LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — According to the AAA Arkansas Weekend Gas Watch, the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel is now $2.84.

This is a penny less than last week and 15 cents cheaper than the same time last year.

Texarkana drivers are feeling the pinch the most, paying an average of $2.92 per gallon, while those in Fort Smith and Jonesboro are getting a better deal at $2.77 per gallon.

Meanwhile, the national average stands at $3.22, which is two cents higher than last week but 27 cents lower than last year.

Crude oil prices, which briefly spiked to $78 per barrel following U.S. airstrikes, have settled back to the mid-$60s.

This is good news for drivers, as crude oil prices make up about 60% of the final pump price.

With 61.6 million holiday travelers gearing up for Independence Day road trips, gas prices may still see some fluctuations.

Nick Chabarria, a spokesperson for AAA, advised, “As drivers prepare for 4th of July road trips, AAA reminds them to maximize their vehicle’s fuel efficiency by making sure their cars and trucks are well-maintained, including properly inflated tires.”

Chabarria also noted, “Drivers can also increase their vehicle’s fuel efficiency by obeying speed limits because the faster a vehicle is moving, the more fuel it burns.”