DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has released this weeks weekly fuel prices and as expected the prices have continued to climb even though crude oil prices dropped.  The average unleaded gasoline prices rose 9 cents across Iowa and are currently priced at $2.74.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $1.20 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $61.80.
• Brent crude oil fell $2.50 and currently priced at $64.45.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $47.18 and Brent crude was at $52.24.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, March 3, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.74 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices were up 9 cents from last week’s price and 47 cents higher than one year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $2.74, up 8 cents from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 11 cents this week with a statewide average of $2.95.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $2.64 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 1 cent less than the national average of $2.96.
• Wholesale ethanol rose 9 cents and is currently priced at $1.78.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.95 for U87-E10, $2.22 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.15 for ULSD#2, $2.40 for ULSD#1, and $1.91 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Propane prices fell 12 cents with a statewide average of $1.99 per gallon.
• Home heating oil rose 17 cents from last week, ending with a statewide average of $2.54 per gallon.
• Natural gas prices fell 1 cent at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.83/MMbtu.

(contributed press release, IDALS)