Gasoline prices moved higher across Iowa this week, with motorists seeing a noticeable jump at the pump.
The price of regular unleaded rose 14 cents from last week and is now averaging $2.51 statewide, according to AAA. That price is still 37 cents lower than a year ago. The national average on Wednesday stood at $2.84, up 2 cents from last week.
Locally, prices were running above the state average as of Thursday morning. Regular unleaded was selling for $2.69 a gallon in Hampton and Allison, while Iowa Falls drivers were paying $2.58 a gallon.
Crude oil prices also climbed over the past week. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $5.28 to $61.65 per barrel, while Brent crude increased $5.84 to $66.07. One year ago, WTI was trading above $78 per barrel, with Brent near $82.
Diesel prices in Iowa moved the opposite direction, falling 5 cents this week to a statewide average of $3.20. That is 31 cents below the national diesel average of $3.51.
