DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship released the weekly fuel report and as expected prices have continued their climb.  The average unleaded gasoline prices rose 8 cents across Iowa and are currently priced at $2.49.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $1.73 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $60.37.
• Brent crude oil rose $2.27 and currently priced at $63.79.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $52.05 and Brent crude was at $57.83.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, Feb. 17, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.49 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices were up 8 cents from last week’s price and 22 cents higher than one year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $2.54, up 6 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 8 cents this week with a statewide average of $2.69.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $2.68 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 10 cents less than the national average of $2.79.
• Wholesale ethanol fell 2 cents and is currently priced at $1.69.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.80 for U87-E10, $1.99 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $1.94 for ULSD#2, $2.19 for ULSD#1, and $1.81 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Propane prices rose 28 cents with a statewide average of $1.74 per gallon.
• Home heating oil rose 9 cents from last week, ending with a statewide average of $2.32 per gallon.
• Natural gas prices rose 21 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.10/MMbtu.

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

(contributed press release, IDALS)