, repair the paint and then pass the car on to a new owner.</p></div></body>

When a car is sold as having catastrophic engine failure, most buyers picture a pricey replacement motor. Two mechanics in Kent, England, took on a 2019 Range Rover Evoque with exactly that label and decided to find out for themselves. Rob and Chris run a Land Rover workshop and post as @sruk. Rob says a...  The post Mechanics Buy A Low-Mileage 2019 Range Rover Evoque With A Locked Engine, Then Find About A Liter Of Oil In The Intercooler And Hear It Run Again appeared first on FAST LANE ONLY .

Mechanics Buy A Low-Mileage 2019 Range Rover Evoque With A Locked Engine, Then Find About A Liter Of Oil In The Intercooler And Hear It Run Again

<body><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2QkcnV_1GsIm8SH00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2QkcnV_1GsIm8SH00" width="1600" height="900" ></figure><p>You and I live here in Florida, and as of early November 2026, this season’s attic chores still bring out a familiar reflex: see a gap, seal it. In my house, I used to put the gap around a furnace flue in the same mental category as any other opening in the attic floor. Ordinary expanding foam seems made for a job like that. It comes out of a can, fills an awkward space, and lets you feel as though you have crossed an air leak off the list.</p><p>The flue is the part that changes the job. A university extension service here in Florida advises sealing air leaks around fireplace chimneys, furnaces, and gas-fired water-heater vents with fire-resistant materials such as sheet metal or sheetrock and furnace cement caulk. That is a different set of materials from the ordinary foam I might reach for elsewhere.</p><div id="nearby-article-card-v1" class="nearby-t3s"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520have%2520an%2520attic-floor%2520gap%2520around%2520my%2520furnace%2520flue.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26creative_id%3DFL-N974%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26utm_content%3DFL-N974.top.t3-strip%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3s-a"><span class="nearby-t3s-t"><span class="nearby-t3s-h">Gap around your furnace flue?</span>Tell Nia about the opening in a few taps, free and with no obligation.</span><span class="nearby-t3s-go">→</span></a></div><style>.nearby-t3s,.nearby-t3m,.nearby-t3e{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left}.nearby-t3s{display:block;margin:18px 0;background:#fff1ea url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 16px 13px/62px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3s-a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:34px 14px 13px 16px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3s-t{display:block;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.38;color:#4a4a4a}.nearby-t3s-h{display:block;font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f;margin-bottom:3px}.nearby-t3s-go{flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3m{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;margin:22px 0;padding:16px 16px 14px;background:#fff url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat right 16px top 17px/62px auto;border:1.5px solid #1f1f1f;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3m-k{display:block;font-size:11.5px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c2410c}.nearby-t3m-q{display:block;font-size:21px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3m-g{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px}.nearby-t3m-o{display:block;text-decoration:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3m-w{grid-column:1/-1}.nearby-t3m-o span{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:46px;padding:8px 10px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff1ea;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;color:#1f1f1f;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:600;text-align:center}.nearby-t3m-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e{display:block;margin:26px 0 8px;background:#fdf4ed url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 20px 20px/72px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #f0dcce;border-left:6px solid #d86c46;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3e-a{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:50px 20px 18px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3e-r{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}.nearby-t3e-k{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#a94a26}.nearby-t3e-tag{display:inline-block;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:600}.nearby-t3e-h{display:block;font-size:23px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3e-s{display:block;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-st{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:2px}.nearby-t3e-st>span{flex:1 1 0;min-width:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.3;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-n{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:#d86c46;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3e-btn{display:block;margin-top:4px;padding:13px 0;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}</style><h2>What the Department of Energy says</h2><p>The U.S. Department of Energy puts the distinction plainly: "Gaps around masonry chimneys, flues, or combustion appliance vents shall be sealed with sheet metal and high-temperature rated caulk or foam." The word rated matters. That guidance includes foam only when it is high-temperature rated; it does not turn an ordinary can of expanding foam into the right material against a hot flue. The aim is still to close an air leak, but the materials have to suit what passes through that opening.</p><h2>Why the gap is different</h2><p>Attic air-sealing guidance allows one-part spray foam for attic-floor penetrations generally. Around hot flues, the guidance instead specifies metal blocking and collars. It is easy to miss that distinction when both openings appear to be holes in the same floor. From where I stand in the attic, they may look like variations of one chore. The material going through the hole is what makes them different chores.</p><p>Guidance for combustion flues calls for fire-rated caulk with a rated collar, or sheet metal cut to fit and sealed with fire-rated caulk, while maintaining clearance between the flue and combustible materials. The Department of Energy gives a typical 1-inch clearance to combustibles for Type-B double-wall gas vent pipe. It also calls for heat-safe insulation dams around flues as needed, with the required combustion clearances maintained. So there are two things to get right: seal the route for air without treating the space that must remain clear of combustibles as an invitation to pack in ordinary foam.</p><div id="nearby-article-card-mid" class="nearby-t3m"><span class="nearby-t3m-k">Quick check · tap yours</span><span class="nearby-t3m-q">What's at your attic-floor opening?</span><span class="nearby-t3m-g"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520need%2520help%2520with%2520an%2520attic-floor%2520opening%2520around%2520a%2520hot%2520flue.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26creative_id%3DFL-N974%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26utm_content%3DFL-N974.mid.t3-choice-o1%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o"><span>A hot flue</span></a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520need%2520help%2520sealing%2520an%2520attic-floor%2520opening%2520away%2520from%2520a%2520flue.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26creative_id%3DFL-N974%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26utm_content%3DFL-N974.mid.t3-choice-o2%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o"><span>Another opening</span></a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520have%2520an%2520attic-floor%2520opening%252C%2520but%2520I%2527m%2520not%2520sure%2520what%2520passes%2520through%2520it.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26creative_id%3DFL-N974%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26utm_content%3DFL-N974.mid.t3-choice-o3%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o nearby-t3m-w"><span>Not sure</span></a></span><span class="nearby-t3m-f">Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</span></div><h2>What I would do instead</h2><ul><li>Treat an attic opening around a furnace flue as flue work, not as another gap to fill from the can. Identify the vent before deciding how the surrounding opening should be sealed.</li><li>Ask for sheet metal and a high-temperature-rated sealing material at the opening, following the Department of Energy’s flue guidance. If foam is proposed there, ask whether it is rated for that temperature; ordinary expanding foam is not the same specification.</li><li>Keep the clearance to combustibles in the plan. A typical figure for Type-B double-wall gas vent pipe is 1-inch, but the job is to maintain the clearance required for the flue at hand, not to borrow a number from another opening.</li><li>Keep attic insulation away from the flue rather than pushing it into the space. ENERGY STAR calls for aluminum flashing to hold insulation back from a flue pipe.</li></ul><p>When I describe the job to whoever handles it, I would say: air-seal the attic-floor opening around the furnace flue with heat-appropriate materials while maintaining the flue’s required clearance from combustibles.</p><div id="nearby-article-card-end" class="nearby-t3e"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520need%2520help%2520sealing%2520the%2520attic-floor%2520opening%2520around%2520my%2520furnace%2520flue.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26creative_id%3DFL-N974%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862007%26utm_content%3DFL-N974.end.t3-full%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3e-a" aria-label="Describe my flue gap"><span class="nearby-t3e-r"><span class="nearby-t3e-k">Handyman · furnace flue gap</span></span><span class="nearby-t3e-h">Ask a handyman about your flue gap.</span><span class="nearby-t3e-s">You can describe the attic-floor opening and the need for heat-appropriate sealing that maintains clearance from combustibles.</span><span class="nearby-t3e-st"><span><span class="nearby-t3e-n">1</span>Say what’s going on</span><span><span class="nearby-t3e-n">2</span>Answer a few quick questions</span><span><span class="nearby-t3e-n">3</span>Local pros reach out if you want</span></span><span class="nearby-t3e-btn">Describe my flue gap →</span><span class="nearby-t3e-f">Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</span></a></div></body>

Block Source: Deb Kowalski

You and I live here in Florida, and as of early November 2026, this season’s attic chores still bring out a familiar reflex: see a gap, seal it. In my house, I used to put the gap around a furnace flue in the same mental category as any other opening in the attic floor. Ordinary expanding foam seems made for a job like that. It comes out of a can, fills an awkward space, and lets you feel as though you have crossed an air leak off the list.

You reach for expanding foam at the furnace flue, but the Department of Energy says Type-B gas vent pipe typically needs 1-inch clearance to combustibles

<body><div> <img alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0WVchn_1GtAFu4Q00" height="253"  src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0WVchn_1GtAFu4Q00" width="450"> <br> <br> <p data-nb-p="1"> Nov 8 (Reuters) - Iraq has reached understandings with the United States to allow Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz via a shipping lane near Oman, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in an interview with Al Jazeera. </p> <p data-nb-p="2"> He said Iraq's losses from the Iran war and disruptions to oil exports had reached $60 billion. </p> <p data-nb-p="3"> Iraq's oil exports recovered in October after a sharp drop the previous month. Exports rose to about 3.5 million barrels per day from 2.65 million bpd in September, according to Iraqi energy officials. </p> <p data-nb-p="4"> (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Nia Williams) </p> </div> </body>

Block Source: Reuters

Nov 8 (Reuters) - Iraq has reached understandings with the United States to allow Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz via a shipping lane near Oman, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Iraq has reached understandings with US to allow oil exports through Hormuz, minister says

<body><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PU6yw_1GtYkpx800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PU6yw_1GtYkpx800" width="1600" height="900" ></figure><p>I live in California, in a ranch house where the sliding glass door gets my attention whenever it takes too much effort to move. My old reflex was to put oil in the track. It seemed simple: make the track slippery, and the door ought to roll. As of early November 2026, with dry heat, wind season, and the first rain on my mind, I would rather look at what the door is rolling over than reach for the oil.</p><p>The California Energy Commission advises checking around doors for gaps and sealing breaches to increase a house’s efficiency and reduce energy bills. I keep that door chore separate from a sticking track. A gap around the door and resistance as it slides are different things to look at; oil in the track is not my answer to either one.</p><div id="nearby-article-card-v1" class="nearby-t3s"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520sliding%2520glass%2520door%2520still%2520sticks%2520after%2520cleaning%2520the%2520track.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26creative_id%3DCA-N976%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26utm_content%3DCA-N976.top.t3-strip%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3s-a"><span class="nearby-t3s-t"><span class="nearby-t3s-h">Door still sticking after cleaning?</span>Tell Nia what you've noticed in a few taps, free.</span><span class="nearby-t3s-go">→</span></a></div><style>.nearby-t3s,.nearby-t3m,.nearby-t3e{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,"SF Pro Text",Roboto,"Segoe UI",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left}.nearby-t3s{display:block;margin:18px 0;background:#fff1ea url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 16px 13px/62px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3s-a{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:34px 14px 13px 16px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3s-t{display:block;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0;font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.38;color:#4a4a4a}.nearby-t3s-h{display:block;font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f;margin-bottom:3px}.nearby-t3s-go{flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:16px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3m{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;margin:22px 0;padding:16px 16px 14px;background:#fff url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat right 16px top 17px/62px auto;border:1.5px solid #1f1f1f;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3m-k{display:block;font-size:11.5px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c2410c}.nearby-t3m-q{display:block;font-size:21px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3m-g{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:8px}.nearby-t3m-o{display:block;text-decoration:none;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3m-w{grid-column:1/-1}.nearby-t3m-o span{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;min-height:46px;padding:8px 10px;border-radius:10px;background:#fff1ea;border:1px solid #ffd9c7;color:#1f1f1f;font-size:15px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:600;text-align:center}.nearby-t3m-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e{display:block;margin:26px 0 8px;background:#fdf4ed url(https://nearby.ai/nearby/email-logo.png) no-repeat 20px 20px/72px auto;background-blend-mode:multiply;border:1px solid #f0dcce;border-left:6px solid #d86c46;border-radius:14px}.nearby-t3e-a{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;padding:50px 20px 18px;text-decoration:none;color:#1f1f1f;-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent}.nearby-t3e-r{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;flex-wrap:wrap}.nearby-t3e-k{display:block;font-size:12px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#a94a26}.nearby-t3e-tag{display:inline-block;padding:3px 9px;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:600}.nearby-t3e-h{display:block;font-size:23px;line-height:1.15;font-weight:700;color:#1f1f1f}.nearby-t3e-s{display:block;font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-st{display:flex;gap:8px;margin-top:2px}.nearby-t3e-st>span{flex:1 1 0;min-width:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;font-size:12.5px;line-height:1.3;color:#3d3d3d}.nearby-t3e-n{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:50%;background:#d86c46;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700}.nearby-t3e-btn{display:block;margin-top:4px;padding:13px 0;border-radius:999px;background:#1f1f1f;color:#fff;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;text-align:center}.nearby-t3e-f{display:block;font-size:12.5px;color:#6b6b6b;text-align:center}</style><h2>What MILGARD says</h2><p>MILGARD puts the oil question plainly: "Use a silicone-based lubricant, as oil-based lubricants can attract more dirt and grime over time." That changed the way I think about a quick squirt into the track. I had been treating the place where dirt collects as though it only needed to feel slick. If I add something that attracts more grime, I have not dealt with the dirt already there.</p><h2>Why a slippery track can still stick</h2><p>Dirt and debris can accumulate in the track and on the rollers. Consumer Reports says that buildup can make a sliding door harder to open and close and cause premature wear. MILGARD says debris clogging the track can strain the rollers and make them wear faster. So the track is not just a strip to lubricate: it is also the surface the rollers have to travel along.</p><p>The rollers deserve attention too. Angi identifies worn, misaligned, or broken rollers as causes of a door that sticks, with grinding noises and uneven movement among the signs. Cleaning the track addresses debris; it does not straighten a misaligned wheel or repair a broken roller. That distinction matters when the door still resists after the loose dirt is gone. I want to know whether I am looking at buildup, damage to the track, or trouble with the wheels before I describe the problem as a door that just needs oil.</p><div id="nearby-article-card-mid" class="nearby-t3m"><span class="nearby-t3m-k">Quick check · tap yours</span><span class="nearby-t3m-q">What do you notice after cleaning the track?</span><span class="nearby-t3m-g"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520sliding%2520glass%2520door%2520still%2520sticks%252C%2520and%2520its%2520track%2520looks%2520damaged.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26creative_id%3DCA-N976%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26utm_content%3DCA-N976.mid.t3-choice-o1%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o"><span>Track looks damaged</span></a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520sliding%2520glass%2520door%2520still%2520sticks%252C%2520and%2520its%2520wheels%2520look%2520misaligned.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26creative_id%3DCA-N976%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26utm_content%3DCA-N976.mid.t3-choice-o2%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o"><span>Wheels look misaligned</span></a><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DI%2520cleaned%2520my%2520sliding%2520door%2520track%252C%2520but%2520the%2520door%2520still%2520sticks.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26creative_id%3DCA-N976%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26utm_content%3DCA-N976.mid.t3-choice-o3%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3m-o nearby-t3m-w"><span>Not sure</span></a></span><span class="nearby-t3m-f">Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</span></div><h2>What it costs</h2><p>Angi estimates track repair or replacement at $100 to $350 when a door is hard to slide or its track is visibly warped. That is a repair estimate, not the price of cleaning a track and not a prediction that every sticking door needs a new one. It is enough reason for me to pay attention to a visibly damaged track instead of trying to make the door slide across it with oil.</p><h2>What I do instead</h2><ul><li>Look at the door and its wheels for loose screws, dents, and misalignment before cleaning. Those are the checks Consumer Reports recommends, and they give me something more useful to report than sticking.</li><li>Vacuum loose dirt and debris from the track. Consumer Reports recommends a vacuum attachment that gives good control and direction; I want the debris out, not pushed along the track.</li><li>Clean built-up debris from the track and let it dry. Then, if the track needs lubrication, use silicone-based lubricant rather than oil. Consumer Reports recommends silicone lubricant after cleaning and drying, and MILGARD explains why it favors silicone over oil.</li><li>Pay attention to the part of the track the roller contacts. Milgard Manufacturing recommends inspecting that surface for debris or damage. If the door still sticks, describe any grinding, uneven movement, visible track damage, or wheel misalignment rather than repeating the oil treatment.</li></ul><p>If I call someone, I describe it as a sliding glass door that sticks and say what I found on the track and rollers.</p><div id="nearby-article-card-end" class="nearby-t3e"><a href="newsbreak://openweb?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmytown.newsbreak.com%2Fhome-services%2Fquote-agent%3Fservice%3Dhandyman%26entry_source%3Darticle%26q%3DMy%2520sliding%2520glass%2520door%2520still%2520sticks%2520after%2520I%2520cleaned%2520the%2520track.%26campaign_id%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26creative_id%3DCA-N976%26utm_source%3Dnewsbreak%26utm_medium%3Darticle_card%26utm_campaign%3Dnearby_nto_404862005%26utm_content%3DCA-N976.end.t3-full%26nb_layer%3D1&amp;fullscreen=true" class="nearby-t3e-a" aria-label="Describe my sticking door"><span class="nearby-t3e-r"><span class="nearby-t3e-k">Handyman · sticking sliding door</span></span><span class="nearby-t3e-h">Tell a local handyman about your sticking door.</span><span class="nearby-t3e-s">You can tell a local handyman whether the track looks damaged or the wheels appear misaligned.</span><span class="nearby-t3e-st"><span><span class="nearby-t3e-n">1</span>Say what’s going on</span><span><span class="nearby-t3e-n">2</span>Answer a few quick questions</span><span><span class="nearby-t3e-n">3</span>Local pros reach out if you want</span></span><span class="nearby-t3e-btn">Describe my sticking door →</span><span class="nearby-t3e-f">Free for homeowners · Your number stays private</span></a></div></body>

Block Source: Marisol Ochoa

I live in California, in a ranch house where the sliding glass door gets my attention whenever it takes too much effort to move. My old reflex was to put oil in the track. It seemed simple: make the track slippery, and the door ought to roll. As of early November 2026, with dry heat, wind season, and the first rain on my mind, I would rather look at what the door is rolling over than reach for the oil.

You oil your sliding-glass-door track, but MILGARD says oil-based lubricants can attract more dirt and grime over time; track repair can cost $350

<body><div><p>For generations, checking your oil took thirty seconds and a paper towel. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, dip it again, and you knew right where you stood.</p><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Rb5Bc_1Gu9z6N600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Rb5Bc_1Gu9z6N600" width="1920" height="1080" ></figure><p>Now one mechanic is warning that the disappearing dipstick could open the door to a brand new kind of rip-off. His warning, shared in a TikTok video, was reported by <a href="https://autos.yahoo.com/ownership/articles/mechanic-reveals-repair-shops-away-144804293.html" rel="nofollow">Yahoo Autos</a>.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">“The Next Big Automotive Scam In 10 Years”</h2><p>The mechanic says more and more vehicles are being built without traditional dipsticks, and that it could potentially affect millions of drivers who know nothing about cars. In his view, drivers have no easy way to check whether certain fluids were actually changed after the car leaves the shop.</p><p>That, he says, gives a dishonest shop an opening. A shop could claim it changed the oil or the transmission fluid without ever doing the work, and the customer would have a harder time proving otherwise.</p><p>He was careful to say that not every shop would do this. But some might, and he claimed it could become the next big automotive scam within a decade.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Drivers Could Be The Easiest Targets</h2><p>The mechanic also warned newer drivers, who may not know much about vehicles and have little reason to doubt what a service advisor tells them.</p><p>According to the mechanic, the cost of a skipped service can be steep. Drivers could end up paying thousands of dollars for engine or transmission repairs if a shop skips an oil or fluid change.</p><p>The trouble, he says, is that nothing may seem wrong at first. Without a way to check, a driver might not realize anything is off until the engine or transmission eventually fails.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Mazda With Gray Fluid Instead Of Red</h2><p>To show what he means, the mechanic shared an example from his own shop. A Mazda came in with a hard-shifting transmission.</p><p>When he checked the transmission fluid, he said it was gray instead of the typical red color, and it contained material that should not have been there. In other words, the fluid told the story that the car could not.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What NAPA Says About Sealed Transmissions</h2><p>The trend the mechanic describes is real. According to NAPA, transmission dipsticks have become less common on automatic vehicles over the years, and many newer models have sealed transmissions.</p><p>These units are designed without traditional dipsticks in mind and may not even have a recommended transmission fluid service interval. NAPA says checking the fluid in these vehicles takes special tools, and mechanics may need to lift the vehicle, bring the fluid to a certain temperature and use a scan tool to check its level.</p><p>That is a long way from a quick look under the hood, and it is why a driver cannot simply check for themselves.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Commenters Split: “Already Doing This” Versus “A Silly Mistake”</h2><p>The video drew a mix of reactions. One commenter claimed a dealership they knew was already doing this every other time.</p><p>Another said they have been doing their own oil changes for more than 20 years and had caught repair shops failing to perform requested work before.</p><p>But a comment from a mobile repair shop disagreed with the warning, calling it a silly mistake. They argued that mechanics have no incentive to let customers’ engines fail, because it would hurt their business.</p><p>Both sides have a point. Most shops depend on repeat customers and word of mouth, and most do honest work. The mechanic’s concern is about the few that might not, and about what drivers can do to protect themselves.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Keep A Shop Honest When There Is No Dipstick</h2><p>You do not need to become a mechanic to protect yourself. A few simple habits make it much harder for anyone to bill you for work that never happened.</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Ask for an itemized receipt that lists the fluid type, the quantity and the mileage at the time of service. Vague one-line invoices are a red flag.</li><li>Ask to see the old filter or the drained fluid before you pay. A trustworthy shop will not mind.</li><li>Take a quick photo of the odometer when you drop the car off, and keep every receipt in a folder or in your phone.</li><li>Check your owner’s manual for how your car reports oil level. Many newer models show it through an electronic reading on the dashboard menu.</li><li>Look for a service sticker or a reset of the maintenance reminder, and compare it with what the receipt says.</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Know Your Car’s Warning Signs Before The Bill Gets Big</h2><p>Pay attention to how the car drives. Hard shifting, slipping, shuddering or a burning smell after a service visit is worth a second opinion, as it was in the Mazda example.</p><p>Fluid color can also be a clue when a shop shows it to you. Fresh transmission fluid is often red or reddish, and the mechanic said the gray fluid with debris in the Mazda was a sign something was wrong.</p><p>Finally, choose your shop the way you would choose a doctor. Ask neighbors, read reviews, and favor places that explain their work in plain English. As more vehicles move away from traditional dipsticks, finding a repair shop you trust matters more than ever.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Stories You May Like</h2><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://steelhorserides.com/9-routine-car-maintenance-services-experts-say-many-drivers-can-skip-and-the-owners-manual-check-that-can-save-real-money/" rel="nofollow">9 Routine Car Maintenance Services Experts Say Many Drivers Can Skip, And The Owner’s Manual Check That Can Save Real Money</a></li><li><a href="https://steelhorserides.com/chevy-mechanic-with-over-30-years-experience-says-a-30-to-50-scanner-beats-an-800-parts-bill-on-your-1999-to-2013-5-3-vortec-truck/" rel="nofollow">Chevy Mechanic With Over 30 Years Experience Says a $30 To $50 Scanner Beats an $800 Parts Bill on Your 1999 to 2013 5.3 Vortec Truck</a></li><li><a href="https://steelhorserides.com/mechanic-finds-milkshake-oil-in-a-smoking-pacifica-after-another-shop-replaced-the-coils-cooler-and-plug-without-ever-running-a-simple-head-gasket-test/" rel="nofollow">Mechanic Finds Milkshake Oil In A Smoking Pacifica After Another Shop Replaced The Coils Cooler And Plug Without Ever Running A Simple Head Gasket Test</a></li></ul></div></body>

Block Source: Steel Horse Rides

For generations, checking your oil took thirty seconds and a paper towel. Pull the dipstick, […]

Mechanic Warns Cars Without Dipsticks Could Be The Next Big Scam As Shady Shops Bill For Oil Changes They Never Did And Drivers Cannot Check

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4MMj9g_1Gv6BdDm00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4MMj9g_1Gv6BdDm00" width="1600" height="960" ><figcaption>Crude Oil Prices Plummet as Iran Peace Optimism Climbs</figcaption></figure> Satellite view of the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz with Iran highlighted_ Image by FoxPictures via Shutterstock_ <p>December WTI crude oil (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CL*0/overview" rel="nofollow">CLZ26</a>) closed down -3.98 (-4.38%) on Monday, and December RBOB gasoline (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/RB*0/overview" rel="nofollow">RBZ26</a>) closed down -0.1258 (-4.53%).</p><p>Crude oil and gasoline prices plummeted on Monday, with crude oil posting a 2.25-month low and gasoline posting an 8-month low.&nbsp; &nbsp;Crude prices sank Monday on optimism that diplomatic progress is gaining momentum to end the US-Iran war, which could lead to a full resumption of energy supplies from the Middle East.&nbsp; Also, hopes for a breakthrough in negotiations to end the US war in Iran have increased after last week’s Democratic sweep of US midterm elections, adding pressure to the Trump administration to seek an off-ramp to the war. </p>Don’t Miss a Day: <a href="https://www.barchart.com/news/barchart-newsletters/commodity-bulletin" rel="nofollow">From crude oil to coffee, sign up free for Barchart’s best-in-class commodity analysis.</a><p></p><p>Crude oil prices sold off on Monday after President Trump said it's "highly unlikely" he'll order more strikes against Iran if peace talks show progress.&nbsp; Axios reported that President Trump met the prime minister of Qatar on Monday to focus on negotiations with Iran.&nbsp; Crude oil losses accelerated Monday after news outlet Israel Hayom reported that Iran dropped its demand to control the Strait of Hormuz and collect transit fees from vessels passing through the waterway.</p><p>However, Secretary of State Rubio played down the chances of a breakthrough, saying Iran's demands to date are unacceptable.&nbsp; Also, the US launched overnight attacks on specific targets on the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>Despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict, oil supplies are still leaving the Middle East.&nbsp; Combined exports from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait climbed 10% to 15.53 million bpd in October, roughly in line with levels shipped at the start of the year, according to tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.</p><p>Higher Saudi crude output is bearish for crude prices.&nbsp; Saudi Arabia said its Oct crude production rose by +970,000 bpd to 9.2 million bpd (+12% m/m), recovering further from a 36-year low in August.&nbsp; However, Saudi oil production continues to be threatened by Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and by the Houthi threats to oil shipments near the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait.</p><p>On the positive side for crude, Saudi Arabian state producer Aramco last Thursday cut its crude prices for Asian buyers next month by less than expected.&nbsp; Aramco cut its crude price for Asian buyers for December delivery by $2 a barrel, less than market expectations of a $5 decrease from November.</p><p>Recent attacks by Ukraine on Russian oil infrastructure have curbed Russian crude production and exports.&nbsp;Ukraine has attacked six of Russia’s ten largest oil-processing plants in recent months.&nbsp; According to EA Analytics, Russian crude-processing rates averaged 3.51 million bpd in July, the lowest in 24 years, amid damage to Russian energy infrastructure caused by drone and missile attacks from Ukraine.&nbsp;Russian crude processing rates recovered slightly to 3.98 million bpd in September as damaged refineries struggle to come back online.</p><p>On the bearish side for crude, the International Energy Agency (IEA) on September 11 warned that high oil prices and restricted oil supply will cause the biggest drop in global oil demand this year since the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp; Despite the projected demand drop, the IEA raised its estimate for this year’s global oil deficit to 1.7 million bpd from last month’s 1.3 million bpd estimate due to the restricted supply caused by the US-Iran war.&nbsp;The IEA said the return of a global oil surplus will be delayed until 2027, later than its previous estimate of late 2026.</p><p>On November 1, OPEC+ agreed to keep oil production quotas unchanged for December.&nbsp; As a bearish factor for crude, OPEC delegates on August 2 approved their final increase of +188,000 bpd in crude production for September.&nbsp;On paper, the group has restored all 1.65 million bpd of the supply cutback it made in 2023 and said it plans to hold output steady for the rest of the year after the September hike. &nbsp;However, OPEC+ may struggle to deliver planned production increases amid Middle East shipping disruptions.&nbsp; OPEC's Oct crude production rose by +930,000 bpd to an 8-month high of 22.8 million bpd. </p><p>Vortexa reported Monday that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least 7 days fell -7.7% w/w to 88.32 million bbl in the week ended November 6, the lowest level in more than 3 months.</p><p>Last Wednesday’s EIA report showed that (1) US crude oil inventories as of October 30 were -5.1% below the seasonal 5-year average, (2) gasoline inventories were -0.9% below the seasonal 5-year average, and (3) distillate inventories were -12.7% below the 5-year seasonal average.&nbsp; In a bearish factor, US crude oil production in the week ending October 30 rose +0.1% w/w to a new record high of 14.003 bpd.</p><p>Baker Hughes reported last Friday that the number of active US oil rigs in the week ended November 6 rose by +1 rig to a 1.5-year high of 463 rigs.</p><br><i> On the date of publication, <a target="_self" href="https://www.barchart.com/news/authors/5/rich-asplund" rel="nofollow">Rich Asplund</a> did not directly have a position in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy <a target="_self" href="https://www.barchart.com/terms#disclosure" rel="nofollow">here</a>. </i></div></body>

Block Source: Barchart

Satellite view of the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz with Iran highlighted_ Image by FoxPictures via Shutterstock_ December WTI crude oil ( CLZ26 ) closed down -3.98 (-4.38%) on Monday, and December RBOB gasoline ( RBZ26 ) closed down -0.1258 (-4.53%). Crude oil and gasoline prices plummeted on Monday, with crude oil posting a 2.25-month low and gasoline posting an 8-month low. Crude prices sank Monday on optimism that diplomatic progress is gaining momentum to end the US-Iran war, which could lead to a full resumption of energy supplies from the Middle East. Also, hopes for a breakthrough in negotiations to end the US war in Iran have increased after last week’s Democratic sweep of US midterm elections, adding pressure to the Trump administration to seek an off-ramp to the war. Don’t Miss a Day: From crude oil to coffee, sign up free for Barchart’s best-in-class commodity analysis. Crude oil prices sold off on Monday after President Trump said it's "highly unlikely" he'll order more strikes against Iran if peace talks show progress. Axios reported that President Trump met the prime minister of Qatar on Monday to focus on negotiations with Iran. Crude oil losses accelerated Monday after

Crude Oil Prices Plummet as Iran Peace Optimism Climbs

<body><div><div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video title="Inside the UAE's battle to keep energy flowing despite the Hormuz crisis" poster="https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/694940094001/ea30272e-1394-4901-8387-3555895c08bc/25780bce-934e-4195-b373-3a1d5c078ccd/1280x720/match/image.jpg" allowfullscreen="true" controls="true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"><source src="https://vod.foxnews.com/media/v1/pmp4/static/clear/694940094001/ea30272e-1394-4901-8387-3555895c08bc/38e1ef6a-1558-4ce8-b44b-8cc6894d07bb/main.mp4" type="video/mp4"></video></div><p><strong>ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates</strong> — President Donald Trump met Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, on Monday at the White House as diplomatic efforts to end the <a href="https://foxnews.com/category/politics/defense/wars/war-with-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">war with Iran</a> continue, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns that negotiations remain far from a breakthrough and Tehran signals a willingness to negotiate without yielding to pressure.</p><p>The competing messages come as the Strait of Hormuz remains a major source of global economic disruption and regional governments push for a diplomatic solution to a conflict that has subjected Gulf countries to thousands of <a href="https://foxnews.com/category/world/conflicts/iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Iranian missile and drone attacks</a>.</p><p>Speaking to reporters Sunday before departing for a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Paris, Rubio said there had been little progress in negotiations and rejected the terms put forward by Tehran.</p><p>"I wouldn't say we're on the verge of a breakthrough," Rubio said.</p><p><a href="https://foxnews.com/politics/rubio-defends-trumps-iran-war-not-necessarily-popular-necessary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>RUBIO DEFENDS TRUMP'S IRAN WAR AS NOT 'NECESSARILY POPULAR, BUT NECESSARY'</strong></a></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=345kBj_1GuseapI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=345kBj_1GuseapI00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption>Cargo is loaded at the Port of Fujairah, as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran limits marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, May 6, 2026. Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>He emphasized that Trump prefers a diplomatic settlement but described Iran's demands as unrealistic.</p><p><a href="https://foxnews.onelink.me/xLDS/2q7u8n6c" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP</strong></a></p><p>Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that Tehran was prepared to negotiate an end to what he described as a prolonged state of neither war nor peace.</p><p>"We can negotiate with dignity and resolve the issue with dignity. We favor dialogue and negotiations," Pezeshkian said, according to <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iran-open-to-negotiations-to-end-no-war-no-peace-situation-president/4117217" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Anadolu Agency on November 9</a>, citing an Iranian presidential statement.</p><p>He said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had instructed officials to end the uncertainty but insisted that Iran would not surrender to coercion.</p><p>Trump, meanwhile, signaled Sunday that he was not seeking another escalation. In an interview with CBS' <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-2026-post-midterm-elections-interview-60-minutes-transcript/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">"60 Minutes,"</a> the president said he saw no reason to intensify the war with Iran while maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz was open.</p><p>Mediators have been discussing a two-day proposal under which the United States would lift its <a href="https://foxnews.com/media/trump-details-sweeping-all-nothing-us-blockade-strait-hormuz-after-failed-iran-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">naval blockade</a> and release some <a href="https://foxnews.com/politics/white-house-silent-iran-oman-hormuz-plan-tehran-says-would-ban-us-warships" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">frozen Iranian funds</a>. Tehran would then take steps toward <a href="https://foxnews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-hinges-iaea-access-long-blocked-atomic-weapon-sites-experts-say" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">renewed nuclear inspections</a> and reopen the Strait of Hormuz before broader negotiations resumed, according to <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/09/trump-qatar-prime-minister-iran-war-mediation" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Axios on November 9</a>.</p><p>The proposal has not been accepted by Washington, and significant differences remain over the terms of any agreement.</p><p><a href="https://foxnews.com/world/vast-majority-irans-attempted-attacks-strait-hormuz-unsuccessful-centcom-spokesman-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>'VAST MAJORITY' OF IRAN'S ATTEMPTED ATTACKS ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, CENTCOM SPOKESMAN SAYS</strong></a></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=07L3aQ_1GuseapI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=07L3aQ_1GuseapI00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption>A satellite image shows the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, vital for global energy supply. Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Nowhere are the consequences of the diplomatic stalemate clearer than in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.</p><p>Before the war, the equivalent of roughly one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption and more than one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas trade passed through the waterway, according to the <a href="https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/special-topics/World_Oil_Transit_Chokepoints" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">U.S. Energy Information Administration</a>, making it one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.</p><p>Since the conflict began, Iranian attacks, shipping restrictions and U.S. military operations have severely disrupted commercial traffic.</p><p>Despite the American naval presence, attacks on commercial vessels have continued.</p><p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-meet-iran-war-mediator-qatar-no-imminent-deal-seen-end-war-2026-11-09/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Reuters reported</a> Monday that <a href="https://foxnews.com/politics/who-controls-strait-hormuz-right-now-heres-what-ship-traffic-actually-shows" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">tanker attacks</a> in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz had accelerated sharply in October and continued into November. Iranian authorities also claimed that a tanker had struck a mine east of the strait on Sunday.</p><p>In an interview with Fox News Digital at the ADIPEC energy conference in Abu Dhabi, Amos Hochstein, a former senior adviser to President Joe Biden and now managing partner at TWG Global, challenged claims that the strait had effectively reopened.</p><p><a href="https://foxnews.com/world/strait-hormuz-may-only-half-story-new-oil-threat-comes-focus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>HORMUZ CRISIS HIDES A DEEPER OIL THREAT THAT COULD OUTLAST THE WAR</strong></a></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0QdooB_1GuseapI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0QdooB_1GuseapI00" width="1280" height="853" ><figcaption>A view of the Port of Fujairah as U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran limits marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on May 6, 2026. Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>"There has been a hot conflict in the Strait of Hormuz on almost a nightly basis. Tankers are getting fired on, tankers are getting hit," Hochstein said.</p><p>"If you need a heavy U.S. military presence just to let an oil tanker go through, to me that's the definition of not open," he told Fox News Digital.</p><p>Hochstein argued that the extraordinary security measures required to protect commercial vessels demonstrate that normal navigation has not been restored.</p><p>Higher insurance premiums, the danger of additional attacks and restrictions on maritime traffic have continued to burden the global economy.</p><p>His assessment contrasts with the more optimistic picture offered by U.S. Central Command. In late October, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said American forces had cleared primary shipping routes of <a href="https://foxnews.com/world/sea-mine-crisis-re-emerges-strait-hormuz-tehran-urges-washington-accept-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Iranian mines</a> and assisted thousands of commercial vessels transiting the waterway.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/us-centcom-chief-flies-over-strait-of-hormuz-says-its-free-of-mines/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">a CENTCOM statement reported October 25</a>, more than 3,000 commercial vessels had successfully transited Hormuz with American military support over the preceding six months.</p><p>But for Hochstein, the ability of military forces to escort ships does not mean the commercial risks have disappeared.</p><p>He suggested that negotiations could proceed on separate tracks, with Washington concentrating on Iran's nuclear program while Gulf governments take a greater role in discussions over freedom of navigation and maritime security.</p><p>"Maybe the Gulf allies themselves should be the ones that are managing that part of the negotiation on the [strait] while the United States would manage the negotiations ... on the nuclear front," Hochstein told Fox News Digital.</p><p>Dr. Angela Wilkinson, CEO of the World Energy Council, said the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed the need to rethink global energy markets, which have traditionally prioritized efficiency over resilience.</p><p>"Efficiency is not enough. We have to have resilience," Wilkinson told Fox News Digital at ADIPEC.</p><p>"What we at the World Energy Council recommend is that we rebalance energy," she said, advocating solutions that address energy security, affordability and sustainability simultaneously.</p><p>"We have escalating logistics costs, but we've got new vulnerabilities of interdependency. And that's what we're navigating our way through."</p><p><a href="https://foxnews.com/world/gulf-official-glimmer-hope-trump-iran-nuclear-talks-threat-war-hangs-region" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>TOP GULF OFFICIAL OFFERS GLIMMER OF HOPE ON TRUMP-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS AS THREAT OF WAR HANGS OVER REGION</strong></a></p><p>For the UAE, the disruption has accelerated efforts to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>The Emirates has invested in alternative routes, particularly its pipeline to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, outside the strait, allowing some oil exports to bypass the contested shipping corridor.</p><p>Al Nuaimi said the country had substantially increased its oil exports since the war began.</p><p>"We want the Strait of Hormuz to be open, to be respected according to international law, but we don't wait and make our country and our people hostages to others. … Before the war started on February 28th, we used to export 3.1, 3.2 million barrels a day. Now we are exporting almost 4.4."</p><p>UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei also said at ADIPEC on November 2 that the country's exports had, at times, exceeded prewar levels.</p><p>The country is also investing in new export routes, overseas storage capacity and shipping infrastructure to strengthen its ability to withstand future disruptions.</p><p>Hochstein praised the UAE and Saudi Arabia for anticipating the risks associated with dependence on a single maritime route.</p><p>"You can create alternative pathways and infrastructure, but those are redundancies," he said.</p><p><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-offers-iran-last-chance-deal-repeated-pauses-fail-end-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"><strong>IS THIS TRUMP’S LAST ‘LAST CHANCE?' CEASELESS STRING OF BROKEN CEASEFIRES FUELS DOUBT OVER IRAN DEAL</strong></a></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2Ap8h6_1GuseapI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Ap8h6_1GuseapI00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption>Attendees gather at ADIPEC 2026, one of the world's largest energy conferences, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 2–5, 2026, as industry leaders discuss global energy security, technological innovation and the growing role of artificial intelligence. Fox News</figcaption></figure><p>His point was that alternative infrastructure can reduce the economic impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz but cannot entirely replace the waterway.</p><p>The wider consequences have been felt across international energy markets, with increased shipping costs and supply disruptions affecting consumers far beyond the Middle East.</p><p>In a separate exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Mohammed Baharoon, director general of the Emirati research center B'huth, argued that the confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz amounts to a separate economic war with consequences far beyond the region.</p><p>"The third war was Iran's war on global economy by blocking the Strait of Hormuz," Baharoon said. "And they've affected people in the Philippines, in India, in Brazil that has nothing to do with this conflict."</p><p>He argued that the disruption has exposed the vulnerability of countries dependent on a single shipping corridor, reinforcing the need for alternative pipelines, transportation networks and supply chains.</p><p>"And part of resilience is that you will not have only one outlet," he said.</p><p>Baharoon stressed that those investments were not simply emergency responses to the war but part of a longer-term effort to strengthen regional connectivity.</p><p>"The war might have accelerated the plans, but the plans have always been there," he said.</p><p>Even if Hormuz fully reopens, he argued, the region will still need more routes for international trade.</p><p><a href="https://foxnews.onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&amp;af_dp=foxnewsaf%3A%2F%2F&amp;af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fapps-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP</strong></a></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Es9Hi_1GuseapI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Es9Hi_1GuseapI00" width="1280" height="720" ><figcaption>Vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Aug. 10, 2026. Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>"We need more access, we'll need more supply chains. And we need them to be not only durable, resilient, but also redundant."</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response before publication.</p></div></body>

Block Source: Fox News

Trump met Qatar's prime minister at the White House as Marco Rubio warns Iran negotiations are far from a breakthrough amid Strait of Hormuz chaos.

Trump meets key Iran war mediator as UAE reveals major oil export surge despite conflict

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0W1t70_1GuJqfjU00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0W1t70_1GuJqfjU00" width="590" height="442" ></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0W1t70_1GuJqfjU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0W1t70_1GuJqfjU00" width="590" height="442" ><figcaption>The sky turned red following the Ukrainian attack on the Kirishi Oil Refinery</figcaption></figure><p>Vladimir Putin faces further embarrassment amid the ongoing fuel crisis in Russia, as gas rationing has returned following Ukraine's damaging attacks on oil refineries.</p><p>The resumed attacks from Ukraine have led Russia's largest oil company, Rosneft, to reinstate fuel restrictions across its network of filling stations, mere weeks after the restrictions were lifted. This development coincides with Ukrainian drones sparking massive fires at the Kirishi Oil Refinery, western Russia's largest facility, located near St. Petersburg, Putin's hometown.</p><p>The state-owned Rosneft has set rationing limits of 30 liters of gas per vehicle at city filling stations and 50 liters per vehicle on main highways.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/219383/ukraine-power-plant-two-weeks-power-russian-air-strikes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ukraine power plant 'only has two weeks of power left' following Russian attacks</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.the-express.com/news/world-news/219375/ukraines-zelensky-claims-russia-North-Korean-KN-23-missiles" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zelensky claims Russia used North Korean KN-23 missiles in energy attack</a></strong></li></ul><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Xkv3t_1GuJqfjU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Xkv3t_1GuJqfjU00" width="590" height="443" ><figcaption>Russians are standing in long lines for gas once again</figcaption></figure><p>Three additional companies, Lukoil, Gazprom Neft and Tatneft, have implemented regional sales restrictions as Russia grapples with a fuel shortage ahead of a new round of US-brokered peace negotiations scheduled to begin tomorrow.</p><p>These strikes occurred as Donald Trump suggested that a peace agreement was nearing completion before talks in Abu Dhabi. The president claimed Ukraine was "gonna end up with a little bit different shape", suggesting a settlement that would result in Kyiv ceding some territory.</p><p>In a CBS interview, he dismissed suggestions that Putin was misleading him, stating: "Oh, I don't think so." It comes as the U.S. is advocating for a new European security framework as part of efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.</p><p>Trump described Ukraine as "the apple of President Putin's eye," but suggested Putin wouldn't obtain it as he envisioned, and predicted a deal would "happen." In a further unusual statement, Trump accused Zelensky of "great disrespect shown to Russia" during his initial encounter with Putin prior to the conflict.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1SY4k7_1GuJqfjU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1SY4k7_1GuJqfjU00" width="590" height="775" ><figcaption>Aftermath of a Russian attack on a hotel and disabled children's centre in Kremenchuk</figcaption></figure><p>Trump indicated he anticipates meeting with Putin alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the forthcoming APEC summit.</p><p>"We'll be talking about a lot of things, including denuclearisation," he said.</p><p>The Kirishi facility - capable of processing 18.4 million tonnes of oil annually - ranks as Russia's second-largest refinery. Reports suggest the refinery sustained substantial damage.</p><p>This marks the sixth refinery targeted by Ukraine in November, resulting in fuel shortages across Russia, the world's second-largest oil producer.</p><p>Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported that 113 drones were intercepted overnight across his territory. Ukraine also destroyed a bridge spanning the Mius River in Rostov region, a critical supply line for Russian military operations.</p><p>Several individuals sustained injuries when Russia attacked a hotel and disabled children's facility in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk. The assault demolished the Colibri complex for handicapped children in Putin's latest attack on vulnerable civilians; among them, a 16-year-old child suffered serious injuries.</p><p>"Russia is a vile state," stated Ukrainian war commentator Denys Kazanskyi, in response to the strike.</p><p>Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it struck three power substations in Ukraine overnight - located in Vinnytsia, Cherkasy and Kryvyi Rih. All three facilities provide electricity to civilian populations, with the attacks occurring as Ukraine faces the approaching winter freeze. Eight regions across Ukraine experienced power outages on November 8 following Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure.</p></div></body>

Block Source: Express U.S.

Vladimir Putin faces a deepening fuel crisis as petrol rationing returns to Russia following Ukraine's strikes on oil refineries, with Rosneft reimposing sales curbs across its filling-station network just weeks after restrictions were lifted

Humiliated Putin sees petrol rationing hit Russia after new Ukrainian oil refinery attack

<body><div><figure class="sf-featured-image"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3QsSdJ_1GsmZo0n00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3QsSdJ_1GsmZo0n00" width="1280" height="960" ><figcaption>Asurnipal - CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons </figcaption></figure><p>Heating oil averaged $6.08 a gallon in Massachusetts on Sept. 28, up 73% from $3.52 a year earlier, and the state has responded with a new benefit for households that earn too much for regular fuel aid. Middle-income families that heat with #2 oil can get a one-time payment of up to $680, according to the state’s <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/middle-income-heating-oil-relief" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief page</a>.</p><p>Gov. Maura Healey announced the benefit on Oct. 5 alongside an energy emergency declaration, the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-announces-new-winter-energy-bill-relief-for-massachusetts-families" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">governor’s office said</a>. About 50,000 households are expected to qualify.</p><h2>Who Qualifies for the $680 Benefit</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=366nTn_1GsmZo0n00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=366nTn_1GsmZo0n00" width="1280" height="658" ><figcaption>Deloss Barnum – Public domain/Wikimedia Commons </figcaption></figure><p>The home must be heated with #2 home heating oil, and the household cannot qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Gross household income must sit above 60% and below 100% of the state median income, the state page says.</p><p>That test is why the benefit reaches families that usually miss out on aid. For a household of four, the range runs from $103,050 to $171,749. Fuel help takes other shapes elsewhere, such as in Ohio, where <a href="https://craftingyourhome.com/ohio-winter-crisis-program-1200-fuel/" rel="nofollow">the crisis program offers up to $1,200 for fuel oil</a>. Readers watching their own energy bills can also browse <a href="https://frenzhub.com/energy-efficient-home-improvements-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">energy-efficient home improvement tips</a>.</p><p>The state page lists the fiscal 2027 limits by household size. A single person qualifies between $53,586 and $89,308, and two people between $70,074 and $116,788. Three people qualify between $86,562 and $144,268, five between $119,537 and $199,227 and six between $136,025 and $226,707. The page does not list limits for larger households. Families planning for a long season can pair the aid with a <a href="https://craftingyourhome.com/steps-before-turning-on-furnace-winter/" rel="nofollow">furnace checklist before the heat goes on</a> and a few <a href="https://frenzhub.com/kitchen-remodel-ideas-on-a-shoestring-budget/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">budget-friendly home projects</a>.</p><h2>When and How to Apply</h2><p>Applications for the heating oil relief open in December 2026, according to <a href="https://mass.gov/HeatingHelp" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">the state’s HeatingHelp page</a>. No deadline is listed there, though the governor’s office says the benefit is available from December through April 30, 2027, or until funding runs out.</p><p>The interest form linked from the state page only signs a household up to be notified when the program opens. It is not the application itself, and the page does not describe the application steps or the documents required. Questions can go to Mass 211, which is staffed around the clock, or to the Housing Resources Hotline at 877-211-6277.</p><p>Other states are rolling out their own winter plans, among them <a href="https://craftingyourhome.com/new-york-heap-opens-990-fuel-benefit/" rel="nofollow">New York’s heating aid of up to $990 for oil and propane homes</a> and <a href="https://craftingyourhome.com/wisconsin-heating-aid-441-income-limit/" rel="nofollow">Wisconsin’s heating aid averaging $441 a household</a>. A <a href="https://frenzhub.com/top-smart-home-trends-for-this-year-and-beyond/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">smart thermostat</a> is one way to trim use, and small repairs matter in cold months too, from a <a href="https://frenzhub.com/how-to-fix-a-leaky-bathtub-faucet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">leaky bathtub faucet</a> to drafty windows.</p><p>The money will not appear out of thin air. The order lets the state use alternative compliance payments that electricity suppliers make when they miss clean energy quotas, <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/10/05/healey-heating-bills-cost-cutting-assistance-oil" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">WBUR reported</a>. The executive order that created the benefit stays in effect until April 30, 2027 unless it is changed or revoked.</p><h2>Bigger HEAP Checks and Electric Bill Relief</h2><p>Lower-income households get help too. The regular HEAP season runs Nov. 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, and the state is adding $15 million to raise benefits by 20% for oil-heated homes and 15% for homes heated by utilities. About 156,000 households are expected to see those increases, with current support ranging from about $525 to $1,200. Households can apply at mass.gov/heatinghelp.</p><p>Electric customers are covered as well. The governor’s office says the SMART charge, a solar line item, will be removed from electric bills for three months, January through March 2027, with $80 million in state money. The alternative energy portfolio charge will be cut by 50% this winter, which the state estimates at about $20 million in relief.</p><p>Altogether the package totals nearly $150 million, and the administration says it will lower bills for about 85% of ratepayers.</p><h2>Why the State Acted Now</h2><p>Healey said one in five Massachusetts households heat with oil and that many could pay as much as $700 more for a single fill-up. The governor said the state of energy emergency lets Massachusetts use every tool at its disposal, according to the state announcement.</p><p>The Emergency Winter Warmth Fund, created with Citizens Energy Corporation, begins with a $100,000 contribution and will support both the existing aid and the new heating oil benefit, the governor’s office said. Joe Kennedy III, the group’s president, told WBUR that Massachusetts is likely heading into a very difficult winter.</p><p>Lawmakers are separately weighing energy bills, WBUR noted, and Healey has said she is not waiting on them. A proposal to suspend the state’s 24-cent gas tax for two months has been filed but is not law. The governor also asked Congress for another $3 billion for the federal heating aid program.</p><p class="yeez-signup"><strong>Get stories like this by email.</strong><a href="https://crafting-your-home.kit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Sign up for Crafting Your Home</a>.</p><p><em>This article was produced with AI assistance and edited for accuracy against the sources linked above.</em></p><p class="yeez-image-credit">Image: Asurnipal – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons</p></div></body>

Block Source: Crafting Your Home

Massachusetts middle-income households that heat with oil can get a one-time benefit of up to $680, with applications opening in December 2026.

Massachusetts Adds a One-Time Heating Oil Benefit of Up to $680 for Middle-Income Households

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2RsyXd_1GtK0lLT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2RsyXd_1GtK0lLT00" width="1280" height="853" ></p><p>Gas prices can take a significant bite out of a household budget, especially for Americans who depend on their vehicles for commuting, errands, family trips, and daily responsibilities. Many drivers try to save money by following common fuel-saving advice, but not every popular tip delivers the promised results.</p><p>Some habits waste fuel, while others offer little financial benefit. Understanding how gas mileage works can help drivers make smarter decisions at the pump and behind the wheel. Here are eight common gas mileage myths that may be costing American motorists money, and what actually works to improve fuel efficiency.</p><figure id="attachment_441587-3" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2VPt0k_1GtK0lLT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2VPt0k_1GtK0lLT00" width="1280" height="853" ><figcaption id="caption-attachment-441587-3" class="wp-caption-text">Gasoline</figcaption></figure><h2>1. Premium Gasoline Always Improves Gas Mileage</h2><p>Many American drivers believe premium gasoline automatically delivers better fuel economy. Since premium fuel usually costs more than regular gasoline, it can seem like a higher-quality option that helps a vehicle travel farther. However, this assumption is not accurate for most everyday cars.</p><p>Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which means it offers greater resistance to engine knocking. It does not automatically contain more energy than regular gasoline. Its primary purpose is to meet the requirements of engines designed for higher-octane fuel.</p><p>Most standard passenger vehicles sold in the United States are designed to operate on regular 87-octane gasoline. Using premium fuel in these vehicles generally provides little or no improvement in mileage or everyday performance.</p><p>Some vehicles have turbocharged or high-compression engines that recommend premium gasoline. Following the manufacturer’s recommendation can help maintain the intended engine performance and efficiency. Ignoring a premium-fuel requirement may affect performance, depending on the vehicle’s design and engine management system.</p><p>Drivers should check the owner’s manual before choosing a fuel grade. The manual explains whether regular gasoline is acceptable, premium is recommended, or premium is required. This small step can prevent unnecessary spending.</p><p>For example, consider a driver who purchases premium gasoline at an additional 50 cents per gallon and fills a 15-gallon tank. That decision adds $7.50 to each fill-up. Over 12 fill-ups, the additional expense reaches $90 without a guaranteed improvement in fuel economy.</p><p>The smarter approach is to purchase the fuel grade recommended by the manufacturer. Paying more for gasoline that your engine does not need is rarely a useful fuel-saving strategy.</p><figure id="attachment_441588-3" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1k13yi_1GtK0lLT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1k13yi_1GtK0lLT00" width="650" height="430" ><figcaption id="caption-attachment-441588-3" class="wp-caption-text">Warming Up the Engine</figcaption></figure><h2>2. Warming Up Your Car for Several Minutes Saves Fuel</h2><p>For many years, American motorists believed they needed to warm up their vehicles for several minutes before driving, particularly during winter. This habit became common when older vehicles required more time to operate properly in cold conditions.</p><p>Modern vehicles use electronic fuel injection systems that automatically adjust the air and fuel mixture when the engine is cold. These systems allow most modern gasoline-powered cars to begin driving shortly after starting.</p><p>Leaving an engine running for five or ten minutes while parked consumes gasoline without covering any distance. The vehicle’s fuel economy during this period is effectively zero miles per gallon.</p><p>A better approach is to start the engine, allow a short period for the oil to circulate, and begin driving gently. Avoid aggressive acceleration and high engine speeds until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.</p><p><strong><a href="https://daxstreet.com/cars/441081/8-gas-mileage-myths-that-cost-you-money/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading.</a></strong></p></div></body>

Block Source: DaxStreet

Gas prices can take a significant bite out of a household budget, especially for Americans who depend on their vehicles for commuting, errands, family trips, and daily responsibilities. Many drivers try to save money by following common fuel-saving advice, but not every popular tip delivers the promised results. Some habits waste fuel, while others offer little financial benefit. Understanding how gas mileage works can help drivers make smarter decisions at the pump and behind the wheel. Here are eight common gas mileage myths that may be costing American motorists money, and what actually works to improve fuel efficiency. Gasoline 1. Premium Gasoline Always Improves Gas Mileage Many American drivers believe premium gasoline automatically delivers better fuel economy. Since premium fuel usually costs more than regular gasoline, it can seem like a higher-quality option that helps a vehicle travel farther. However, this assumption is not accurate for most everyday cars. Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which means it offers greater resistance to engine knocking. It does not automatically contain more energy than regular gasoline. Its primary purpose is to meet the requirements of engines designed for higher-octane fuel. Most standard passenger vehicles sold in the United States are designed