ECONOMY

AAA: Regional Gas Prices Rise After Middle East Attacks

PUBLISHED Jul 9, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

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Little Rock, Arkansas — AAA reported on Thursday that state and regional gasoline prices rose this week amid renewed Middle East tensions, with Arkansas averaging $3.47 per gallon, Missouri $3.50, and Texas $3.41; the releases noted weekly increases of 3 to 7 cents and year-over-year jumps near 61 to 67 cents. Across metropolitan areas this week, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers recorded $3.49 in Arkansas, Cape Girardeau $3.58 in Missouri, and El Paso $3.91 in Texas; AAA and market reports tied the moves to oil trading near $73–78 per barrel after attacks, leading to immediate higher pump costs and continued monitoring by analysts and AAA officials.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Renewed attacks and strikes occurred in the Middle East and incidents affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Global oil prices rose into the mid-$70s per barrel amid increased geopolitical risk.
AAA compiled and released state gasoline averages this week, showing weekly and year-over-year increases.
Local outlets reported AAA data for Arkansas, Missouri and Texas, noting metropolitan variations and price leaders/laggards.
Market participants and consumers continued to monitor prices for further movement as tensions persisted.

News Intelligence

Your wallet is feeling the pinch. Gas prices are up due to Middle East tensions. If you're in Arkansas, Missouri, or Texas, you're seeing a 3 to 7 cent increase this week alone. Check your local AAA data for specifics.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 3
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 3

Who Benefited

Oil producers, traders and some refiners benefited from higher crude prices through increased revenues and wider refining margins as markets reacted to renewed Middle East tensions.

Who Impacted

Drivers, commuters and low-income households suffered from rising pump prices, which reduced disposable income and increased transportation costs across affected states.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 3
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 3
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Oil producers, traders and some refiners benefited from higher crude prices through increased revenues and wider refining margins as markets reacted to renewed Middle East tensions.

Who Impacted

Drivers, commuters and low-income households suffered from rising pump prices, which reduced disposable income and increased transportation costs across affected states.