The most recent Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship press release indicated that, according to AAA, Iowa drivers were paying more at the pump this week, with the price of regular unleaded gasoline rising 12 cents from last week’s price, and is currently averaging $3.80 across Iowa, up 89 cents from a year ago. While the national average was $4.06, up 17 cents from last week.
Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 32 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.85, up from the $3.57 Iowa average a year ago. But 33 cents lower than the current national average of $5.18.
The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $8.06 per barrel and is currently priced at $86.76, while last year it sold for $67.56. Brent crude oil rose by $9.87 and is currently priced at $93.87, increasing from last year’s price of $69.69.
Natural gas prices remained unchanged at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.91 MMbtu. Iowa retail heating oil and propane prices will be reported in October.
Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.