Gas prices jumped sharply across Iowa this week, even as crude oil prices declined.
According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa is $3.64 per gallon as of Wednesday, up 21 cents from last week and 56 cents higher than a year ago. The national average sits at $4.16, an increase of 10 cents from last week.
Diesel prices also climbed, rising 25 cents to a statewide average of $5.10 per gallon. That remains 57 cents below the national average of $5.67, but well above last year’s Iowa average of $3.39.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices moved in the opposite direction. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $4.92 to $94.94 per barrel, while Brent crude fell $7.35 to $94.51. One year ago, WTI crude was priced at $60.04 and Brent at $64.86.
At the local level, prices were slightly higher than the statewide average. According to GasBuddy, as of Wednesday afternoon, regular unleaded gasoline in Hampton, Parkersburg and Greene was $3.79 per gallon.
