Arkansas drivers are feeling a pinch at the pump this week as gas prices climbed 25 cents to an average of $2.70 per gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to AAA data.
The spike stems from two converging factors: the annual transition to pricier summer-blend gasoline and rising crude oil markets following Iranian attacks over the weekend, which sent global oil prices surging roughly 7%.
“That’s going to have an impact on local prices as well,” said AAA spokesperson Nick Chabarria.
Despite the jump, Chabarria noted prices remain 10 to 15 cents below this time last year, driven by relatively stable crude oil markets over the past 12 months.
Analysts say prices could remain elevated through mid-March as the summer fuel transition continues.
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