DES MOINES – Natural Gas prices in Iowa were up $.17 from last week’s report, ending the week at $3.63.

Crude Oil Summary

The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $1.76 per barrel over last week, closing at $90.87.

Brent crude oil also fell in price this week by $.98 per barrel, currently at $111.00.

One year ago WTI crude sold for $106.72 and Brent crude was at $125.03.

Motor Fuels

As of Tuesday, March 5th, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.70 across Iowa according to AAA.  This is down $.05 from last week and up $.03 from one year ago.  The national average on Tuesday was $3.73, down $.06 from last week’s price. 

Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were down $.03 on the Tuesday report with a statewide average of $4.01.   One year ago diesel prices averaged $3.93 in Iowa.   The current Iowa diesel average is $.10 per gallon lower than the national average of $4.11.

Wholesale ethanol prices rose $.04 this week, closing at $2.44. The price of Mid-Grade Blend in Iowa (10% ethanol) closed at $3.61 per gallon, down $.06 from last week’s price and up $.02 from one year ago.

Heating Fuels

Propane prices held steady at last week’s figures with a statewide average of $1.41 per gallon.  Home heating oil fell $.07 from last week’s figures, ending with a statewide average of $3.61 per gallon.  Natural Gas prices in Iowa were up $.17 from last week’s report, ending the week at $3.63 / MMbtu.

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