(Des Moines) Gasoline prices across Iowa continued to decline this week, even as crude oil prices posted modest gains.
According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa fell 6 cents from last week to $2.42 per gallon. That price is 36 cents lower than this time last year. The national average on Wednesday stood at $2.86 per gallon, down 5 cents from last week.
Crude oil prices moved higher during the week. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.84 per barrel to $58.09, while Brent crude increased $2.21 to $62.12 per barrel. One year ago, WTI crude was selling for $69.50 per barrel and Brent crude averaged $72.12.
Diesel prices in Iowa also declined. Retail diesel fell 8 cents this week, with a statewide average of $3.31 per gallon. That is slightly higher than the $3.28 average recorded one year ago but remains 28 cents below the national average of $3.59.
Heating fuel prices showed mixed movement. Natural gas prices rose 19 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site to $4.18 per million British thermal units (MMbtu). Propane prices averaged $1.58 per gallon in Iowa, while home heating oil had a statewide average price of $2.80 per gallon.
