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8 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=16U9uF_1H3Dl1JT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=16U9uF_1H3Dl1JT00" width="1440" height="960" ></p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">At 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, oil was priced at $98.45 per barrel with Brent serving as the benchmark (we’ll explain different benchmarks later in this article). That’s a gain of $3.87 compared with yesterday morning and around $35 higher than the price one year ago.</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>$94.58</td><td>+4.09%</td></tr><tr><td>Price of oil 1 month ago</td><td>$108.50</td><td>-9.26%</td></tr><tr><td>Price of oil 1 year ago</td><td>$63.42</td><td>+55.23%</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 forecast oil prices with detailed precision. Many different elements affect the market, but ultimately it boils down to supply and demand. When worries about economic recession, war, and other large-scale disruptions increase, oil’s path can shift fast.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How oil prices translate to gas pump prices</h3><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gas prices at the pump don’t only track crude oil. They also include what it takes to refine and move that fuel, the taxes layered on top, and the extra markup your local station adds to stay in business.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since crude oil generally makes up a majority of the per-gallon cost, changes in its price have an outsized impact. When oil surges, gas prices typically rise in tandem. But when oil retreats, gas prices often lag on the way down, a trend sometimes described 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 and is more meant to provide temporary relief, assisting consumers and keeping 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">Both oil and natural gas are key sources of the energy we use every day. Because of this, a big change in oil prices can affect natural gas. 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">To gauge oil’s performance, we often turn to two benchmarks:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Brent crude oil</strong>, the main global oil benchmark.</li><li><strong>West Texas Intermediate (WTI)</strong>, the main benchmark of North America</li></ul><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Between these 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/2026/11/12/standard-chartered-ceo-geopolitical-fragmentation-profit/" rel="nofollow">Standard Chartered profit jumps 46% as CEO bets on a fragmenting global economy</a></li><li><a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/10/anthropic-3-4-billion-deal-gas-data-centers-ai-ipo/" rel="nofollow">Anthropic inks $3.4 billion deal for gas-powered data centers</a></li><li><a href="https://fortune.com/2026/11/10/lumen-cfo-expects-1-5-billion-legacy-copper-pivot-ai-connectivity/" rel="nofollow">Lumen CFO expects up to $1.5 billion from legacy copper amid pivot to AI connectivity</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-11-13-2026/" 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 13, 2026

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3vR6Ps_1H41zfZi00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3vR6Ps_1H41zfZi00" width="1600" height="900" ></p><p dir="ltr">Buick is <a href="https://www.moneydigest.com/1925457/americas-most-reliable-car-brands-buick-9016-dollar-average-maintenance-cost-first-10-years/" rel="nofollow">one of America's most reliable car brands</a>, and has achieved&nbsp;popularity&nbsp;by offering drivers premium feel and comfort with practical and intuitive features in models that don't break the bank. In 2026, <a href="https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-vehicle-dependability-study-vds" rel="nofollow">J.D. Power</a> ranked Buick highest among mass-market car brands in its&nbsp;U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), meaning Buick owners reported experiencing fewer problems with their vehicles than those from other big-name manufacturers.&nbsp;And while some&nbsp;Buick models might be out of reach for retirees on a fixed budget, the Buick Envista offers an accessible balance of quality and affordability. </p><p dir="ltr">The&nbsp;2026 Buick Envista's&nbsp;MSRP ranges from $26,495 to $31,295. This means that even a higher-end Envista starts at a lower price than the average crossover SUV, which <a href="https://www.iseecars.com/affordable/affordable-crossover-suvs" rel="nofollow">iSeeCars</a> reports sits around&nbsp;$32,981 in 2026. However, if&nbsp;you're <a href="https://www.moneydigest.com/1439598/think-twice-buying-new-car/" rel="nofollow">thinking twice about buying a new car</a>, you could also reduce your purchase price by considering&nbsp;used models from 2024 or 2025, which&nbsp;offer largely similar&nbsp;design elements and features. As of October 2026, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/buick/envista/2025/preferred/?category=suv&amp;intent=buy-new&amp;vehicleid=471022" rel="nofollow">Kelley Blue Book</a> estimates a fair purchase price for a 2025 Buick Envista Preferred is around $22,700.</p><p dir="ltr">In addition to its budget-friendliness, retirees can trust that the Buick Envista will provide&nbsp;them&nbsp;a smooth and safe ride.&nbsp;The Envista's height and wide doorways make it easy for older adults to enter the car while protecting their hips and legs. Its interior&nbsp;technology is helpful without being overwhelming, featuring a large touchscreen display for easy viewing and intuitive safety assistance. Many of the&nbsp;Envista's features — and its fuel efficiency, in particular — also help reduce its ownership costs.</p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.moneydigest.com/2215058/used-suv-perfect-retirees-under-15-thousand/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">12 Used SUVs Under $15,000 Perfect For Retirees</a></p><h2>The Buick Envista racks up relatively low ownership costs</h2><p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/release/tables?rid=479&amp;eid=1198958" rel="nofollow">Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis</a> reports that transportation expenses like car payments — such as maintenance, insurance, and gas —&nbsp;cost retirees $9,538 per year on average. WIth the average retiree's annual budget sitting around $61,432, transportation costs make up approximately 15.5% of retirees' spending each year. Any vehicles that could reduce these expenditures could be a great option for senior drivers. For instance,&nbsp;the Buick Envista is a great vehicle for drivers who want to <a href="https://www.moneydigest.com/1491697/tricks-save-money-gas/" rel="nofollow">save money when buying gas</a>. <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/" rel="nofollow">AAA</a> states that&nbsp;the average national gas price was $4.34 per gallon as of mid-October 2026, up quite a bit from $3.08 a year prior.&nbsp;The Environmental Protection Agency estimates it to get&nbsp;28 miles per gallon (MPG)&nbsp;in cities, 32 MPG on highways, and&nbsp;30 MPG combined. For comparison, ISeeCars reports the average crossover SUV gets 26 MPG combined.&nbsp;Assuming 12,500 miles of annual driving, this difference&nbsp;could save Envista drivers about&nbsp;$278 per year.</p><p dir="ltr">A Buick Envista's other ownership costs can also greatly inform what you wind up spending on it. For instance, <a href="https://caredge.com/ranks/maintenance" rel="nofollow">CarEdge</a> ranks the Buick Envista at No. 109 out of 186 on its list of cars with the lowest five-year maintenance costs, averaging about $2,720. While that's not particularly exceptional, those costs could be balanced out by the fact that <a href="https://caredge.com/ranks/maintenance" rel="nofollow">CarEdge</a> also lists the Envista as one of the cheapest cars to insure: Ranked No.&nbsp;15 out of 186,&nbsp;Envista drivers can expect to spend around $2,013 per year on insurance.</p><p>Found this helpful? <a href="https://subscribe.moneydigest.com/newsletter-syndicated?utm_source=newsbreak&amp;utm_medium=moneydigest-NL-feed" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to the Money Digest newsletter</a> and unlock your financial potential. And <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=moneydigest.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">add Money Digest to your preferred sources</a> for smart money insights!</p><p>Read the <a href="https://www.moneydigest.com/2296957/buick-envista-best-cars-retirees-affordable-subcompact-suv-great-gas-mileage/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on Money Digest</a>.</p></div></body>

Block Source: Money Digest

Seniors don't need to pay top dollar for an efficient vehicle. This SUV has an attractive price tag and a design that's especially suitable for older drivers.

One Of Buick's Best Cars For Retirees Is An Affordable SUV With Great Gas Mileage

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3EgETL_1H4tDdTF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3EgETL_1H4tDdTF00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Chevron gas station from outside Juanmonino/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Chevron is one of the largest gas station chains in America, offering drivers thousands of opportunities to fill up at one of its stations from coast to coast. But, as is often the case with such large corporations, the true scope of Chevron's reach goes beyond simply the Chevron name.</p><p>As Chevron's number of locations has continued to grow, behind the scenes, the company has spent just as much time and energy (not to mention money) on acquisitions, partnerships, and international ventures. Today, Chevron's portfolio includes other names: Texaco and Caltex.</p><p>From the late 1800s through to the modern day, these three gas station brands now stand as the pillars of the Chevron Corporation. But their shared corporate history does not necessarily mean they all operate under precisely the same ownership structure or business arrangement in every country. Let's take a look at each one and its specific offerings below.</p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2281110/all-weather-tires-drawbacks/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">5 Drawbacks Of Using All-Weather Tires</a></p><h2>Chevron</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=06p4fI_1H4tDdTF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=06p4fI_1H4tDdTF00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Exterior of Chevron gas station Georgeclerk/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Chevron is obviously the crown jewel of the Chevron Corporation, and not just because it's the namesake. Originally called Pacific Coast Oil Co., the brand's history dates all the way back to 1879. Back then, California's burgeoning petroleum industry was bringing in prospectors from all over the country hoping to strike it rich and discover oil.</p><p>At first, the company focused on developing its regional operations there in California. From there, they began constructing refining facilities and building transportation infrastructure to physically move petroleum from extraction sites to customers. As the company expanded and grew, it eventually became Standard Oil Co. (A name most recognize as one of the biggest in modern history.) </p><p>When antitrust proceedings hit, the company we now know as Chevron split off and focused on expanding the service station network. Merging with Gulf Oil in the 1980s only made them an even bigger name in the gas station biz. That's the industry Chevron is still synonymous with today.</p><h2>Texaco</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1icH0j_1H4tDdTF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1icH0j_1H4tDdTF00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Texaco location in Utah Lordrunar/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>While the company we now know as Chevron was in its early twenties, Texaco was just getting started. Founded in Beaumont, Texas in 1902, The Texas Company was soon shortened to Texaco and adopted its instantly recognizable five-point star emblem with a red letter T in the middle. That branding remains central to Texaco, <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2180207/what-happened-to-texaco-gas-stations/" rel="nofollow">which still exists today</a> with locations throughout the American South/Southwest and abroad.</p><p>Like Chevron, Texaco built its petroleum business through the help of several key acquisitions. To name a few: Indian Refining Company in 1931, Fire Chief gasoline in 1932, and Sky Chief in 1938. And though Chevron wouldn't take control of Texaco until 2001, the two have actually been working together in some capacity or another since 1936. That's when Standard Oil Co. of California and The Texas Company first established their joint venture that still exists today, the California Texas Oil Company (also known as Caltex).</p><h2>Caltex</h2><p>When Standard Oil Co. of California and The Texas Company formed Caltex in 1936, the two simply hoped to combine their different strengths in petroleum production and international distribution into one. Standard Oil of California brought its experience with Middle Eastern production to the table, while Texaco brought its operations across Africa and Asia.</p><p>Despite the Great Depression toppling businesses in America and around the world, Caltex managed to weather the storm. (This is an oil company, after all, not some humble mom-and-pop operation.) By 1968, the company had adopted the name Caltex Petroleum Corp. complete with a new star logo reminiscent of Texaco's. As the mid-20th century gave way to the 21st, Caltex slowly left the American market for places abroad. Its stations are now exclusively located in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and parts of Southern Africa. In addition to its gas stations, the company's product portfolio also includes Havoline and Delo lubricants. (The former being one of <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/1307998/best-motor-oil-brands-ranked/" rel="nofollow">the best motor oil brands</a> around.)</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/2312148/gas-station-brands-owned-by-chevron/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on SlashGear</a>.</p></div></body>

Block Source: SlashGear

While Chevron pretty obviously owns any gas stations under its own brand, those aren't the only companies in its fueling station portfolio.

3 Gas Station Brands Owned By The Chevron Corporation

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3cSJa7_1H47a9WS00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3cSJa7_1H47a9WS00" width="718" height="300" ></p><p>Iran is drafting next year’s budget under the premise that oil revenue could fall to zero, with senior budget official Mohammad Ghasemi <a href="https://presstv.substack.com/p/iran-drafting-1406-budget-on-zero" rel="nofollow">telling the government</a> on Monday to prepare for that scenario, as the country appears to be weeks away from that eventuality.</p><p>Iran has loaded no crude since August 25, according to the US Treasury, and the oil it held at sea outside the US blockade fell from 88.8 million barrels in mid-July to zero by mid-October. Chinese buyers pay one to two months after delivery, so <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/11/11/can-tehran-survive-a-zero-oil-budget-if-us-blockade-on-iran-persists" rel="nofollow">Kpler expects</a> that revenue could stop around mid-December. Oil accounts directly for roughly 30% of the government budget, according to Gregory Brew of Eurasia Group and Miad Maleki of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Maleki puts its share of total regime revenue at 50% to 60% once indirect income is counted.</p><p>According to Chatham House’s <a href="https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/11/will-us-and-iran-return-war" rel="nofollow">Bilal Saab</a>, “The Iranian leadership is betting that if it holds out long enough, those with the most to lose from this economic crisis – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait – will press Washington harder to find an exit.”</p><p>But Trump has settled, for now, on keeping the blockade in place without new strikes, and he says the Gulf states want the same. “Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others, would prefer the status quo,” he said on <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117588608183719347" rel="nofollow">Monday</a>. Then, on Thursday, he <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/trump-pulls-vance-off-iran-161011396.html" rel="nofollow">said</a> “we don’t need a deal with Iran” and removed Vice President JD Vance from the negotiations, closing the direct channel Vance had opened with a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Rezaei had <a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/11/12/2026/washington-risks-misinterpreting-irans-peacemaker-according-to-analyst" rel="nofollow">welcomed the letter’s tone</a>, then insisted that Washington accept Iran’s conditions first and said no <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-wants-enriched-material-build-nuclear-powered-submarines-threaten-attack-us-bases-europe" rel="nofollow">enriched uranium</a> would leave Iran.</p><p>Mohammad Tabibian, who was deputy director of the Planning and Budget Organization under President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, <a href="https://www.iranintl.com/en/202611102352" rel="nofollow">told Shargh newspaper</a> on Monday that endurance is the wrong measure of success. “Adapting to sanctions does not mean eliminating their harm,” he said. “A society can therefore gradually become poorer without experiencing a sudden halt to all economic activity.”</p><p>So, an exit isn’t in sight, and Kpler puts Iranian oil production below 2 million bpd in the months before late October, down from 3.59 million in February, the month the war began. OPEC’s <a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/11/12/2026/saudi-oil-production-rebounds-to-near-prewar-levels" rel="nofollow">latest report</a> puts Iranian output at almost half its pre-war level. The US naval blockade imposed on April 13 then emptied the oil Iran kept at sea. Crude and condensate held outside the blockade zone fell from 88.8 million barrels on July 14 to zero by mid-October, and another 43 million barrels remain stranded inside it.</p><p>Maleki says Iran will run short of cash in December but will not collapse. “The December timeline is more of a cash flow kind of disruption, and not really a collapse state,” he <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/iran-oil-lifeline-drying-biggest-080009653.html" rel="nofollow">told Fox News Digital</a> in late October. He <a href="https://www.iranintl.com/en/202610231784" rel="nofollow">told Iran International that</a> the serious trouble will start “when they can no longer pay the cost of buying and transporting the goods they are now importing over land.”</p><p>Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, founder and CEO of the Bourse &amp; Bazaar Foundation, calls it a recession. “Iran’s economy is not on the verge of collapse, it is simply experiencing a deep recession caused by an external shock,” he <a href="https://x.com/yarbatman/status/2120309197493707182" rel="nofollow">wrote on X</a> on November 10, citing his foundation’s finding that the fall in non-oil output after six months of war was about one-seventh of Ukraine’s contraction after Russia’s invasion.</p><p>Iran’s Statistical Centre put total GDP 10.1% lower year on year in the three months to June 20, with non-oil output down 4.6%, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/gulf/2026/11/04/war-weighed-on-us-midterms-but-irans-economy-is-paying-heavier-price/" rel="nofollow">The National reported</a>. Batmanghelidj also sees Tehran’s neighbours as a possible lifeline, <a href="https://x.com/yarbatman/status/2120460453411254753" rel="nofollow">writing a day later</a> that regional countries “which can’t tolerate more instability” may “quietly support the Iranian economy, including by breaking the blockade.”</p><p>Tehran’s plan for next year promises to keep paying salaries and pensions without printing money, but offers little to replace the oil income that paid for much of it. Ghasemi has put salaries, pensions and debt payments at the top of a three-tier spending plan and ruled out direct borrowing from the Central Bank. The government also plans to extend its Kalabarg electronic coupon system to about 45 million low-income Iranians, and is counting on oil deposit certificates, customs duties and tighter tax collection for revenue.</p><p>Next year’s budget sets up a fight between a government that has to cut spending and a parliament that has a record of raising it. Last year the government proposed a budget only 2% larger than the year before, and lawmakers raised that to about 30%. The government sends next year’s budget to parliament between November 22 and December 21. “There’s going to be a fiscal squeeze, and there’s going to be pressure around the release of the new budget,” Brew told Fox News Digital. “There’s going to be economic unrest, potentially even economic turmoil as the government rolls out spending cuts.”</p><p>Albert Baghzian, a Tehran economist, says the government should admit the deficit up front. “A deficit that can be foreseen should be written into the budget from the beginning,” he <a href="https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/2296554" rel="nofollow">told Khabaronline</a> on Tuesday. “When the government’s revenues do not materialize, it may turn to borrowing from the central bank or to methods that ultimately raise the monetary base and inflation.”</p><p>Iran has not adjusted the minimum wage since setting it in March, while the prices of basic foods have more than doubled. Eggs rose 149%, imported rice 115%, milk 113% and red meat 104% since last December, Tehran lawmaker Hossein Samsami <a href="https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/2300248" rel="nofollow">told Khabaronline</a>, and the Statistical Centre put year-on-year inflation at <a href="https://fa.shafaqna.com/news/2389352/" rel="nofollow">88.7%</a> in the month ending October 22. The labour minister promised to review the minimum wage in September, and a member of the wage committee told the <a href="https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/2299650" rel="nofollow">Mehr news agency</a> this week that no review has been scheduled.</p><p>Tehran-based economist Isaac Saidian told Al Jazeera that the government can survive this longer than its citizens can. “The real danger is that it could stay afloat on paper while passing the cost of doing so on to the public, leaving society poorer, eroding the middle class, widening poverty and weakening the country’s productive capacity,” he said.</p><p>Samsami blames the falling rial. The dollar’s price on Iran’s open market doubled over the same period, from about 130,000 toman to 260,000 (one toman is 10 rials). The government also offers importers a cheaper official rate of about 189,000 toman. On October 21, the trade ministry told the Central Bank to limit that rate to 66 categories of goods, so importers of everything else now pay the open-market price of 260,000 to 270,000. “It is natural that in one or two more months, 50% inflation will be added to the existing inflation,” Samsami said.</p><p>Hossein Raghfar, an economist at Alzahra University in Tehran, says the government planned for the rial to fall. Last year, he <a href="https://www.khabaronline.ir/news/2293554" rel="nofollow">told Khabaronline</a> on November 1, officials at the budget office discussed letting the dollar reach 270,000 toman if conditions did not improve. The Central Bank tried to slow the rial’s fall on October 3 by making $10,000 available to every Iranian with a national ID card, and within weeks the dollar reached 273,000 toman anyway. Raghfar blames domestic policy for 80% to 85% of Iran’s inflation and the war for 10% to 15%.</p><p>Gulf commentators are split on whether the blockade is worth what it costs their own economies. Saad bin Tefla Al-Ajmi, Kuwait’s former information minister, backs sustained naval and economic pressure. “The Gulf states are indeed paying a price under this scenario. Their trade is disrupted, tensions persist in their airspace, and their projects are delayed,” he wrote in an article he supplied to <a href="https://www.iranintl.com/en/202611101010" rel="nofollow">Iran International</a>. Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, told Iran International that Gulf governments “would like to see the regime weakened, but they don’t believe that the blockade serves their interests.”</p><p>Tabibian rejects Tehran’s bet that it can hold out longer than Washington. He told Shargh that the United States is better placed to absorb economic shocks, and that counting on disruption in Hormuz or higher energy prices to force Washington’s hand is unreliable. “Why should we consider the suffering of our own people a success, simply in the hope that the other side suffers more?” he asked.</p><p>By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com</p><p><strong>More Top Reads From Oilprice.com</strong><a href="/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/The-Iran-War-Has-Upended-Global-LNG-Markets.html" rel="nofollow"></a></p><ul><li><strong><a href="/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Fusions-Next-Race-Is-Over-Superconducting-Tape-Not-Plasma.html" rel="nofollow"></a><a href="/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/7-Billion-in-Oil-Debt-Has-Nigerian-Banks-Holding-Back-Lending.html" rel="nofollow">$7 Billion in Oil Debt Has Nigerian Banks Holding Back Lending</a><a href="/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Fusions-Next-Race-Is-Over-Superconducting-Tape-Not-Plasma.html" rel="nofollow"></a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="/Alternative-Energy/Nuclear-Power/Fusions-Next-Race-Is-Over-Superconducting-Tape-Not-Plasma.html" rel="nofollow">Fusion's Next Race Is Over Superconducting Tape, Not Plasma</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="/Energy/Energy-General/Global-Power-Grid-Expansion-Surges-50-to-Record-High.html" rel="nofollow">Global Power Grid Expansion Surges 50% to Record High</a></strong></li></ul></div></body>

Block Source: Oilprice

Iran is preparing for a potential collapse in oil revenue as the U.S. naval blockade threatens government finances and deepens the country's economic crisis.

Iran Braces for a Budget Without Oil Revenue

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3rbBjI_1H41ch5h00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3rbBjI_1H41ch5h00" width="1600" height="899" ></p><p>The modern diesel engine is far removed from its more "industrial" forerunners.&nbsp;The current generation is cleaner-burning, more fuel efficient, quieter, and more durable. While there are several reasons for this durability, the fact that diesel fuel also acts as a lubricant is an important factor. However, if we take a step back and look at the cleaner-burning aspect of modern diesels, we hit upon a bit of a conundrum: one way emissions were reduced was by switching to ultra-low-sulphur diesel, and sulphur played a central role in making diesel fuel naturally "slippery." </p><p>In short, the shift to cleaner fuel was more than just an exercise in taming what emerged from the exhaust;&nbsp;it also had an effect inside the engine. Diesel still requires a certain amount of lubricity to protect components like pumps and injectors, and older fuels supplied that naturally. When sulphur was removed, some drivers took to adding two-stroke oil to their tanks under the belief that it restored this lost lubrication. This might seem like good logic; after all, two-stroke oil is designed to burn cleanly and provide lubrication,&nbsp;so on the face of it, it's a win-win situation. </p><p>However, in reality, the facts provide less compelling reasons for adding a little DIY lubrication to your fuel. According to <a href="https://c6-friends.nl/downloads/2-stroke-oil-in-diesel.pdf" rel="nofollow">a paper published by Sasol Energy Technology</a>, adding two-stroke oil to diesel does not improve lubricity. Instead, it can introduce zinc deposits that can foul modern injectors. Let's have a closer look at why adding two-stroke oil to diesel might not be the best idea. </p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/2281110/all-weather-tires-drawbacks/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">5 Drawbacks Of Using All-Weather Tires</a></p><h2>What two-stroke oil does in a diesel engine</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1g561B_1H41ch5h00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1g561B_1H41ch5h00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Close up view of a diesel nozzle filling a vehicle's fuel tank. U. J. Alexander/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Modern diesel engines are built to high tolerances and require the fuel to be engineered to meet these demands. This is where the idea of adding two-stroke oil to your diesel begins to sound less like a good idea. While the main assumption is that two-stroke oil will add back some of the lost lubrication following the switch to ULSD, controlled testing suggests this isn't the case. At least, certainly not at the 200:1 often quoted as the correct "recipe" for adding two-stroke oil to diesel.&nbsp;(For comparison, <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/1900337/ryobi-gas-power-tools-oil-to-gas-ratio-explained/" rel="nofollow">two-stroke engines like Ryobi's require a fuel-to-oil ratio of 50:1</a>.)</p><p>According to Sasol's research, two-stroke oil added to diesel at the 200:1 ratio made no difference to the lubricity of the fuel in industry-standard testing. Also, the same research found that there was no difference in the cetane number, an indicator used to measure ignition quality. In other words, the fuel doesn't burn better, lubricate better, or protect the engine more effectively when you add a little two-stroke to the mix. </p><p>Adding two-stroke oil to your diesel engine can also bring some downsides. Adding extra zinc to the mix is one of these;&nbsp;zinc and modern diesel injectors are not a match made in heaven&nbsp;— and it doesn't take much. Zinc levels as low as one-part-per-million can foul injectors, and two-stroke oil often contains zinc levels as high as 16 ppm. </p><h2>Real alternatives to two-stroke oil</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0Id6AP_1H41ch5h00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Id6AP_1H41ch5h00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>A mechanic working on a diesel engine. Malkovstock/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Putting two-stroke oil in your engine won't bring it to an immediate and grinding stop, nor will it bring any measurable benefits. In the longer term, it may even be detrimental. So, if improving lubricity is the ultimate goal, one proven approach is biodiesel blending. Adding biodiesel at a level of 2% can provide improved lubricity. However, before you rush out and get a supply of biodiesel, it's worth noting that most U.S. diesel is already blended with at least 1% biodiesel, and while you can mix in more, there are some <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/1882452/mix-diesel-biodiesel/" rel="nofollow">drawbacks to be aware of before you blend biodiesel and diesel</a>. Among the downsides of biodiesel are a lower energy density&nbsp;and&nbsp;cold weather gelling, and it can also degrade components like rubber hoses and gaskets. </p><p>It's also worth noting that fuel manufacturers and engine designers weren't oblivious to the problems of ULSD and didn't just dump it on the market with their fingers crossed. Other additives were developed, and along with the aforementioned biodiesel, these helped to replace the lubricity that was lost when sulfur levels were restricted. <a href="https://www.slashgear.com/1521546/diesel-fuel-additives-explained-do-they-help/" rel="nofollow">Diesel fuel additives work and are there for a reason</a>. On whether two-stroke oil can be added to this list, the best we can say is that the benefits are debatable and the downsides —&nbsp;while probably not catastrophic in the short term&nbsp;— do definitely exist.</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/2312025/what-does-two-stroke-oil-do-to-diesel-engine/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on SlashGear</a>.</p></div></body>

After the shift to ultra-low-sulphur diesel, some drivers began mixing in two-stroke oil to restore lubrication. But do the pros of the oil outweigh its cons?

What Does 2-Stroke Oil Do To A Diesel Engine?

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2VsA4c_1H5XMUTO00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2VsA4c_1H5XMUTO00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Engine oil being poured into an engine Gece33/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Oil is the lifeblood of any internal combustion engine. It needs to be <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2023/06/how-often-do-you-change-your-cars-oil-and-do-you-stick-to-the-manufacturers-schedule/" rel="nofollow">changed on a regular schedule</a>, but oftentimes, drivers only consider the miles between oil changes. Does this mean if you only drive your car 1,000 miles per year and oil changes are recommended every 5,000 miles, you can use the same oil for five years? Not exactly. Oil has a limited lifespan and should generally be changed every six to 12 months, even if you're not driving your car.</p><p>You see, even if your car spends most of its time parked in a garage, the engine oil can degrade. Over time, it may begin to oxidize, and small amounts of moisture and dust could enter the oil system, slowly degrading it. So even that <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/09/holden-commodore-ss-walkinshaw/" rel="nofollow">1988 HSV Commodore SS Walkinshaw stored in a garage since new</a> still needs its oil changed before driving it, even though the oil only has 12 miles on it.</p><p>How you drive your vehicle may also impact how the oil behaves over time. Even where and how you store your car can have an effect on the oil's life.&nbsp;For example, cars stored outside have to deal with fluctuating temperatures,&nbsp;which can accelerate the degradation compared to a car that's stored inside. If those rare drives you do take are short, it's possible the oil hasn't heated up enough to eliminate any moisture that may have found its way in.</p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2026/08/new-car-ownership-costs/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">America's Cheapest New Car To Run Is The One Almost No One Wants</a></p><h2>Engines don't like old oil</h2><p>It's not just reduced lubrication properties that can impact an oil's effectiveness if it's left to sit for too long. As moisture builds up in the oil when a car is parked for an extended period, it can trigger some corrosion in vital engine components. A little corrosion&nbsp;from driving on salty roads on the underside of your car probably isn't a big deal. However, corrosion inside the engine can be, and unless you're an expert engine builder, you probably won't be able to open up your engine to clean it. Fuel efficiency is also likely to be adversely affected by aging oil.</p><p>To prevent your old oil from looking like it <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2022/12/this-is-what-happens-when-you-havent-changed-your-engine-oil-for-60k-miles/" rel="nofollow">hasn't been changed for 37,000 miles</a>,&nbsp;consider the time between oil changes, not just the mileage. Changing engine oil every six to 12 months is a good idea, including the weekender you drive just a couple of times per month. Synthetic oil is more resilient than conventional oil&nbsp;and will last longer, but even so, regular changes are recommended.</p><p>There are a few easy ways to tell whether your vehicle is in dire need of an oil change. Check the color of the oil on the dipstick. If it has turned dark and no longer looks like the liquid honey it did when it was new, changing the oil is a smart move. Any signs of contamination, debris, or sludge are also a good indication that it's time to head to your local parts store to buy some fresh oil.</p><p>CarScoops Newsletter?</p><p>Read the <a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2314924/how-long-engine-oil-bad-car-not-driven/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on CarScoops</a>.</p></div></body>

Block Source: CarScoops

Your car may be sitting, but the oil still degrades over time, even when you're not racking up the miles. Regular oil changes are still important.

How Long Does It Take For Engine Oil To Go Bad When Your Car Isn't Driven?

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Ng40L_1H3brwsH00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Ng40L_1H3brwsH00" width="1250" height="836" ></p><p><a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">Minnesotans</a> have plenty of things they’re passionate about, and where we stop for gas, snacks, and a quick bite is definitely one of them. But if you think you already know which gas station chain wears the crown in the North Star State, you might want to think again.</p><h2>Minnesota Gas Stations Have Come a Long Way</h2><p>Gas stations here in <a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">the Land of 10,000 Lakes</a> and across the country have evolved, from those small service stations of the past to the massive convenience stores we have today. And did you know <a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">Minnesota’s </a>favorite gas station now has&nbsp;190 locations?</p><p>It’s true. Gas stations are no longer simple, sparse service stations for fueling up. They’ve evolved into cultural phenomena with unique product offerings and fiercely loyal followers. And there are a lot of them out there. </p><p><strong>SEE ALSO: <a href="https://quickcountry.com/kwik-trip-ice-cream-sale-joke/" rel="nofollow">This Social Media Post from Kwik Trip Is Totally Minnesota</a></strong></p><p>In fact, as of 2024, there&nbsp;are a whopping 152,396 convenience stores operating across the United States, according to <a href="https://www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/February-2024/US-Convenience-Store-Count-Stands-at-152396#:~:text=There%20are%20152%2C396%20convenience%20stores,recorded%20site%20growth%20of%201.5%25." rel="nofollow">the 2024 NACS/NIQ Convenience Industry Store Count</a>. That’s an increase of 2,222 stores from last year.</p><p>Texas is the state with the most convenience stores in the country, sporting over 16,300 locations <a href="https://www.nacsmagazine.com/Issues/February-2024/US-Convenience-Store-Count-Stands-at-152396#:~:text=There%20are%20152%2C396%20convenience%20stores,recorded%20site%20growth%20of%201.5%25." rel="nofollow">according to the Convenience Industry Store Count</a>. California is second on the list with over 12,100, followed by Florida with just under 9,700 and New York with just under 8,000. The <a href="https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/industry-government/cip/card-grant-search/card-project-pages/convenience-stores.jsp" rel="nofollow">Minnesota Commerce Department</a> estimates there are around 2,000 convenience stores here in<a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow"> the Bold North.</a></p><p><a href="//quickcountry.com/app/" rel="nofollow"></a></p><h3><a href="//quickcountry.com/app/" rel="nofollow">Download the KWWK Mobile App Now</a></h3><p></p><p><strong>Minnesota’s Favorite Gas Station Has Thousands of Loyal Fans</strong></p><p>But of those 2,000 stores, which chain is <a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">Minnesota’s</a> favorite? Would it be CHS, which is headquartered in St. Paul? Or maybe Circle K or Holiday Station Stores? Or even Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip? Those would all be good guesses, but not correct.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.freebets.com/news/americas-favorite-gas-stations/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Data Pandas’ Most Popular Gas Stations by State </a>survey, the <a href="https://www.caseys.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Casey’s General Stores chain</a> was ranked as the favorite gas station chain here in <a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">Minnesota.</a> It also voted the favorite gas station in Iowa, both North and South Dakota, and in Nebraska, as well.</p><figure id="attachment_346107" class="content-post-image alignnone"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0w1LF8_1H3brwsH00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0w1LF8_1H3brwsH00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>The Casey’s General Store on 7th St and Valleyhigh Dr. in Rochester, MN. (Google Maps)</figcaption></figure><h2><strong>Casey’s Has 190 Locations Across Minnesota</strong></h2><p>The <a href="https://www.caseys.com/about-us" rel="nofollow">Casey’s General Stores chain</a> was founded in 1968 down in Boone, Iowa, and has grown to encompass over 2,600 stores in 17 different states, where they employ over 40,000 coworkers, <a href="http://v" rel="nofollow">their website</a> says. <a href="https://www.xmap.ai/blog/comprehensive-insights-into-caseys-gas-stations-locations" rel="nofollow">Xmap says that list now includes 190 stores</a> here in the Gopher State, making Minnesota one of the top states for Casey’s, ranking fourth overall behind Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.</p><p>Previous surveys have noted that Casey’s General Store is also known for its surprisingly good pizza. Minnesotans routinely head to Casey’s not for gasoline, but to pick up a pie or some wings, both of which have become cult favorites in some circles.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="/tags/wisconsin" rel="nofollow">Wisconsin’s</a> favorite gas station/convenience store is, of course, <a href="https://www.kwiktrip.com/" rel="nofollow">Kwik Trip.</a> Which makes sense, seeing as that popular chain is headquartered over in La Crosse. And while <a href="https://www.kwiktrip.com/" rel="nofollow">Kwik Trip</a> is expanding its presence in the North Star State, it still doesn’t have anywhere near the <a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">Minnesota</a> footprint that Casey’s does.</p><p>Whether it’s Casey’s, Kwik Trip, Circle K, or CHS, all those brands are visited by thousands of <a href="https://minnesotanow.net/" rel="nofollow">Minnesotans</a> every day. That’s the opposite of the following beloved chains, all of which have gone out of business and aren’t around anymore. Keep scrolling to see how many you remember!</p><p></p><a class="gallery-placeholder-link" href="//quickcountry.com/minnesotas-favorite-gas-station/" rel="nofollow">Click here to view photo gallery</a><p></p></div></body>

Block Source: MIX 108

According to Data Pandas' Most Popular Gas Stations by State survey, Casey's General Stores was ranked as the favorite gas station chain in Minnesota, and it has 190 locations across the state.

Minnesotans Have Spoken: This Is Their Favorite Gas Station

Block Source: Drivers Daily

When Every Gallon Counted Remember the gas shortages of the 1970s? Long lines at service stations, skyrocketing prices, and the sudden realization that gasoline wasn't always going to be cheap changed how Americans drove. Half a century later, a lot of those old fuel-saving habits are finding new relevance. From slowing down on highways to squeezing every possible mile out of a tank, here are 24 strategies from the energy crisis era that still make sense today. Factinate Ltd Slowing Down On Highways In 1974, the federal government introduced a national 55-mph speed limit to conserve fuel. Drivers weren't always thrilled, but the reasoning was sound. Higher speeds generally mean greater fuel consumption. Today, motorists looking to stretch their gasoline budgets are rediscovering the benefits of easing off the accelerator, even where higher speed limits are permitted. Smith, Bob, Photographer (NARA record: 8464481), Wikimedia Commons Carpooling To Work During the energy crisis, Americans were encouraged to share rides with coworkers rather than drive separately. Some employers even helped organize carpools. Although participation varied, the idea never disappeared. Today, workplace ridesharing programs, commuter apps, and high-occupancy vehicle lanes are helping revive the same practical approach to reducing individual fuel costs. San

Things Drivers Did To Save Gas During The 1970s That Are Making A Comeback

Block Source: Combat Rated

Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., called for a congressional investigation into Vice President JD Vance’s connections to a former Vitol oil trader and the Trump administration’s handling of Venezuelan oil contracts, following a Reuters investigation that raised questions about political relationships, government access and lucrative agreements awarded without competitive bidding. In a November 12 statement, Levin […]

Rep. Levin Calls for Investigation Into Vance’s Ties to Venezuela Oil Deal — “We Should Demand the Phone Records, Emails, and Flight Logs”

<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2DUzNP_1H3poAGY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2DUzNP_1H3poAGY00" width="1200" height="870" ><p class="wp-block-paragraph">A longtime friend and early financial backer of Vice President <strong>JD Vance</strong> helped commodities giant Vitol secure a lucrative, no-bid contract to sell Venezuelan oil days after U.S. forces captured <strong>Nicolás Maduro</strong>, according to a Reuters investigation.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The report comes as President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> boasts that the U.S. has <a href="https://upolitics.com/news/trump-boasts-of-taking-billions-from-venezuela-says-you-could-call-it-a-territory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">taken “billions and billions” from Venezuela</a>, and as Democrats demand answers about where the country’s oil revenue has gone, including <a href="https://upolitics.com/international-news/trump-administration-holding-500m-in-cash-from-sale-of-venezuelas-oil-in-qatari-bank-critics-call-it-a-slush-fund/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">$500 million once parked in a Qatari bank account</a>.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Reuters, Vance flew on Air Force Two to Montana’s ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club on Dec. 27, 2025, about a week before the U.S. invaded Venezuela. There, he allegedly met with <strong>John Addison</strong>, a senior gasoline trader at Vitol, the world’s largest energy and commodity trading company.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">A person familiar with the matter told Reuters the two discussed Venezuela, with Vance expressing interest in how quickly Venezuelan crude could be sold if the U.S. gained control of the country’s oil. Addison allegedly assured Vance that Vitol was uniquely positioned to do the job.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both Addison and Vance’s office deny the meeting took place. However, flight records show Addison’s private jet and Air Force Two at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport that day.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Jan. 5, two days after Maduro’s capture, Energy Secretary <strong>Chris Wright</strong> called Addison’s Houston office to ask whether Vitol wanted to market Venezuela’s oil to global buyers.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I thought that he was just going to call to get an update on the market,” Addison told Reuters. “The phone call went a different way.”</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Addison was not Vitol’s regional CEO, and his specialty was U.S. gasoline, not Latin American crude. But he said Vance had vouched to Wright for him as trustworthy, paving the way for the call. A U.S. official said that conversation took place at least a year earlier.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Within days, Vitol and rival Trafigura received special licenses to sell Venezuelan oil without competitive bidding. The administration said speed was essential to stabilizing Venezuela’s economy. Reuters reported that the two firms have since earned hundreds of millions of dollars marketing the crude.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Department of Energy confirmed the Jan. 5 call but said Vance and Wright never discussed Venezuelan oil sales, adding that Vitol was chosen because it is the world’s largest energy trader. Vitol and Trafigura said they had no advance knowledge of the military operation.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Federal Election Commission records show Addison gave $300,000 in 2022 to Protect Ohio Values, a super PAC backing Vance’s Senate bid. In 2024, he donated $7 million to political action committees, including $5 million to the pro-Trump MAGA Inc.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Addison retired from Vitol in March after 17 years, and he has since been named chairman of Wright’s energy policy advisory board.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Democrats seized on the report. “New reporting that JD Vance met with a senior Vitol trader before Maduro’s capture raises even more questions about who knew what and when,” said Rep. <strong>Robert Garcia</strong> (D-California), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.</p><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Meta description:</strong> A Reuters investigation found a JD Vance donor helped Vitol land a no-bid Venezuela oil contract after allegedly meeting Vance before Maduro’s capture.</p><em>Source: <a href="https://upolitics.com/news/jd-vance-donor-landed-prized-no-bid-venezuela-oil-contract-after-alleged-meeting-before-maduros-capture-reports-says/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">uPolitics</a></em></div></body>

Block Source: uPolitics

A longtime friend and early financial backer of Vice President JD Vance helped commodities giant Vitol secure a lucrative, no-bid contract to sell Venezuelan oil days after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, according to a Reuters investigation. The report comes as President Donald Trump boasts that the U.S. has taken “billions and billions” from Venezuela, […]

JD Vance Donor Landed Prized No-Bid Venezuela Oil Contract After Alleged Meeting Before Maduro’s Capture, Reports Says

<body><div><p><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3TuTe3_1H5jlXzI00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3TuTe3_1H5jlXzI00" width="1920" height="1280" ></p><p>Seeing something moving inside a trash bag must be a disturbing experience. But the result of said discovery isn’t always something out of a horror movie. </p><p>This is what a gas station employee in New South Wales, Australia, learned when he noticed something inside a tied-up black plastic garbage bag outside of his station last week. </p><p>According to <a href="https://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/gas-station-employee-spots-moving-trash-bag-and-finds-a-beautiful-bird-inside" rel="nofollow">The Dodo</a>, the employee opened up the bag right away and found a Muscovy, which is a species of duck, wriggling around. </p><p>The employee acted fast, calling nearby <a href="https://tvwc.org.au/" rel="nofollow">Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers</a> for help. The carers arrived on scene shortly afterwards and transported the duck — which did not have any broken bones but was severely dehydrated, emaciated, malnourished, and had several damaged feathers — to The Owl &amp; The PussyCat Farm Animal Sanctuary. </p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2xm3I0_1H5jlXzI00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2xm3I0_1H5jlXzI00" width="1920" height="1280" ><figcaption>A Muscovy duck walking on grass.<p><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2273755339" rel="nofollow">Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images</a></p></figcaption></figure><p>Security camera footage later showed that a man simply rode up to the gas station and tossed the trash bag into the garbage, then drove away.</p><p>The duck was then named Sweetpea and received all the care it needed to be nursed back to health. Workers at The Owl &amp; The PussyCat Farm Animal Sanctuary even noted that the duck is beginning to show a feisty side, now that it is feeling better.</p><p>None of this would have been possible if that gas station employee decided he didn’t want to know what was moving around inside that trash bag. </p><p>And Sweetpea the duck will forever be in his debt for that.</p><p align="center"><strong><a href="https://parade.com/news/illinois-fraternity-gives-away-200-free-turkeys-in-less-than-an-hour" rel="nofollow">Related: Illinois Fraternity Gives Away 200 Free Turkeys in Less Than an Hour</a></strong></p></div></body>

Block Source: Parade

An Australian gas station employee received a big surprise when taking out the trash.

Gas Station Worker Spots Moving Trash Bag, Makes Disturbing Discovery

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0JgQTQ_1H5HnUeZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0JgQTQ_1H5HnUeZ00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>Close-up of someone's feet wearing gray socks warming up next to a gas fireplace Nickylloyd/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Power outages are never convenient, but they can be particularly troublesome during the colder months. Not only do you lose access to lights and everyday electrical appliances, but your home's heating system may stop working, too. That's where a gas fireplace can help. It runs on natural gas or propane and can potentially be used as a heating alternative until the power returns. The problem? Not every gas fireplace can start without electricity, so it's important to know which type of ignition system yours has before deciding whether it's safe to use during a power outage.</p><p>If, for instance, you have a gas fireplace with an older standing pilot&nbsp;(millivolt) system, you're in luck. These systems can be used during an outage, as they do not need electricity to ignite the fire. Many newer gas fireplaces, however, are a bit different. They have an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) system that relies on an electric spark. Without power, the fireplace won't ignite. Don't worry just yet, though! Some IPI systems also have a battery-powered backup module. If, however, your fireplace doesn't have any of these, you will have to look into some other <a href="https://www.housedigest.com/850911/what-are-the-different-options-to-heat-your-home/" rel="nofollow">options to heat your home</a> while the power's out.</p><p>It is also worth noting that some gas fireplaces rely on power-venting systems and use an electric fan to move combustion gases outdoors. So, while you might be able to start your gas fireplace during a power outage, its electric parts like the blower fan and power venting won't run, and the fireplace may put out less heat. If you don't have a fireplace yet, these are just a few of the <a href="https://www.housedigest.com/1261151/things-keep-mind-before-adding-fireplace-home/" rel="nofollow">things to keep in mind before adding one to your home</a>.</p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.housedigest.com/1788673/common-mistakes-avoid-propane-tank/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Common Mistakes You Should Be Avoiding With Propane Tanks At Home</a></p><h2>Using your gas fireplace during a power outage</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=020YPT_1H5HnUeZ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=020YPT_1H5HnUeZ00" width="780" height="438" ><figcaption>A serviceman fixing a gas fireplace as a woman looks on Peter Carruthers/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>If your gas fireplace does have a battery backup, the first thing you must do is find out what type of batteries it uses and keep a spare set readily available so you can install them and get your fireplace running if a power outage catches you off guard. You can usually find this information in your owner's manual. If&nbsp;you don't have the manual, locate the battery compartment instead. It might be located underneath the fireplace, behind the control panel, or inside a separate wall-mounted control box.&nbsp;Once you've found it, check which type of batteries it takes.</p><p>Just keep in mind that this battery backup is only meant for emergencies, and you should not leave batteries installed in it all the time. They'll drain over time, and heat from the fireplace can even cause them to leak, leaving you without a backup the next time you need one. Also, do not mix old and new batteries. This can reduce performance,&nbsp;which is the last thing you want when an emergency arises.</p><p>It's also important to take some safety precautions when using your fireplace during an outage. If your fireplace is power-vented, don't use it during an outage unless the owner's manual says it's safe to run without the fan. Direct-vent fireplaces and inserts installed in an existing chimney, on the other hand, can vent safely without one. Similarly, never leave the gas fireplace running unattended, and keep curtains, blankets, furniture, or anything else that can catch fire away from it. Lastly, <a href="https://www.housedigest.com/2059123/how-often-get-gas-fireplace-serviced/" rel="nofollow">get your gas fireplace serviced</a> at least&nbsp;once a year so it's ready to go in case&nbsp;there is a power outage.</p><p>Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the <a href="https://subscribe.housedigest.com/newsletter-syndicated?utm_source=newsbreak&amp;utm_medium=housedigest-NL-feed" rel="nofollow">House Digest newsletter</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=housedigest.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">adding us as a preferred search source</a>!</p><p>Read the <a href="https://www.housedigest.com/2314260/can-you-use-gas-fireplace-power-outage/?zsource=newsbreak" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">original article on House Digest</a>.</p></div></body>

Block Source: House Digest

If your power goes out and you still need light and heat in your home, could using a gas fireplace be the solution? Here's what you need to know.

Can You Use Your Gas Fireplace During A Power Outage?

<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3Nxuks_1H4lUo1j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Nxuks_1H4lUo1j00" width="720" height="480" ><figcaption>Image via Shutterstock </figcaption></figure><p class="wp-block-paragraph">President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> extended a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/03/51348126/exclusive-trumps-60-day-jones-act-waiver-for-iran-war-just-a-band-aid-for-inflation-experts-call-it-americas-worst-economic-policy" rel="nofollow"> Jones Act waiver</a> for 90 days on Friday, allowing foreign-flagged ships to move oil and other commodities between U.S. ports, the longest waiver in the law’s history.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">It is the longest waiver in the history of the more than 100-year-old shipping law.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What the Jones Act Waiver Means for Energy Markets</strong></h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Jones Act requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to travel on ships built, owned and crewed by Americans. The waiver is meant to lower gasoline, diesel and fertilizer prices, which rose because of the war on Iran, by adding shipping flexibility and easing bottlenecks.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The extension takes effect Monday and runs through at least mid-February, a White House official <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-13/trump-to-extend-shipping-waiver-for-oil-fertilizer-for-90-days" rel="nofollow">told</a> Bloomberg.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The administration issued a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/08/61099657/trump-extends-jones-act-waiver-again-gasbuddy-analyst-patrick-de-haan-says-that-could-soften-the-blow-of-hormuz-chaos" rel="nofollow">blanket waiver in March</a>, a month after the U.S. launched its war on Iran. In August, it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/08/61099657/trump-extends-jones-act-waiver-again-gasbuddy-analyst-patrick-de-haan-says-that-could-soften-the-blow-of-hormuz-chaos" rel="nofollow">extended the waiver</a> but required case-by-case decisions. That requirement remains under the latest extension, Reuters reported.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tracker Shows New Domestic Routes and Barrels Shipped</h2><p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Cato Institute, which favors repealing the Jones Act, says Maritime Administration voyage data shows new domestic routes. Cato said the data is not comprehensive, so actual cargo volumes are likely higher.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">As of Nov. 10, Cato’s tracker recorded 343 voyages involving 255 vessels, including 84 trips through the Panama Canal. It also showed that about 91.9 million barrels of oil had been shipped.</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to American Automobile Association data, diesel averaged $6.064 a gallon nationwide on Nov. 13, about 46 cents below its record $6.5276 set Sept. 22.</p><p><strong> Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/11/63273371/faa-lifts-nationwide-ground-stop-telecommunications-outage" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow"> FAA Resumes Flights After Nationwide Ground Stop, Says No Link to Microsoft Outage or Cyberattack; Marjorie Taylor Greene Slams Duffy's $50 Billion Ask</a></strong></p><p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>Disclaimer:</em></strong><em>This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.</em></p><p class="wp-block-paragraph">Image via Shutterstock</p><p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p></div></body>

Block Source: Benzinga

President Donald Trump extended a Jones Act waiver for 90 days on Friday, allowing foreign-flagged ships to move oil and other commodities between U.S. ports, the longest waiver in the law’s history. It is the longest waiver in the history of the more than 100-year-old shipping law. What the Jones Act Waiver Means for Energy Markets The Jones Act requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to travel on ships built, owned and crewed by Americans. The waiver is meant to lower gasoline, diesel and fertilizer prices, which rose because of the war on Iran, by adding shipping flexibility and easing bottlenecks. The extension takes effect Monday and runs through at least mid-February, a White House official told Bloomberg. The administration issued a blanket waiver in March , a month after the U.S. launched its war on Iran. In August, it extended the waiver but required case-by-case decisions. That requirement remains under the latest extension, Reuters reported. Tracker Shows New Domestic Routes and Barrels Shipped The Cato Institute, which favors repealing the Jones Act, says Maritime Administration voyage data shows new domestic routes. Cato said the data is not comprehensive, so actual cargo volumes are likely higher. As of Nov. 10,

Trump Grants Longest-Ever Jones Act Waiver, Allowing Foreign Ships to Move Oil Between US Ports as Iran War Drives Up Fuel Costs

<body><div><p>Some jobs are supposed to be easy. An oil change is the textbook example, the first thing every driver learns to respect. Then you try it on a car that has been parked in a barn since 1998, and the old filter turns the whole afternoon upside down.</p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2h7s4r_1H32wlKj00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2h7s4r_1H32wlKj00" width="1920" height="1080" ></figure><p>That is exactly what happened to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bushcraft.tv42" rel="nofollow">@bushcraft.tv42</a> in the second part of a revival series on a long-sleeping car. The plan was simple: get the car safely on stands, drain the old oil, fit a fresh filter and find out whether the engine would turn over at all.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Wrench Just Punched Right Through That Metal In The Filter</h2><p>The prep went by the book. He lowered the frame onto jack stands, pulled the jack out and laid an oil mat down so the driveway would stay clean. Before going under, he gave the car a good shake to make sure it was solid, which is a habit worth stealing.</p><p>He used a clear catch pan so the oil could be seen as it came out, and a 14 millimeter socket broke the drain plug free. He took a sample to send out for analysis, since he wants to know the condition of the engine. He also swapped the crush washer on the drain bolt and snugged the plug to around 25 foot pounds.</p><div data-type="SOCIAL_CARD"><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@bushcraft.tv42/video/7704637741509709087" data-video-id="7704637741509709087"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bushcraft.tv42/video/7704637741509709087" rel="nofollow">@bushcraft.tv42</a></blockquote></div><script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><p>Then came the filter. He set the pliers on it and, in his words, “the wrench just punched right through that metal in the filter.” He says he was not even squeezing hard.</p><p>Under the paint, the filter was weak and rusty, and the metal simply collapsed. Grabbing lower did not help, because there is very little room down there. A second set of pliers slipped right off between the paint and the rust. “I’m starting to get a little nervous that a simple oil change is going to turn into something much bigger,” he admitted.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Old Mechanic’s Trick That Finally Spun The Stuck Filter Loose</h2><p>When pliers will not grip, he says, the best answer is a punch. He used a pry bar and hammered the filter in the loosening direction near the top, where the metal is thicker. That is the part of the can you can actually push against without crushing it.</p><p>It moved just a little, then a little more, and finally the whole thing spun free with a cheer. “That’s what happens when you work on a car that’s been sitting in a barn since 1998,” he said, relieved to have it off.</p><p>For the new filter he follows a few habits that matter on a car like this. He pre-fills it with oil so pressure builds faster, because the engine will be turned over with the starter until oil pressure shows up and the bearings need oil quickly. He lubricates the seal so it comes off easily next time, cleans the mating surface, threads it on and tightens by hand. He even writes the mileage on the filter so the next change is easy to track.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tiny Steel Bits Showed Up In The Filter Pleats And In The Oil</h2><p>Next he cut the old filter open with a filter cutter, then used tin snips to slit the mangled side so the element could come out. Between the pleats he saw what he called a normal amount of dirt for such an old filter. He also saw a lot of tiny metal pieces, plus one bigger piece.</p><p>He does not think the crushing caused them, since the bits sat deep in the pleats. A magnet run through the drained oil told the same story. Some of what it grabbed was rust flakes from the filter that fell in, but there were more of the small metal pieces too, and because they are magnetic, they are steel.</p><p>There were no big chunks. The oil itself, he said, looked pretty decent for its age. The sample he mailed out is meant to settle what the engine has been through.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Goes In After 30 Years Asleep</h2><p>The service manual calls for 3.4 liters of 10W30 or 10W40. He chose a high mileage 10W40, which has additives that condition and swell old hardened seals and help clean out sludge and deposits built up over the years. The engine filled to the top, and he found no fluid leaks while under the car.</p><p>Before cranking anything, he pulled the spark plugs. That makes the engine easier to spin and lets him oil the cylinders, which have been dry for decades. He blew dirt out of each spark plug well first, so nothing fell into the engine.</p><p>The first plug looked halfway decent and, to his relief, was not seized in place like the filter. A borescope camera, linked to his scan tool, showed the top of the piston and the cylinder walls. He saw the factory crosshatch honing marks and only some specks of rust.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fogging The Cylinders With A Cavity Wax Wand</h2><p>The spray nozzle on his fogging oil was too short for the deep wells, so he attached a cavity wax sprayer wand to reach the bottom of each cylinder. A burst of three to five seconds coated the walls completely, and the camera showed it live. A turkey baster of oil works too, he said, but fogging coats better.</p><p>Each spark plug well got a towel afterward to keep dirt out. One cylinder had the piston all the way up, so there was little to see, but he fogged it anyway to coat the rings. The last plug on that side sat behind a crossover tube, so he removed vacuum lines and fasteners to lift it out. Underneath, he found a flat O-ring that will need replacing. That cylinder showed a little rust pitting near the top, with the rest looking really good.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Take From This Barn Find</h2><p>Even with a hard start, this build shows a sensible order of work for any car that has slept for years. These are the steps he followed that you can borrow. </p><ul><li>Support the car on stands and shake it before crawling underneath.</li><li>Drain the oil into a clear pan so you can see what comes out.</li><li>Cut the old filter open and run a magnet through the oil to check for metal.</li><li>Pre-fill the new filter so oil reaches the bearings quickly.</li><li>Pull the plugs, look inside with a borescope and fog the cylinders before cranking.</li></ul> Whether those steel specks matter is the question his oil sample is meant to answer, and he is hoping there are no major problems once the engine is running. If you ever pull a long-parked car out of a barn, the lesson is the same: go slow, look at every drop that comes out, and expect the simplest job to surprise you.<p></p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Stories You May Like</h2><ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://steelhorserides.com/8-forgotten-cars-from-the-1980s-that-collectors-now-value/" rel="nofollow">8 Forgotten Cars From The 1980s That Collectors Now Value</a></li><li><a href="https://steelhorserides.com/10-cars-that-depreciate-way-too-fast/" rel="nofollow">10 Cars That Depreciate Way Too Fast</a></li><li><a href="https://steelhorserides.com/driver-gets-fresh-oil-then-a-week-later-the-warning-light-flickers-at-70-mph-and-the-engine-starts-knocking-exposing-an-oil-change-mistake-that-led-to-a-new-oil-pan/" rel="nofollow">Driver Gets Fresh Oil, Then A Week Later The Warning Light Flickers At 70 MPH And The Engine Starts Knocking, Exposing An Oil-Change Mistake That Led To A New Oil Pan</a></li></ul></div></body>

Block Source: Steel Horse Rides

Some jobs are supposed to be easy. An oil change is the textbook example, the […]