Arkansas drivers are seeing a sharp rise in fuel costs, with average gas prices climbing nearly 25 cents per gallon in the week leading up to April 6, according to a new survey.
Data from GasBuddy, which surveyed 1,826 stations across the state, shows the average price for regular gasoline in Arkansas now stands at $3.57 per gallon. That marks an increase of more than 63 cents since early March and more than 71 cents compared to this time last year.
Nationally, gas prices also continue to trend upward, rising nearly 12 cents over the past week to an average of $4.06 per gallon.
GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan said additional increases could be on the horizon, particularly in markets that experience cyclical price changes.
He noted that the national average could climb by double digits in the coming days, potentially reaching between $4.20 and $4.35 per gallon.
De Haan also pointed to rising geopolitical tensions as a key factor driving the increase in fuel costs. Escalations between the United States and Iran have heightened concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies, particularly involving the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for crude oil.
He said the direction of fuel prices remains uncertain and largely depends on whether normal shipping operations resume in the region. Until then, the risk of further price increases remains.
Diesel prices are also on the rise, increasing nearly 21 cents over the past week to a national average of approximately $5.57 per gallon. De Haan said diesel prices are now within 25 cents of reaching a new all-time high.
