After starting the year near $2 per gallon, Iowans have seen a steady rise in gas prices.
As the U.S. continues its war with Iran, Iowa also saw one of the largest increases in the average price of diesel.
How much have diesel prices increased?
The national average for diesel has reached $4.264 per gallon, the highest level since Nov. 21, 2023. A week ago, diesel averaged $3.752 per gallon, marking a 51.2-cent jump in just one week — one of the most dramatic weekly increases seen in years, wrote Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
Iowa saw an even larger increase, with the average diesel price jumping 67 cents in a week, tied with Texas for the largest increase in the country.
How do increased diesel prices affect Iowans?
Diesel fuels freight transportation, manufacturing, agriculture and global shipping, De Haan wrote on his Substack. Even if Iowans aren’t purchasing diesel fuel, price increases can still hit their wallets.
When crude supply is threatened, diesel markets can tighten rapidly.
Why are gas and diesel prices up?
Iran said it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is used by more than 3,000 ships every month. The narrow band of water is a crucial Middle Eastern export route that carries 20% of global oil, resulting in a halt of petroleum shipments and a surge in oil prices.Gas prices have been steadily going up since the United States and Israel began strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
The longer the strait remains closed, the longer it will take to recover from the supply chain disruption, De Haan wrote.
How much are gas prices up in Iowa?
As of March 6, prices for regular gas are at their highest levels since August 2024, De Haan wrote.
Just a week ago, the national average stood at $2.982 per gallon. By 4 p.m. March 6, gas prices have climbed to $3.384 per gallon. That means prices have surged 40 cents per gallon in only seven days.
Gas prices remain below the national average in Iowa, with an average gas price of $3.097, according to GasBuddy. The state ranks 19th least expensive.
In Iowa, prices are up 46 cents compared to last week and 10 cents compared to last year.
Where are the lowest gas prices in Iowa?
Crawford County in western Iowa has the lowest average price at $2.562 cents per gallon.
The five lowest prices in Iowa, as of 4:45 p.m. March 6, according to GasBuddy:
What are the cheapest gas prices in Des Moines?
The lowest gas prices in the Des Moines metro, according to GasBuddy:
USA Today reporter Cheryl McCloud contributed to this article.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Diesel prices up more in Iowa than rest of US. See latest gas prices.
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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