AAA: Gas Prices Drop with Holiday Weekend Around the Corner; Price Fluctuations Remain Possible

The statewide gas price average in Arkansas is $3.44 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Arkansas Weekend Gas Watch. That price is four cents less compared to this day last week and is four cents more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Arkansas, drivers in Texarkana are paying the most on average at $3.53 while drivers in Jonesboro are paying the least at $3.33 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.84, which is three cents less compared to this day last week and five cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.

Retail gas price averages declined in every major metropolitan area in Arkansas this week. The downward trajectory in gas prices can be attributed in part to the recent dip in the price of crude oil, the primary component in gasoline production. Specifically, West Texas Intermediate crude has experienced a decline of approximately $3 per barrel in comparison to the preceding week. Should this trend persist, it could spell favorable news for individuals embarking on road trips during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

The ongoing hurricane season remains a significant variable that could potentially disrupt the current trajectory of gas price averages. If tropical storms were to impact oil and gas operations along the Gulf Coast, a brief but notable spike in pump prices could occur.

"Gas price averages are down week-to-week across Arkansas cities," said AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria. "Labor Day is around the corner and more people are expected to travel compared to last year. AAA Travel bookings are 4 percent higher compared to Labor Day 2022. If there's a large bump in demand, that could cause price fluctuations at the pump as the holiday weekend nears."

Drivers in Arkansas are paying the 5th lowest gas price average in the country, according to gasprices.aaa.com.

Prices up to date at press time using market prices posted at 3:41 a.m. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free and revamped AAA App for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route and learn traffic conditions along that route, find discounts, locate parking, book a hotel and request and track AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

To help members and non-members identify quality auto repair shops that can assist in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles, AAA offers the Approved Auto Repair program as a free public service. AAA-approved repair facilities meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. Motorists can look for the Approved Auto Repair sign at local auto repair facilities, or search for a nearby AAA-approved shop online at AAA.com/Repair. AAA branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Missouri on Twitter: @AAAMissouri and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAMissouri.

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