Consumer News: Tariffs are making shopping more expensive, study finds

The spike in oil prices, if prolonged, could boost inflation

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global energy supplies, driving oil prices sharply higher.

• Higher oil costs increase inflation expectations, pushing Treasury yields and mortgage rates up.

• Market volatility and economic uncertainty make investors and policymakers more cautious, delaying rate cuts.

Just a week after mortgage rates fell below 6% for the first time in three and a half years, rates are climbing again. The war in the Middle East is emerging as a key driver.

The current conflict between the U.S./Israel and Iran has sparked volatility in the global energy sector. Attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for roughly a fifth of the worlds oil supply, have disrupted flows and raised fears of longer-term supply constraints. In response, global crude prices have surged, with Brent crude and U.S. benchmarks climbing sharply.

Higher oil prices often filter through the economy in the form of increased costs for gasoline, heating and freight. These price pressures can feed into broader inflation, which in turn alters expectations for interest rates and borrowing costs.

Inflation fears

Mortgage rates are closely linked not to the Federal Reserves short-term policy rate, but to the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notesa benchmark that reflects investor expectations for growth, inflation and risk. When markets anticipate higher inflation, investors demand greater yields on long-term debt.

In recent trading, yields on the 10-year Treasury have risen as traders price in the inflationary effect of elevated energy costs. Higher Treasury yields, in turn, lead lenders to raise mortgage rates to protect their profit margins.

Geopolitical conflict also breeds uncertainty. Financial markets tend to wobble when the outlook for growth and stability becomes unclear.

In this climate, the Federal Reserve may be less inclined to cut interest rateseven if domestic inflation appears to be moderatingbecause policymakers watch global risk closely. Comments from former Fed officials suggest that ongoing geopolitical tensions could delay rate cuts.

When the Fed signals a higher for longer stance on policy, long-term borrowing costsincluding mortgagestend to stay elevated.

Traditionally, geopolitical turmoil can trigger a flight to safety in which investors buy U.S. Treasury bonds, pushing yields down and mortgage rates lower. That dynamic appears to have played a limited role this time, in part because the market is heavily focused on inflation risks tied to oil and energy rather than a classic haven effect.

What this means for homebuyers

For prospective buyers and homeowners considering refinancing, the backdrop means that locking in a rate sooner rather than later may be prudent. If the war intensifies or oil prices remain elevated, markets could continue to price in inflation risk and push mortgage rates higher. Conversely, a quick de-escalation might ease some upward pressure, but uncertainty remains high.

Economists stress that while geopolitical events are only one piece of the puzzle, the intersection of higher energy prices, inflation expectations, and cautious monetary policy creates a potent mix that is keeping mortgage rates elevated at a time when many hoped for relief.

FAA investigates the latest in a series of airline emergencies in 2026

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• United Airlines Flight 2127 was forced to turn back to Los Angeles International Airport after an engine fire was reported shortly after takeoff Monday.

• More than 250 passengers and crew were evacuated safely via slides and stairs on the tarmac; no serious injuries were reported.

• The FAA has launched an investigation, amid a spate of airline emergencies this year including other in-flight technical issues and emergency diversions.

A United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Newark, New Jersey, made an emergency return to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday after fire warnings were reported in one of its engines, airline and aviation officials said.

United Flight 2127 departed LAX around 10:43 a.m. local time but turned back roughly 40 minutes into its journey when the cockpit crew detected indications of an engine fire, according to Federal Aviation Administration advisories.

The aircraft touched down safely at LAX at about 11:19 a.m., and more than 250 passengers and crew were quickly evacuated on inflatable slides and airstairs on the taxiway. Fire crews from the Los Angeles Fire Department surrounded the plane and worked to contain the blaze near the left engine; authorities reported no serious injuries.

United Airlines arranged to transport customers to their final destinations and praised the flight crew for their swift, calm handling of the unfolding emergency. The FAA has opened an investigation into the engine issue.

The incident briefly disrupted operations at one of the nations busiest airports, with a temporary ground stop imposed as emergency responders cleared the scene.

So far, ayear marked by in-flight incidents

It's only early March, but this emergency comes amid a series of airline incidents so far in 2026 that have tested operational and safety systems across carriers:

• In mid-February, United Airlines Flight UA1125 declared an emergency and diverted back to Denver shortly after departing for Boise due to a technical issue, prompting questions about in-flight system reliability and airline safety practices.

• Earlier in January, JetBlue Flight B61058 from Aruba to New York diverted to Fort Lauderdale after an engine failure shortly after takeoff; all passengers and crew aboard that Airbus A321neo were reported safe after the emergency landing.

• Globally, a Qatar Airways Boeing 787 flight made a precautionary emergency return to Lagos in mid-January after a critical oxygen system malfunction was detected, underscoring challenges with aircraft systems that can emerge unexpectedly.

Aviation safety experts note that while such events remain rare relative to the number of flights conducted daily, recent months have seen a notable cluster of engine- and systems-related emergencies that highlight the importance of rigorous maintenance, crew training and rapid response protocols.

The average price at the pump is up more than 5 cents in the last week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The nations average price of gasoline has risen 5.6 cents over the last week and stands at $2.94 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

• The national average is up 7.8 cents from a month ago and is 10.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

• The national average price of diesel rose 5.4 cents in the last week and stands at $3.740 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth consecutive week, as seasonal factors and escalating fighting in the Middle East combine to push fuel costs higher heading into March.

According to GasBuddy, the steady rise in prices comes as oil markets react to heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following U.S.Iran attacks over the weekend that have injected new uncertainty into global energy markets.

The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekends U.S.Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption.

Core fundamentals remain intact

De Haan noted that while core fundamentals including inventories and refinery activity remain key drivers, the risk of broader instability, especially involving major oil transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, has added a fresh risk premium to crude prices.

In the week ahead, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year, De Haan said.

Oil prices surge on geopolitical risk

Oil markets saw significant gains over the past week. In early Monday trading, West Texas Intermediate crude jumped $5.39 per barrel to $72.41, up from $66.85 per barrel a week earlier. Brent crude rose $6.42 to $79.29 per barrel, compared to $72.08 last Monday.

The increase follows escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and growing fears that a broader regional conflict could disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that handles a substantial share of global crude shipments. Even without confirmed supply interruptions, traders have priced in the risk of further escalation.

Analysts say developments involving Iran particularly any threat to production facilities or shipping lanes are likely to remain the dominant force in oil markets in the near term.

Mixed supply signals from EIA report

The Energy Information Administrations Weekly Petroleum Status Report for the week ending February 20, 2026, showed U.S. crude oil inventories rose sharply by 16.0 million barrels. Despite the build, inventories remain about 3% below the seasonal average for this time of year. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was unchanged at 415.4 million barrels.

Gasoline inventories declined by 1.0 million barrels and sit roughly 3% above the five-year seasonal average. Distillate inventories, which include diesel, rose by 0.3 million barrels but remain about 5% below the five-year seasonal norm.

Refinery utilization fell 2.4 percentage points to 88.6%, potentially limiting near-term fuel production. Meanwhile, implied gasoline demand the EIAs measure of retail demand slipped slightly by 15,000 barrels per day to 8.733 million barrels per day.

Price at the pump

The most common price motorists encountered over the weekend was $2.79 per gallon, up 10 cents from a week ago. Other frequently reported prices included $2.89, $2.69, $2.59 and $2.99 per gallon.

The median U.S. gas price stands at $2.79 per gallon, about 15 cents lower than the national average, reflecting a wide distribution of prices across regions.

The top 10% of stations average $4.39 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average $2.39 per gallon.

Oklahoma posted the lowest state average at $2.42 per gallon, followed by Mississippi and Louisiana at $2.51. California continues to lead the nation with the highest average at $4.58 per gallon, followed by Washington and Hawaii at $4.29.

Among states seeing the largest weekly increases, Wisconsin led with a 23.8-cent jump, followed by New Mexico (+13.5 cents), Michigan (+11.8 cents), Missouri (+11.0 cents) and Georgia (+10.2 cents).

With oil markets on edge and seasonal maintenance still affecting refinery output, motorists may soon see the national average cross the $3 threshold a level not yet reached in 2026 but increasingly within sight.

A 25 mg dose doubled the heart rate upon standing

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A single 25 mg dose of Adderall can significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate in healthy young adults without a prescription, according to a Mayo Clinic study.

• Researchers found the drug doubled the typical spike in heart rate when participants stood up.

• The findings highlight potential cardiovascular stress linked to nonmedical use of the stimulant.

A single dose of Adderall may place unexpected strain on the cardiovascular system in healthy young adults who take the medication without a prescription, according to new research from Mayo Clinic

The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, examined how a 25 milligram dose of mixed amphetamine-dextroamphetamine salts affects blood pressure, heart rate and the bodys stress-response system in people without a medical reason to use the drug.

The primary objective of our study was to investigate how a single dose of Adderall acutely affects cardiovascular hemodynamics blood pressure and heart rate and sympathetic activity in young adults who do not have a medical indication for the medication, said senior author Dr. Anna Svatikova, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist.

Growing non-medical use

Adderall is commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is considered safe and effective when used under medical supervision. But researchers say nonmedical use has increased in recent years, particularly among young adults seeking improved concentration or academic performance.

We have seen an increase in nonmedical Adderall use, but many users are unaware that it can place acute stress on the cardiovascular system, Svatikova said.

In the study, participants with no prior exposure to Adderall experienced measurable increases in blood pressure and heart rate after taking the 25 mg dose. The drug also activated the sympathetic nervous system often referred to as the bodys fight-or-flight response which plays a central role in regulating heart function and blood vessel constriction.

One of the most striking findings occurred when participants stood up. Normally, heart rate rises modestly upon standing as the body adjusts to maintain blood flow to the brain. Before taking Adderall, the average increase in heart rate upon standing was 19 beats per minute. After taking the stimulant, that increase doubled to 38 beats per minute.

A faster heart rate

The average heart rate increase on standing was 19 beats per minute before Adderall. After taking Adderall, that response doubled to 38 beats per minute, said first author Dr. Kiran Somers, a resident family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin.

Researchers said the findings demonstrate that even a single, supervised dose can produce significant short-term cardiovascular effects in people who are not accustomed to the medication.

These results demonstrate measurable, acute cardiovascular effects of Adderall used by those not regularly using Adderall prescribed for specific medical reasons, Somers said.

The authors emphasized that their findings apply specifically to off-prescription use and short-term exposure in individuals without ADHD or other medical indications. They cautioned that the results should not be interpreted as evidence against the long-term, medically supervised use of Adderall for ADHD, where the benefits are well established.

These findings should not be extrapolated to the long-term, supervised use of Adderall for the treatment of ADHD or other specific medical conditions, where the therapeutic benefits are well established and significant, Svatikova said.

Still, the researchers say the study underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with using prescription stimulants outside of a medical setting particularly among young adults who may view the drugs as relatively harmless performance enhancers.

Heres what it means for your watchlist (and your wallet)

• Paramount is combining HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming service as part of its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

• Together, the new service will serve roughly 200 million subscribers worldwide, giving it more scale to compete with Netflix and others.

• Pricing, launch timing, and branding are still up in the air but the aim is more content and a simpler streaming experience.

Paramount Skydance the newly formed company after Paramounts merger with Skydance is planning to merge HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming service.

This transformation is part of Paramounts takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal worth around $110 billion that temporarily outpaced a competing offer from Netflix. Paramount CEO David Ellison shared the news during a recent call with investors.

"We will combine the streaming portfolios of the two companies into one stronger platform over the coming years," Ellison said during the call. "Across the two platforms, there are over 200 million DTC [direct to consumer] subscribers today and more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, positioning us to compete effectively with the leading streaming services in today's marketplace."

This would make the new streamer a competitor to Netflixs roughly 325 million paid users, and on par with some of the largest services like Amazons Prime Video.

Preserving brand identity

Right now, HBO Max and Paramount+ each operate as separate platforms with different apps, price tiers, and content.

The plan is to fold them into one unified service so subscribers can access both HBOs premium shows and movies and Paramounts deep library including sports, kids content, and major franchises all under one roof.

Ellison says that Paramount intends to preserve the HBO brand identity, even as it combines the technology and catalogs of both services.

What consumers should know

This merger isnt happening overnight, and many of the details still need to be ironed out.

Regulators will first need to approve the specifics of the Paramount-Warner Brothers deal, and the technical work of merging platforms will take time.

But heres what you can expect and think about as things unfold:

• One log-in, bigger library: Eventually, instead of juggling two separate apps and subscriptions, youll likely get access to all HBO Max and Paramount+ content in a single place.

• Pricing changes could be coming: Theres no official price yet for the combined service. Industry experts expect the options to mirror what other streamers offer consumers, including a range of tiered options, and possibly ad-supported and ad-free plans.

• Transition time: Even after approval, it may take months or longer to fully integrate everything into one service. Dont expect the apps to disappear immediately!