Gas prices are between 40 to 50-cents higher this year than they were last year. With record numbers of drivers expected to be on the road for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, high demand could make the price at the pump higher. Mike Right is the Vice President of Public Affairs for the American Automobile Association. He tells what is causing the gas prices to go higher.
"There is a lot of unease about the uncertainty of what is going on in the Middle East," says Right. "Oil prices are about $71 a barrel and that has a direct impact on gas prices. Also, we are still recovering from last year's devastating hurricanes. Low supply and high demand has everything off right now."
Gas prices are averaging $2.48 in Fayetteville, $2.54 in Jonesboro and Little Rock, and $2.59 in Texarkana. Wright says a record number of drivers are expected to be on the road for the Memorial Day weekend. Gas prices could get close to three-dollars in some locations during the summer travel season.