Iowa gas prices rose nearly 8 percent in March

Iowa gas prices could be headed higher this summer after rising nearly 8 percent in the state's last monthly survey.

The average price of regular unleaded with 10 percent ethanol was $3.70 per gallon across Iowa on April 15, the Iowa Office of Energy Independence reported, an increase of 27 cents per gallon from March 15.

Rising prices have been mainly the result of rising prices of crude oil, from which gas is refined.

“The concern over the impact of oil prices on economic growth will create some downward pressure on crude prices, however potential spread of unrest in the Middle east, a weakening U.S. dollar and the demand into the summer driving season could translate to continued increases in retail gasoline prices,” said Catherine Fought, the DNR's energy data analyst.

Prices for petroleum fuels were up across the board in April. The average price of diesel fuel on April 15 was up 25 cents per gallon, to $4.08. Even the price of E85, the 85 percent ethanol blend, was up nine cents, to $2.84 per gallon.

The April 18 price of natural gas was $4.21 per decatherm, up from $3.99 a month earlier and $4.02 a year earlier.