For the third straight week, the national average price of gasoline has risen. Patrick DeHaan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy and he says prices in Montana have remained pretty calm.

“Average gas prices in Montana have dropped slightly in the last week, shedding about six tenths of a penny,” DeHaan said. “There was not much movement. Prices statewide are averaging about $2.80. That is right about where Missoula prices are, averaging $2.79 today. Prices are also down about nine cents from last year.”

According to DeHaan, Missoula gas prices today are eight cents per gallon lower than a month ago.

“Nationally, we stand at $2.80 per gallon today and that is up from $2.76 a week ago,” DeHaan said. “A lot of that has to do with the rise in oil prices. There wasn’t much of an impact from Hurricane Barry. That was the good news, but prices have been going up based on what has been happening in the middle east and due to declining U.S. oil inventories.”

The national average is up 11 cents per gallon from a month ago, but it is 8.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. DeHaan predicts that gas prices will be in limbo for the next few weeks. He says prices tend to drop near the end of the summer season.

More From 94.9 KYSS FM