Pump prices plunge across Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gas prices are finally moving in the right direction for Des Moines drivers — but the road ahead may not be as smooth.

According to GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in Des Moines fell 16.3 cents in the past week, bringing the metro average to $3.35 a gallon on Monday. That is 85.2 cents cheaper than a month ago, though still 32.9 cents higher than this time last year.

The drop is part of a larger national trend. GasBuddy says the national average fell 14.1 cents in the last week to $3.85 a gallon. Iowa’s statewide average is also down, falling 16.1 cents from last week to $3.54 a gallon.

For drivers willing to shop around, the savings can be even bigger. GasBuddy reported the cheapest station in Des Moines was $3.04 a gallon Sunday, while the most expensive was $3.99 — a 95-cent difference inside the metro. Statewide, Iowa prices ranged from $3.04 to $4.69, a spread of $1.65 per gallon.

Diesel prices are also easing. GasBuddy says the national average price of diesel fell 19.2 cents over the past week to $4.990 per gallon.

The big question now is whether the downward trend can hold.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said average gasoline prices declined in nearly every state last week, while diesel prices fell in all 50 states. But he also warned that global uncertainty could quickly change the outlook, especially with ongoing concerns about oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Despite this, gasoline prices aren’t yet at significant risk of a spike,” De Haan said, noting some vessels have continued moving through the Strait. “Still, should the situation worsen or escalate further, motorists could see that risk change quickly.”

For now, Des Moines drivers are seeing one of the sharpest forms of relief: a month-over-month drop of more than 85 cents a gallon. But with oil markets still watching the Middle East, the advice at the pump is simple — enjoy the lower prices, but do not assume they are locked in.

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