Arkansas motorists are seeing some relief at the gas pump as gasoline prices continue moving lower across the state, and Congressman French Hill says increased fuel supplies and opportunities for American energy production are encouraging developments.
According to AAA, the statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline stood at $3.84 per gallon on Monday, October 26, 2026, down from approximately $3.90 a week earlier and $4.05 a month ago.
The downward trend comes as drivers throughout Central and North Central Arkansas continue watching gasoline prices, with some communities reporting substantial differences between individual stations.
During a special interview with ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations General Manager and CEO Bob Connell for the Open Mic program, Congressman French Hill discussed the changing fuel market and what he believes is helping improve energy availability.
Gas Prices Changing So Quickly News Reports Had to Be Updated
Connell told Hill that gasoline prices in Searcy had been falling so rapidly that ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations had to update its news reports multiple times.
“Gas dropped 3 times before we got the news story on the air,” Connell said.
Connell described working with KWCK 99-9 morning personality Greg Geary to keep listeners informed as prices continued changing.
During the conversation, Connell reported seeing gasoline at approximately $3.35 per gallon in Searcy, while acknowledging prices remained higher in other communities.
That figure was a locally reported price discussed during the interview, not a verified citywide average. Prices vary by station and can change without notice.
Congressman French Hill Says More Fuel Is Flowing
Hill, who represents Arkansas’s 2nd Congressional District, said he believes improving fuel availability and domestic energy opportunities are contributing to encouraging developments in the energy market.
“I think we’ve got more fuel coming out of the Persian Gulf now,” Hill told Connell.
He also discussed increased efforts to refine petroleum products in the United States and expand opportunities for domestic energy production.
Hill credited policies supported by House Republicans that seek to expand American energy development, pipeline access and refining capacity.
Despite ongoing challenges in the Middle East, Hill said he views the movement of additional fuel supplies as an encouraging sign.
“And on top of the challenges in the Middle East, I think that’s a sign that we’ve got fuel flowing,” Hill said.
His comments reflect his assessment of energy policy and fuel availability.
AAA has identified seasonal fuel changes and market conditions as important factors contributing to the recent decline in gasoline prices.
Arkansas Gas Prices Fall More Than 20 Cents in 1 Month
AAA’s October 26 figures show that regular unleaded gasoline prices have decreased approximately 22 cents per gallon across Arkansas during the past month.
The statewide average stood at:
- October 26, 2026: $3.84 per gallon
- October 25, 2026: $3.85 per gallon
- October 19, 2026: $3.90 per gallon
- September 2026 comparison: $4.05 per gallon
Although prices are declining, they remain substantially higher than a year earlier, when the Arkansas average was approximately $2.64 per gallon.
That means Arkansas motorists are paying roughly $1.19 more per gallon than at the same point last year, despite the recent downward movement.
What Is Driving Gas Prices Lower?
AAA says several market developments are influencing prices at the pump.
One important factor is the seasonal transition from summer-blend gasoline to winter-blend gasoline, which is generally less expensive to produce.
Changing travel patterns during the fall can also influence gasoline demand.
However, crude oil prices remain elevated, and continued uncertainty surrounding energy supplies in the Middle East could affect future gasoline costs.
AAA reported on October 22 that crude oil prices were approaching $100 per barrel, limiting how much gasoline prices could decline.
While Hill emphasized domestic energy policy and increased fuel availability, gasoline prices are influenced by multiple factors, including crude oil prices, refining costs, seasonal demand, inventories, transportation and local competition.
Gas Prices Remain Different Across Arkansas Communities
AAA’s October 26 metropolitan-area averages illustrate how much gasoline prices can vary across the state.
- Hot Springs: $3.61
- Jonesboro: $3.76
- Little Rock–North Little Rock: $3.77
- Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers: $3.83
- Fort Smith: $3.92
These are metropolitan-area averages rather than prices at individual stations.
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations has also been monitoring gasoline prices in Searcy, Beebe, Cabot, Conway, Batesville, Heber Springs, Clinton, Greenbrier and Mountain View.
Motorists are encouraged to compare posted prices before filling their tanks.
French Hill Also Discusses Jobs, Housing and Government Spending
During the Open Mic conversation, Hill addressed several additional economic issues affecting Arkansas families.
He spoke about private-sector job growth, government regulations, housing affordability and efforts to reduce federal spending.
Hill also discussed housing legislation he believes could make it easier for communities to encourage new construction, including manufactured and modular housing.
He said efforts to reduce government waste remain a major priority, pointing to his Golden Fleece Award program and federal property that could be transferred to communities for productive use.
The congressman described the broader economy as strong while acknowledging continued frustration among Americans over inflation.
Hill said he welcomed the news of falling gasoline prices shared during the interview.
Listen to the Full Interview: Congressman French Hill on Open Mic With Bob Connell
The conversation covers gasoline prices, American energy production, economic conditions, housing affordability and government spending.
ArkansasRadio.com will continue monitoring gasoline prices and reporting significant changes affecting motorists across Arkansas.
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