(Des Moines) Iowa motorists saw a modest increase at the pump this week, with the average price of regular unleaded gasoline rising 7 cents to $2.81 per gallon, according to AAA. Prices remain 15 cents lower than a year ago. The national average for regular gasoline held steady at $3.07.
Diesel prices in Iowa fell slightly, down 3 cents to $3.41 per gallon, 22 cents below the national average of $3.63 and slightly lower than last year’s $3.44.
Crude oil prices saw modest gains this week. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 28 cents to $58.69 per barrel, while Brent crude increased 68 cents to $62.73. Both benchmarks remain below their levels a year ago, when WTI traded at $72.84 and Brent at $75.59.
Heating fuel prices showed mixed movement. Natural gas at the Henry Hub rose 45 cents to $3.44 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). Propane averaged $1.52 per gallon statewide, while home heating oil prices averaged $2.96 per gallon.
