DES MOINES – Retail gasoline prices in Iowa dropped $.02, closing the week at $2.29.  US Average retail gasoline prices held steady at $2.29 per gallon.

Crude Oil Summary

The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $.31 per barrel over last week, and is currently priced at $48.13.

Brent crude oil was down $.73 and is currently priced at $50.78.

One year ago WTI crude sold for $41.45 and Brent crude was at $40.54.

Motor Fuels

As of Tuesday, March 21st, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.29 across Iowa according to AAA.  This is down $.02 from last week and $.26 higher than one year ago.  The national average on Tuesday was $2.29, holding steady at last week’s price. 

Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were down a penny with a statewide average of $2.45.   One year ago diesel prices averaged $2.08 in Iowa.   The current Iowa diesel average is $.06 lower than the national average of $2.51.

Wholesale ethanol prices were up $.02 from last week’s price, closing at $1.55. 

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.53 for U87-E10, $1.71 for Unleaded 87 (clear), ULSD#2 is at $1.59, ULSD#1 is at $1.72, and E-70 is priced at $1.60 per gallon.

Heating Fuels

Propane prices held steady from last week’s report, with a statewide average of $1.21 per gallon.  Home heating prices are down $.03 from last week, ending with a statewide average of $1.95.  Natural Gas prices are up $.02 at the Henry Hub reporting site and ended the week at $3.06 / MMbtu.