(Des Moines) The average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa climbed 14 cents over the past week, reaching $2.59 per gallon, according to AAA.
Despite the weekly increase, prices remain 38 cents lower than they were a year ago. The national average for regular gasoline stood at $2.98 per gallon Wednesday, up 6 cents from last week.
The rise at the pump follows higher global crude oil prices. West Texas Intermediate crude increased $3.86 per barrel this week to $65.46, while Brent crude rose $3.06 to $70.78. A year ago, WTI traded at $69.15 and Brent at $73.11 per barrel.
Diesel prices also moved higher across the state. Retail diesel averaged $3.53 per gallon in Iowa, up 13 cents from last week but still below the national average of $3.75. One year ago, diesel prices in Iowa averaged $3.45 per gallon.
Heating fuel costs showed mixed movement. Natural gas prices declined 4 cents at the Henry Hub benchmark to $2.92 per million British thermal units. Propane averaged $1.61 per gallon statewide, while home heating oil averaged $3.04 per gallon.
