(Des Moines) The average price of gasoline in Iowa fell significantly over the past week, even as global crude oil prices moved higher.
According to AAA, regular unleaded gasoline is now averaging $3.91 per gallon across Iowa, down 21 cents from last week. Despite the weekly decline, prices remain 99 cents higher than they were one year ago. The national average for regular unleaded gasoline also decreased, falling 20 cents to $4.26 per gallon.
Crude oil prices, however, continued to climb. West Texas Intermediate crude increased $6.03 per barrel this week to $95.90, while Brent crude rose $2.31 to $97.95 per barrel. One year ago, West Texas Intermediate was selling for $64.10 per barrel and Brent crude was priced at $67.48.
Diesel prices in Iowa moved in the opposite direction of gasoline, rising four cents this week to an average of $5.01 per gallon. Diesel prices were averaging $3.30 per gallon at this time last year. Iowa’s diesel average remains 40 cents below the national average of $5.41 per gallon.
Meanwhile, natural gas prices increased seven cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.20 per million British thermal units.
