Iowa drivers are paying a little more at the pump this week.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa has increased 4 cents over the past week to $3.79 per gallon. That’s 82 cents higher than this time last year. The national average slipped by a penny this week to $4.08 per gallon.
Diesel prices saw a larger jump, rising 14 cents to a statewide average of $5.11 per gallon. Despite the increase, Iowa’s diesel price remains 25 cents below the national average of $5.36. A year ago, diesel averaged $3.58 per gallon across the state.
While fuel prices increased, crude oil moved in the opposite direction. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $9.37 this week to $75.61 per barrel. Brent crude dropped $11.01 to $79.52 per barrel.
Natural gas prices also declined, falling 4 cents to $2.69 per million British thermal units at the Henry Hub reporting site.
AAA reminds drivers that tips for improving fuel economy and saving energy are available through the U.S. Department of Energy.