Little Rock — AAA reports that the statewide average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in Arkansas has risen by 11 cents to price of $3.18 over the past week.
This price is 14 cents higher than it was on this day last year.
Of the state’s major metropolitan areas, residents of Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers are paying the most, with an average price of $3.27. On the other end of the spectrum, citizens of Pine Bluff are paying the least, with an average price of $3.11.
The average price nationwide has skyrocketed to $3.53, which is 12 cents more than the price on this day last year.
In a report, AAA says that seasonal travel, rising crude oil prices, and refinery switchover to summer-blend fuel are the key culprits behind the rising prices.
As the switch to a pricier summer-blend fuel continues over the coming weeks, prices are expected to rise anywhere between an additional 5 to 20 cents.
“This is the time of year when gas prices usually start to increase thanks to seasonal demand and the switchover to summer blend fuel,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria. “In addition, crude oil, the main ingredient in gas, is getting more expensive.”
