The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Arkansas dropped by six cents this week, according to data released by AAA Arkansas on Thursday. The statewide average now stands at $3.93 per gallon, a slight improvement for motorists but still $1.29 higher than the same time last year.
Among major metropolitan areas surveyed by AAA, West Memphis drivers are paying the most at $3.98 per gallon, while Hot Springs has the lowest average at $3.78. In Jonesboro, the average price is $3.88 per gallon.
The national average price also decreased slightly, dropping three cents to $4.33 per gallon. However, AAA noted that prices remain elevated due to persistently high crude oil costs, which are approaching $100 per barrel. Gas prices have stayed above $4 nationally since late July, marking more than a year of elevated fuel costs.
AAA’s report underscores the financial pressures many Arkansans continue to face despite minor weekly fluctuations at the pump.