Gas prices drop ahead of Fourth of July weekend travel

Robert Medley, Fort Smith Times Record
·2 min read
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After hitting the all-time high last week in Arkansas, gas prices have dropped for the Fourth of July weekend, according to AAA.

The statewide gas price average in Arkansas was $4.41 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel on Thursday, June 30, according to the AAA Arkansas Weekend Gas Watch.

The national average Thursday was $4.85.

The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in Sebastian County was $4.44.

The statewide average price is eight cents less compared to a week ago, and it is $1.60 more per gallon compared to this day last year. Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Arkansas, drivers in West Memphis are paying the most on average at $4.48 while drivers in Jonesboro are paying the least at $4.30 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $4.86, which is eight cents less compared to this day last week and $1.74 more than the price per gallon at this same time last year, according to AAA Gas Prices.

The Thursday, June 30 Arkansas statewide average was $4.44 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, AAA reported.

In Oklahoma the statewide average Thursday was $4.56 and in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma the average was $4.49.

Recent flight cancellations have been reported due to labor shortages in the airline industry.

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The result could mean more people on the highways, with airfare already higher than last year. More people have been flying this summer at Fort Smith Regional Airport. Families on vacations are taking to the skies. More business travel has been reported, said airport Director Michael Griffin.

Griffin said the shortage in other cities did not affect air travel over the weekend in Fort Smith. Air traffic has continued to pick up this we, Griffin said.

A record number of travelers is expected on America's highways for the Fourth of July travel period. The Fourth of July holiday is Monday this year, and more travelers are expected to hit the roads Thursday afternoon through Tuesday, July 5.

People may drive to closer destinations this year for vacations with gas prices still higher than last year after topping out this summer. Firework displays are planned in Fort Smith with live music.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas gas prices drop a little bit before July 4th weekend