A Sigh Of Relief As Montana Gas Prices Fall Again

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - After over a month of increases, Montana gas prices have finally dropped back-to-back weeks. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and he provided the current numbers.       

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 10.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.36 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 9.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.19 per gallon higher than a year ago."                  

As of Monday morning, the two stations at the corner of Reserve and Mullan in Missoula were charging $4.38, which is a 1-cent decrease from last week. The two stations at the corner of Reserve and South were charging $4.39, which is a 30-cent decrease. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $3.69 per gallon yesterday, while the most expensive was $5.19 per gallon.                     

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

"The national average price of gasoline has fallen 17.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.09 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is down 45.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.02 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 13.8 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.30 per gallon.”      

READ MORE: Montana Drivers See Biggest Gas Price Drop So Far This Year

De Haan said average gasoline prices declined in virtually every state over the last week as oil prices continued to fall, with crude approaching $90 per barrel and refiners ramping up output following seasonal maintenance. 

"The combination of lower oil costs and improving refinery runs has kept downward pressure on pump prices, giving motorists a welcome reprieve,” De Haan said. “However, the future of prices remains murky. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed, global oil supplies continue to tighten, and any further deterioration in the situation could send prices sharply higher.” 

For now, motorists may enjoy the savings at the pump, but De Haan said the risk of a significant reversal has not gone away.