Montana Gas Prices: Roller Coaster Ride Continues

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Average gas prices in Montana have increased in 25 out of 36 weeks. Over the past three weeks, prices have dropped, increased, and dropped again. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and he provided the current numbers.  

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have dropped 1.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.23 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are unchanged versus a month ago and stand 16.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.”

As of Monday morning, many stations in Missoula still had their prices set to around $3.24 per gallon.

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According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $2.88 per gallon yesterday, while the most expensive was $4.19 per gallon. 

Montana is currently ranked 13th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas, which is one spot higher than last week.       

"The national average price of gasoline has fallen .2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.15 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is up 2.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 6.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 1.9 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.684 per gallon.” 

READ MORE: Another Bump at the Pump in Montana

According to De Haan, most of the nation’s 50 states saw gas prices rise over the last week. 

“GasBuddy counts 17 states with average prices below $3 per gallon— fewer than we've seen in recent months. Meanwhile, the West Coast may see continued increases ahead in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada due to seasonal refinery maintenance and the shutdown of a refinery in Southern California, which will keep supply tight. However, with the transition back to winter gasoline just a week away for most areas, those increases may be short-lived, with potential relief arriving toward the end of the month.” 

Additionally, De Haan said OPEC+ announced an increase in oil production starting in October, which could help keep oil prices lower for longer.