According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and AAA-Iowa, Iowans saw price declines at the fuel pump this week as the busy summer driving season draws ever closer. As of Wednesday, April 16, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the state was down nine cents to $2.98, compared to $3.32 a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was down seven cents at $3.17 per gallon. Retail diesel in Iowa dipped three cents to $3.35 per gallon, compared to $3.77 per gallon this time last year. Local prices held 24 cents lower than the $3.59 national average. Wholesale ethanol was unchanged from $2.16. In heating fuels, natural gas prices at the Henry Hub reporting site dropped 27 cents to $3.27 per MMBtu.
