LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas drivers are feeling a slight pinch at the pump as the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel has risen to $2.81, according to the AAA Arkansas Weekend Gas Watch.
This marks a three-cent increase from last week, though it’s still 15 cents cheaper than this time last year.
Among the major metropolitan areas surveyed, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers drivers are paying the most at $2.84 per gallon, while Hot Springs residents enjoy the lowest prices at $2.73 per gallon.
Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.20, which is one cent less than last week and 12 cents less than a year ago, according to AAA Gas Prices.
AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria said, “Despite the weekly increase, gas prices remain lower than this time last year.”
“Barring any unforeseen disruptions in the oil and gas industry, we are approaching a time of year when drivers can typically expect prices to decline.”
The recent uptick in prices could be linked to lower gasoline stocks.
According to AAA, annual trends suggest a decrease is on the horizon as demand cools and the switch to winter-blend gasoline, which is cheaper to produce, begins.
