Home heating fuels and two of three motor fuels saw prices rise over the past week. According to AAA Iowa, as of Wednesday, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded rose by $.02 to $3.04. This is $.97 higher than one year ago and $.18 lower than the national average of $3.22, which was up $.03 over the past week. Retail diesel prices in Iowa were up by $.07 to $3.23, which is $.16 lower than the national average of $3.39. One year ago, diesel averaged $2.18 per gallon. Wholesale ethanol was the only motor fuel to remain at a stable price point at $2.21 per gallon. Natural gas prices are now nearing the $6 mark with the Henry Hub reporting site detailing a $.30 increase to $5.86 per MMBtu. Propane and home heating oil costs have also risen with propane seeing a $.23 jump to an average of $1.92 per gallon. Home heating oil is now at $3 per gallon after a $.34 bump over the week.
