Gas prices in Arkansas jumped 14.3 cents per gallon over the past week, with the statewide average hitting $4.07 per gallon, according to a GasBuddy survey of 1,826 stations across the state. This marks an increase of 28.7 cents compared to a month ago and $1.31 higher than the same time last year.
The national average for regular gasoline rose 18.5 cents over the last week to $4.44 per gallon, with diesel prices seeing a sharper 30.7-cent increase per gallon, reaching $6.49. GasBuddy reports that Arkansas remains below the national average but is following the same upward trend.
Within the state, notable disparities in gas prices were reported. The cheapest fuel was found in Benton at $3.69 per gallon, while the most expensive station reached $4.89—representing a $1.20 difference.
In north-central Arkansas, gas prices varied across counties. Baxter County stations reported prices ranging from $3.89 to $4.14 per gallon. Marion County prices spanned from $4.06 to $4.11, while Fulton and Izard Counties saw prices ranging between $3.99 and $4.19. Boone County prices sat between $4.09 and $4.19. In Stone and Searcy Counties, the top price reached $4.19 and $4.29 per gallon, respectively. Newton County did not have prices available during this survey.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, attributes the nationwide increase to a combination of domestic refinery issues and global supply pressures. "Average gasoline prices rose in virtually every state over the last week, with 45 states seeing increases of more than 3 cents per gallon," De Haan said. He noted that escalating geopolitical tensions, including strikes on Russian oil refineries, U.S.-Iran conflicts, and refinery challenges in the Great Lakes region, are contributing to the rise in prices.
For historical context, Arkansas gas prices on September 21 over the last five years were as follows: $2.76 per gallon in 2025, $2.77 in 2024, $3.42 in 2023, $3.21 in 2022, and $2.84 in 2021. These figures illustrate the current deviation from typical seasonal norms.
According to GasBuddy, these figures are part of a nationwide trend compiled from over 11 million weekly price reports spanning 150,000 stations across the U.S. As international developments continue to shape oil and gasoline markets, drivers could see further fluctuations in pump prices in the coming weeks.