The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that the conflict in Iran is shaking up oil and gas markets, as countries that face a severe supply crunch look for stable supplies and try to increase their energy independence. The Globe's Emma Graney writes that despite the precarious ceasefire in the conflict brokered this week, the effect of the war on global markets shows no signs of letting up. The Strait of Hormuz essentially remains closed and Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure continue. Pakistan and the Philippines have moved to a four-day work week for public officials, and Bangladesh has closed universities. Airlines across Asia are trimming flight schedules because they do not have enough jet fuel. The fact that countries will be searching for more stable oil supplies means "Canada is selling ice cold water in a hot desert," said Adam Waterous, executive chairman at Strathcona Resources. "We've got safe, secure, reliable, free-world oil. We've got it, and we're going to be able to sell it to the highest bidder," Mr. Waterous said. That gives Canada a significant advantage as it heads into renegotiations on a North American free-trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, he said.