Fuel prices rise first week of February

DES MOINES — The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose two cents, averaging $2.97 across Iowa as of Feb. 5, according to AAA.

The price of global crude oil fell on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $2.12 per barrel to $71.17.

Brent crude oil fell by $2.45 and was priced at $74.68 as of Feb. 5.

One year ago, WTI crude sold for $73.21, and Brent crude was $79.30.

As of Feb. 5, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.97 across Iowa, according to AAA, up two cents from the previous week and up 13 cents from a year ago.

The national average Feb. 5 was $3.13, up one cent from the previous week.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose five cents to a statewide average of $3.47.

One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.53 in Iowa.

The current Iowa diesel price is 20 cents lower than the national average of $3.67.

Wholesale ethanol held steady at $2.16.

The Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices were $2.10 for U87-E10, $2.27 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.40 for ULSD#2, $2.64 for ULSD#1, and $1.96 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices were up 16 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and were priced at $3.28/MMbtu as of Feb. 5.

Propane prices averaged $1.68 per gallon in Iowa.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.03 per gallon.