For the first time in weeks, motor fuel prices dropped at the pump, but only very slightly. As of Wednesday, AAA Iowa reports the price of regular unleaded gasoline went down a penny to a statewide average of $2.80 per gallon. This is $.90 higher than one year ago and $.07 lower than the national average. Retail diesel dropped $.02 this week with a statewide average of $3.11. This is a penny higher than the national average and $.68 higher than this time last year. Wholesale ethanol prices held steady at $1.80. Two of three heating fuels saw price decreases last week with one unchanged. Propane and home heating oil both fell $.09, with propane now averaging $1.55 per gallon and home heating oil $2.57. Natural gas prices remain at $2.54 per MMbtu.
