Gas prices in Arkansas have declined by seven cents over the past week, with the state’s average price per gallon now at $3.86, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,826 stations statewide. This marks a decrease of 21.1 cents compared to one month ago but remains $1.31 higher than the average price recorded this time last year.
Statewide, fuel costs vary significantly. The lowest price, $3.49 per gallon, was reported at stations in Hot Springs and Palestine, while the highest price reached $4.19 per gallon — a difference of 70 cents. In the north-central region, gas prices tend to hover slightly higher with counties such as Baxter reporting prices between $3.81 and $3.86 per gallon, and Marion County stations listing prices from $3.85 to $3.89 per gallon. Boone County saw a wider range, with prices from $3.98 to $4.66 per gallon. Meanwhile, no data is currently available for Fulton or Newton counties.
On a national level, the average price of regular gasoline is down 5.5 cents over the last week, standing at $4.24 per gallon. The national diesel price trend, however, reveals a contrasting pattern, with prices rising by 5.2 cents to reach $6.30 per gallon.
A review of historical trends shows Arkansas gas prices were notably lower in previous years. On October 19 last year, the state’s average price per gallon was $2.55, compared to the national average of $2.98. Five years ago, Arkansas motorists paid just $2.55 per gallon for regular gasoline.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, described the factors influencing recent changes. “Average gasoline prices declined in the vast majority of states over the last week, led by a combination of state fuel tax suspensions and price-cycling markets working their way back down, while diesel rose in most states. For now, the outlook remains tied to geopolitical developments,” De Haan stated.
GasBuddy compiled its data from over 150,000 gas stations nationwide, drawing from 11 million weekly price reports. The ongoing fluctuation in fuel costs highlights a dynamic market shaped by tax policies, global energy trends, and local market variances.