(Des Moines) The price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa fell 14 cents over the past week, bringing the statewide average to $3.89 per gallon, according to AAA.
Despite the weekly decline, gas prices remain $1.05 higher than they were at this time last year. The national average Wednesday was $4.12 per gallon, up two cents from last week.
Diesel prices moved in the opposite direction in Iowa, increasing three cents this week to an average of $5.44 per gallon. That compares with $3.51 a year ago. Iowa’s current diesel price is 24 cents below the national average of $5.68.
Crude oil prices increased significantly this week. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $7.81 per barrel to $89.58, while Brent crude increased $6.50 to $94.24. A year ago, WTI was priced at $65.96 per barrel and Brent was $68.09.
Natural gas prices also increased, rising five cents at the Henry Hub reporting site to $2.96 per MMBtu.
AAA says it will resume reporting retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa in October.
