(The Epoch Times)—Oil prices continued to drop on Sept. 21, reaching under $100 per barrel in midday trading after President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he would consider seeking a deal with Iran.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, a benchmark for North American petroleum, dipped to less than $93 per barrel—retreating from its $107-a-barrel high on Sept. 15.
Brent crude, used to measure internationally traded petroleum, fell to $99.22 per barrel by 1 p.m. Monday before ticking back up to $100 a barrel. That was still much higher than the $72 per barrel it hit earlier this summer, but far from the nearly $110 price on Sept. 14.
Trump told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst on Sunday that “very big things” would happen with Iran in the “not so distant future.” The president said he was debating whether to wipe out the country, let it collapse financially, or make a deal.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister praised Trump’s decision to pursue diplomacy and called for an agreement to restore maritime security to pre-conflict conditions.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highly appreciates the U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to give diplomacy a chance to reach an acceptable agreement to end the war, restore the security and freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to its state prior to February 20th, 2026, and address all points of contention in a way that serves the security and stability of the region,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah wrote in a post on X on Sunday.
“Saudi Arabia looks forward to Iran seizing the opportunity to avoid the dangerous implications of escalation, and urgently responding to the efforts to advance the negotiations leading up to a comprehensive agreement to achieve lasting peace in the region and the world,” the foreign minister added.
Some crude from the Middle East has made it through the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic has increased daily but has remained only a fraction of pre-conflict levels. Twelve ships were in transit on Sept. 21 with 376 waiting to enter, according to a live monitor. This was only 14 percent of normal average traffic for the strait.
The national average in the U.S. was $4.48 for a gallon of regular gas on Monday, according to the American Automobile Association.
High gas prices hit especially hard this past week in California. It was the only state to reach an average gas price above $6 a gallon as pump prices rose in all major Southern California metro areas, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
The average price for a gallon of regular gas in California reached $6.08—19 cents higher than the week before, and $1.43 higher than the same time last year, the organization reported.
The Middle East conflict has affected California gas prices specifically because the state oil market, which requires a government-mandated special blend, has had to import most of its supply from countries that use the Strait of Hormuz.
Several major companies, including Phillips 66 and Valero Energy, have closed California refineries in recent years.
California also has the highest gas taxes, with about 74 cents added to each gallon of gas in state taxes, according to the Tax Foundation.
Energy economist Philip Verleger predicted at the beginning of the Iran conflict that the West Coast would become the “poster child” for consequences from the attacks, telling Reuters in March that California drivers could expect gasoline and diesel shortages with unprecedented levels of $10 per gallon.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
