Arkansas drivers are seeing higher prices at the pump as crude oil markets remain turbulent, according to data released by AAA Arkansas.
The organization’s Weekend Gas Watch, published Thursday, reported that the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the state jumped by 15 cents last week to reach $3.92.
Among major metropolitan areas in Arkansas, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers recorded the highest average price at $4.03 per gallon. Pine Bluff had the lowest reported average at $3.82, while Jonesboro motorists are now paying an average of $3.91 per gallon, up 13 cents from the previous week.
In comparison, the national average for regular gasoline also climbed by 13 cents last week, reaching $4.27 per gallon, AAA noted.
The rising costs are tied to international factors, with continued instability in key global shipping routes for crude oil driving market volatility. "Volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and new attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threaten a second critical crude shipping route," said AAA. These developments have pushed crude oil prices near $100 per barrel, the highest since July.
AAA also observed that the current national increase comes during a season when lower demand typically leads to price declines, making this uptick unusual for this time of year.