DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported that gasoline prices continued a slow climb in the past week.  The average price of gasoline in Iowa rose 5 cents this week, currently at $1.81 per gallon.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $6.94 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $33.31.
• Brent crude oil rose $5.25 and currently priced at $35.67.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $63.10 and Brent crude was at $73.21.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, May 20, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $1.81 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices rose $.05 from last week’s price and $.84 lower than one year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $1.91 up $.04 from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell $.01 this week with a statewide average of $2.14.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $2.99 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is $.27 less than the national average of $2.41.
• Wholesale ethanol prices rose $.02, currently at $1.09.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.10 for U87-E10, $1.18 for Unleaded 87 (clear), ULSD#2 is at $.99, ULSD#1 is at $1.14, and E-70 priced at $1.20 per gallon.

Heating Fuels

• Natural Gas prices rose $.08 at the Henry Hub reporting site and currently priced at $1.78/MMbtu.
• Continuing throughout the summer months, we will only report retail heating oil and propane prices in Iowa once a month.

(contributed press release, IDALS)