DES MOINES – The price of retail gasoline in Iowa held steady this week, closing at $2.41 per gallon.  Nationally, retail gasoline fell $.02, ending the week at $2.46 per gallon.

Crude Oil Summary

The price of global crude oil rose this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $.59 per barrel over last week, and is currently priced at $51.89.

Brent crude oil rose $1.11 and is currently priced at $57.96.

One year ago WTI crude sold for $50.29 and Brent crude was at $49.81.

Motor Fuels

As of Tuesday, October 17th, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.41 across Iowa according to AAA.  This is the same price as last week and $.21 higher than one year ago.  The national average on Tuesday was $2.46, down $.02 from last week’s price. 

Retail diesel fuel prices in Iowa were up $.02 from last week’s price with a statewide average of $2.70.   One year ago diesel prices averaged $2.43 in Iowa.   The current Iowa diesel average is $.03 lower than the national average of $2.73.

Wholesale ethanol prices held steady at last week’s price, currently at $1.43. 

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.71 for U87-E10, $1.97 for Unleaded 87 (clear), ULSD#2 is at $1.94, ULSD#1 is at $2.14, and E-70 is priced at $1.63 per gallon.

Heating Fuels

Propane prices were up a penny from last week’s prices for a statewide average of $1.34 per gallon.  Home heating oil prices remained the same as last week’s figures, ending with a statewide average of $2.26.  Natural Gas prices are down a penny at the Henry Hub reporting site and ended the week at $2.89/ MMbtu.