Arkansas gas prices rise slightly following surge in demand

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – AAA reports that gas prices in Arkansas have inched up as summer travel demand pushed gasoline consumption higher.

According to AAA officials, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded in Arkansas is now $2.83, four cents more than last week and 25 cents less than this time last year.

Texarkana drivers are paying the most at $2.90, while Hot Springs and Jonesboro report the lowest average at $2.77, officials said.

“A jump in gasoline demand comes as no surprise as AAA predicted 61.6 million Americans took road trips for the Independence Day holiday travel period, a new record,” said Nick Chabarria, AAA spokesperson.

The national average is $3.17 per gallon, one cent more than last week and 37 cents less than one year ago, officials said.

According to the Energy Information Administration, demand rose from 8.64 million to 9.15 million barrels per day last week, while national supply dropped by 2.6 million barrels.