Gas Prices Rise Ahead of July 4 Weekend

(Des Moines) According to AAA, the price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 13 cents to an average of $3.31 across Iowa, still five cents lower than one year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.49, up 4 cents from last week’s price.

The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $.73 per barrel over last week. It is currently priced at $80.90. Brent crude oil rose by $3.80 and is currently priced at $85.20. One year ago, WTI crude sold for $69.37, and Brent crude was $73.86.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 1 cent this week with a statewide average of $3.51. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.64 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 30 cents lower than the national average of $3.81.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.33 for U87-E10, $2.61 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.50 for ULSD#2, $2.74 for ULSD#1, and $2.27 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices fell 12 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently at $2.76/MMbtu. Throughout the summer months, we will only report retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa once a month.

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.