Gasoline prices in Arkansas have dipped by 6.2 cents per gallon over the past week, with the state's average price currently standing at $4.00 per gallon, according to a recent survey from GasBuddy. While the decrease offers some relief to drivers, prices remain 32.5 cents higher than last month and are up $1.31 compared to the same time last year.
GasBuddy reports that the lowest price for gasoline in Arkansas is $3.59 per gallon at a station in Benton, while the highest price is $6.09 per gallon, creating a statewide spread of $2.50 per gallon.
In north central Arkansas, gasoline prices also show variation. The Exxon station in Leslie offers the lowest price in the area at $3.89 per gallon. Prices in Baxter County range from $3.99 to $4.08 per gallon, while Marion County prices fall between $3.99 and $4.06. Fulton County drivers can expect to pay between $4.03 and $4.29 per gallon, and Izard County prices range from $3.99 to $4.19 per gallon. Meanwhile, Stone County prices sit between $4.14 and $4.16 per gallon, and Searcy County offers a range from $3.89 to $4.19. In Boone County, prices span $4.09 to $4.19 per gallon, with Newton County at $4.09 to $4.29.
Nationally, gasoline prices have experienced a smaller decline, with the average price dropping 1.6 cents over the past week to $4.42 per gallon. However, the national average still reflects an increase of 35.9 cents compared to last month and $1.34 from this time last year. Diesel fuel prices saw a 4.1-cent drop over the last week, bringing the national average to $6.45 per gallon.
GasBuddy's Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan noted regional differences in pricing trends across the country. He attributed sharp declines in the Great Lakes region to the successful restart of a major refinery, while supply challenges on the West Coast have caused significant price increases there. Despite oil prices remaining below $100 per barrel, De Haan cautioned against assuming stability, pointing to global geopolitical uncertainties and potential policy actions such as a proposed diesel export ban as factors that could shift prices quickly.
For context, Arkansas' gasoline prices are significantly higher than in previous years. On this same date, five years ago, the state’s average price was $2.69 per gallon, compared to $3.08 nationally. Prices on September 28 over the past four years ranged from $2.80 to $3.36, showing this year’s figures as a departure from traditionally lower rates.