Arkansas motorists are in for a pleasant surprise this Memorial Day weekend, as gas prices across the state have dropped significantly compared to last year, according to AAA.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Arkansas stands at $2.80, down 31 cents from this time last yearand two cents from just last week. These lower fuel prices come as millions prepare for holiday travel.
Drivers in Central Arkansas are seeing even more favorable prices, with the Little Rock–North Little Rock metro area averaging $2.78 and Pine Bluff at $2.76. Hot Springs currently boasts one of the state’s lowest metro averages at $2.74 per gallon, while Hot Spring County offers the cheapest gas statewide at $2.68. On the higher end, Bradley County in south-central Arkansas reports the state’s highest average at $3.17 per gallon.
Nationally, the average price for gasoline is $3.20, with California topping the charts at $4.87. Mississippi currently has the nation’s lowest average at $2.67, just below Arkansas.
“Gas prices haven’t been this low over Memorial Day since 2021 when the national average was $3.04,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “This will be welcome news for the expected record 39.4 million Americans who will take road trips over the long weekend.”
AAA attributes the drop in prices to a healthy gasoline supply and declining crude oil prices. As of Thursday morning, U.S. gasoline production rose to 9.6 million barrels per day, while the price of crude oil fell 41 cents to $61.57 per barrel.
The combination of strong supply and lower prices is expected to give drivers a break at the pump during one of the year’s busiest travel weekends.
