(Des Moines) Iowa motorists are paying more at the pump this week as gasoline prices continue to climb across the state.
According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa increased 9 cents from last week to $4.28 per gallon as of Wednesday. Prices are now $1.34 higher than they were one year ago. The national average for regular unleaded gasoline also rose, climbing 5 cents to $4.56 per gallon.
Crude oil prices saw mixed movement this week. West Texas Intermediate crude oil increased by $5.40 per barrel and is currently priced at $107.77. Brent crude oil fell by $1.23 and is currently priced at $105.57 per barrel. One year ago, WTI crude sold for $63.97 per barrel while Brent crude was priced at $66.93.
Diesel prices in Iowa declined slightly this week. Retail diesel prices fell 3 cents to a statewide average of $5.33 per gallon. Despite the weekly decrease, diesel prices remain significantly higher than last year, when Iowa’s average diesel price was $3.35 per gallon. Iowa’s current diesel average is 32 cents lower than the national diesel average of $5.65 per gallon.
Natural gas prices also moved higher this week. Prices at the Henry Hub reporting site increased 14 cents and are currently at $3.02 per million British thermal units (MMbtu).
Retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa will resume being reported in October.
