Relief at the pump as crude oil prices dip 10% in September

Iowans are paying less to fuel up with gasoline as crude oil prices continue to hover around $81 a barrel.

The average price of a gallon of mid-grade 10 percent ethanol blended fuel fell to $3.38 statewide on Tuesday, according to AAA, down 12 cents from a week ago and 14 cents lower than a month ago.

Iowa gasoline prices are tracking with the national average, according to AAA, primarily because of refinery repairs. Typically, Iowa average gasoline prices are below the national average.

Crude oil prices are on track to end September with a decline of nearly 10 percent to about $80.80 a barrel as hopes dimmed oil demand would pick up amid fears of slow growth and heightened concerns about the euro-zone sovereign-debt crisis. Crude oil prices have fallen 16 percent since the beginning of quarter.

If your vehicle uses diesel fuel, you haven't seen a lot of relief at the pump. The average price of a gallon of diesel remains a stubbornly high $3.76 throughout Iowa. Diesel fuel prices averaged $2.92 across Iowa last year at this time.