Gasoline prices across Arkansas have spiked 19.4 cents per gallon in the past week, with the state's average reaching $3.77 per gallon, according to data from GasBuddy’s survey of 1,826 stations. Prices are 37.9 cents higher than a month ago and now stand 98.5 cents above levels seen at this time last year.
Nationally, the price of gasoline climbed 10.8 cents over the past week to $4.06 per gallon, while diesel prices rose a more dramatic 17.8 cents to $5.25 per gallon, per GasBuddy’s analysis of more than 150,000 gas stations across the country.
In Arkansas, significant price variation was recorded. The least expensive gas, priced at $3.39 per gallon, was reported in Austin, Lonoke County, while the highest price of $4.49 per gallon was observed elsewhere in the state—a range of $1.10.
In north central Arkansas, regional averages provide further detail. Prices in Baxter County range from $3.86 to $3.99 per gallon, Marion County between $3.89 and $3.97, and Fulton County from $3.78 to $3.97. Izard County posted a low of $3.54 and a high of $3.89, while Stone County stations offered prices from $3.82 to $3.85. Boone County reported prices between $3.82 and $3.94, and Searcy County stations ranged from $3.74 to $3.79. Newton County did not report any pricing data.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, attributed the nationwide surge to a combination of international tensions involving the U.S., Iran, and Russia, as well as renewed Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. Geopolitical factors have applied upward pressure on crude oil and refined product markets over the past week. However, De Haan noted a pullback in hostilities over the weekend may slow the pace of future increases in fuel prices. "For now, motorists should expect prices to remain elevated," he said, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding escalating global conflicts.
Historical data shows considerably lower prices for this time in previous years. On July 27 of last year, Arkansas drivers paid an average of $2.79 per gallon, while the U.S. average was $3.10. In 2024, Arkansas prices reached $3.08, and in 2023 they hovered at $3.35. Prices in July 2022 were closer to current levels, with Arkansans paying $3.83 per gallon compared to a national average of $4.26.
Motorists will likely continue to feel the strain on their wallets as uncertain international developments intersect with local market factors, leading to fluctuating prices at the pump.