Arkansas sees lower gas prices ahead of Thanksgiving

Arkansas – As Arkansas drivers gear up for holiday travel, they are greeted with a pleasant surprise at the pump: lower gas prices. According to recent data from AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Arkansas is currently $2.94, a decrease of 5 cents over the past week. This figure also represents a significant drop of 28 cents compared to this time last year.

However, AAA warns that these prices could see some fluctuation in the upcoming week. The increase in travel demand around the Thanksgiving holiday may lead to price changes, but due to lower crude prices, these variations are expected to be minimal.

Nick Chabarria, a spokesperson for AAA, commented on the situation, “As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, gas prices are dropping, but fluctuations remain possible. Still, drivers will pay nearly 30 cents less per gallon compared to last Thanksgiving.”

In central Arkansas, drivers find the lowest prices in Hot Springs at $2.86 per gallon. Conversely, Pine Bluff has the highest average at $3.02 per gallon. In the southern part of the state, Ashley County boasts the lowest average at $3.11 per gallon, while in northeast Arkansas, Lawrence County averages $2.90 per gallon, the highest in the region.

On a national scale, the average gas price stands at $3.34 per gallon. California has the highest average at $5.04 per gallon, while Texas offers the lowest average at $2.82 per gallon. It’s notable that June 2022 saw the highest recorded average gas prices, with $4.54 per gallon in Arkansas and $5.02 per gallon nationwide.

AAA’s projections indicate that approximately 49 million American drivers are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving period, from November 22 to 26. This year, these travelers can look forward to more budget-friendly gas prices, a welcome change from the record highs earlier in the year. This decrease in gas prices comes as a relief, especially during a time when many are preparing for the holiday season’s expenses.