Gas Prices Reach Highest Levels in Over a Year

Residents and businesses in the ArkLaMiss region feel the impact of rising fuel costs due to the ongoing war in Iran.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:54am

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Gas prices in the ArkLaMiss region have reached their highest levels in over a year, with the average price for a gallon of regular now at $3.63. The increases are being driven by the ongoing war in Iran, forcing residents and businesses to make changes to their daily routines and budgets.

Why it matters

The rising gas prices are having a ripple effect across the local economy, impacting both consumers and businesses. Residents are having to cut back on discretionary spending, while local companies are seeing increased costs for inventory and transportation that are being passed on to customers.

The details

AAA reports that gas prices have been steadily rising since the start of the war with Iran. For local businesses like Henderson's Flower Shop, the higher fuel and transportation costs are showing up in the prices of goods, forcing them to either reduce product sizes or increase prices for customers. Residents in the region, such as David Washington from Calhoun, say they've had to cut back on activities and eating out in order to save money on gas.

  • The average price for a gallon of regular gas is now $3.63, roughly $1 more than this time last year.
  • Prices have been steadily rising since the start of the war with Iran.

The players

AAA

A federation of motor clubs throughout North America that provides travel, insurance, and automotive services.

Jasmine Hattaway

The assistant manager of USA Travel Plaza #103, who has been dealing with customer frustration over the higher gas prices.

David Washington

A resident of Calhoun who has had to cut back on discretionary spending due to the increased gas prices.

Shelia Henderson Augurson

The owner of Henderson's Flower Shop in Monroe, who is seeing higher fuel and transportation costs impact her inventory prices.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary, who stated that gas prices will lower once the war in Iran has concluded.

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What they’re saying

“We have been having a lot of complaints from customers about the gas prices. it's been a lot of stress on every day, regular life people. I can say they're not too happy about it.”

— Jasmine Hattaway, Assistant Manager, USA Travel Plaza #103

“I had to cut out some of my eating and stuff like that, you know, I had to cut out the eating, go back that I normally go because the gas prices went up, you know I had to cut out some of the stuff that I like to do, and when I did that I started saving money, but the gas prices still on the horizon.”

— David Washington, Calhoun Resident

“I would say the impact is more for me with my incoming inventory. not everyone wants to see a price increase, but at the same time, you know, I think everybody's pretty much catching on to it and understanding you either get smaller amount for the same price or if you're going to keep that same size you're going to see an increase in price.”

— Shelia Henderson Augurson, Owner, Henderson's Flower Shop

What’s next

The White House has stated that gas prices will lower once the war in Iran has concluded, but there is no definitive timeline for when that may happen.

The takeaway

The rising gas prices in the ArkLaMiss region are forcing both residents and businesses to make difficult financial decisions, highlighting the broader economic impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran. As the war continues, the community will need to find ways to adapt and manage the increased costs of fuel.