(Des Moines) Fuel prices fell across Iowa this week, continuing a downward trend as both gasoline and crude oil costs declined, according to AAA and state energy data.
Regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa averaged $2.53 per gallon, dropping 12 cents from last week and 17 cents below prices at this time last year. The state’s average remains well under the national average of $2.94, which fell 6 cents over the past week.
Diesel prices also decreased. Iowa’s retail diesel averaged $3.50 per gallon, down 11 cents from last week. Despite the drop, diesel remains higher than a year ago, when it averaged $3.26. Iowa’s current diesel price is 18 cents below the national average of $3.68.
Crude oil prices also dipped. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $1.00 to $58.12 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped $1.02 to $61.79. Both benchmarks remain significantly lower than a year ago, when WTI sold for $68.85 and Brent for $73.64.
Heating fuel prices showed mixed changes. Natural gas at the Henry Hub fell 39 cents to $4.61 per MMbtu. Propane prices in Iowa held steady at $1.55 per gallon, while home heating oil averaged $3.07 per gallon statewide.
