Iowa Gas Prices Holding Steady, Despite Tariff Talks

Iowa farmers, consumers and others are watchful for any impact that may be coming from tariffs that President Trump is proposing on trade partners. 

A new ten-percent tariff is being imposed on China, while planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada are paused for a month, but they could still be enacted. 

Brian Ortner, spokesman for Triple-A-Iowa, says gas prices haven’t fluctuated far – as yet.

Reports show Canada and Mexico, combined, supply more than 71% of U.S. crude imports, with Canada making up 60%. Last July, U.S. crude imports reached record levels, hitting 4.3 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration. Ortner says if tariffs are imposed next month on Canada and Mexico, Iowa drivers could face a bigger expense when filling the tank – or maybe not.

Triple-A says gas prices in Iowa are averaging two-97 a gallon today, while they were at two-95 a week ago, so they’ve only risen two cents a gallon since the tariffs were first announced.

The national average for gas is three-12 a gallon. Gas prices statewide are varied, with the cheapest gas in Council Bluffs at $2.90 and the most expensive in Dubuque at $3.10.

story courtesy of Radio Iowa; archived photo