Gas prices in Arkansas increased by 17 cents in one week

Little Rock, Arkansas – AAA statistics show a 17-cent increase in gas prices in Arkansas over the previous week.

According to AAA, a gallon of regular unleaded gas cost an average of $3.35 in Arkansas on Thursday. Despite being down 54 cents from this time last year, they said this was one of the greatest one-week gains in recent memory.

According to AAA, Faulkner County has the lowest average price in the state ($3.24), while Cleveland County has the highest average price ($3.55).

According to AAA, prices in the Little Rock/North Little Rock metro area are now averaging $3.30, up from $3.14 last week. Hot Springs is now $3.35, up from $3.13 last week. The average in Pine Bluff has increased from $3.13 to $3.32.

Gas prices in the Natural State are still inexpensive despite the increase. Mississippi, at $3.18, is the only state with an average cost that is less than Arkansas’.

The national average for gas is $3.71, with California having the highest average at $4.94.

The increase in prices was ascribed by AAA to changes in the oil market and increased summer travel. Some refineries have reduced their output due to the heat, and Saudi Arabia has decreased its output as well.

“Increasing crude oil prices, decreasing gasoline inventories and strong demand for fuel thanks to a busy summer travel season are forcing retail gas prices even higher,” AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria said. “Price averages are still well below where they were last summer, however if crude oil prices continue to increase, we will see the year-over-year price gap narrow even further.”

According to AAA executives, pump costs will rise if crude oil prices stay high.