Iowa motorists are seeing modest relief at the pump this week as fuel prices continue a slow downward trend, according to the latest data from AAA and state fuel terminals.
As of Wednesday, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa sits at $2.92 per gallon, a 3-cent drop from last week and a 36-cent decrease from this time last year. The national average for regular unleaded is currently $3.14, down 2 cents from the previous week.
Retail diesel prices across Iowa also declined by 3 cents, now averaging $3.55 per gallon. While diesel is slightly higher than the $3.51 average seen a year ago, Iowa drivers are still paying 19 cents less than the national average, which stands at $3.74 per gallon.
Terminal and rack prices in Des Moines, a key distribution point for fuel across the state, reflect the current wholesale cost to suppliers. As of Wednesday, prices were as follows:
- U87-E10 (ethanol blend): $1.94 per gallon
- Unleaded 87 (clear): $2.26 per gallon
- ULSD#2 (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel): $2.47 per gallon
- ULSD#1: $2.72 per gallon
- E-70 (ethanol blend): $1.91 per gallon
These rack prices serve as indicators of market trends and often influence retail prices over time.
With both gasoline and diesel prices continuing to dip, Iowans can expect moderate fuel savings heading into August—welcome news for drivers during the final stretch of the summer travel season.