(Des Moines) The price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa increased 4 cents over the past week and is now averaging $2.54 per gallon, according to AAA.
Despite the weekly increase, gas prices remain 42 cents lower than they were at this time last year. The national average for regular unleaded gasoline stood at $2.94 per gallon on Wednesday, up 5 cents from last week.
Crude oil prices also moved higher this week. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.95 per barrel to $65.29. Brent crude increased $2.64 and is currently priced at $70.20 per barrel. One year ago, WTI crude was selling for $73.67 per barrel, while Brent crude was $77.65.
Retail diesel prices in Iowa climbed 8 cents this week to a statewide average of $3.45 per gallon. A year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.48 per gallon in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.67.
In heating fuels, natural gas prices fell 32 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.15 per million British thermal units (MMbtu). Propane prices in Iowa averaged $1.63 per gallon, while home heating oil had a statewide average of $2.94 per gallon.
