Gas prices expected to rise with seasonal change

Know where to go: List of cheapest gas in town

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Gas prices in eastern Arkansas are expected to rise as the spring season brings warmer weather and increased driving activity, according to experts in the industry. Historically, gas prices tend to be lowest in the winter months when demand is lower and the country is using winter-grade gasoline. However, as spring arrives and more people hit the road for road trips and vacations, prices typically increase as re_neries switch to the more expensive summer blend.

An American Automobile Association (AAA) spokesperson recently stated that March and April usually bring higher gas prices, as the milder temperatures lead to more road trips and increased demand for gasoline. Re_nery maintenance, which typically peaks in March, can also impact gas prices as it limits the amount of gasoline that can be produced during the transition to summer blends.

Despite the expected increase in gas prices, there is some good news for consumers. Gas prices in eastern Arkansas are currently lower than they were at this time in 2022 and 2023. In some states, the average price is still below $3 per gallon, including Mississippi, Colorado, and Texas. Additionally, the Energy Information Administration forecasts that gas prices will be lower overall in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a national average of $3.31 per gallon.

As of March 29, the national average price for regular gas is $3.537 per gallon, according to AAA. This is about the same as last week’s average, but 22 cents higher than the average price from a month ago. Since the beginning of 2024, the national average has increased by 45 cents. While gas prices are 8 cents higher nationally than they were at this time last year, they remain relatively low compared to the spikes seen in 2022 and 2023, particularly in northeast Arkansas.

In terms of regional differences, California currently has the highest gas prices in the country at $5.045 per gallon, while Mississippi has the lowest prices at $3.083 per gallon. Drivers in Arkansas can expect to see prices in line with the lower end of the national average, with gradual increases expected as the spring and summer seasons progress.

Many people often look to blame the current president for uctuations in gas prices, but experts say that the reality is much more complex. The recent increase in gas prices under President Biden has sparked debate, but the truth is that presidents have very little control over the price at the pump.

Gas prices are primarily determined by the simple principle of supply and demand. When people drive more, the price of gas goes up, and when they drive less, the price goes down. During the national lockdowns under former President Trump, gas prices were low because people were staying at home and driving less. This led to an oversupply of gas and lower prices.

However, as the pandemic ended and people started driving more under President Biden, the demand for gas increased, causing prices to rise. This is not something that the president can directly control, as it is largely inuenced by global market forces and production levels.

So, while it may be tempting to blame the president for high gas prices, the reality is that it is a delicate balance of supply and demand that determines the cost at the pump.

If you’re looking to _ll up your tank without breaking the bank, head to these locations in West Memphis:

■ Murphy Express on 646 Service Rd is offering gas for $2.95.

■ Love’s Travel Stop on 800 Martin Luther King Dr is selling gas for $2.96 (cash).

■ Flying J on 3400 Service Loop Rd has gas priced at $2.96.

■ QuikTrip on 1601 N 7th St is selling gas for $2.960.

■ Pilot on 1100 Martin Luther King Dr is offering gas for $2.960 (cash).