Montana Gas Prices Continue to Rise at an Alarming Rate

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Montana gasoline prices have risen so much recently that they remain higher than the national average. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy and he provided the current numbers.       

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 8.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.54 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 39 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 35.3 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.”     

Since January 29, 2024, the average price of gas in Montana has risen 73 cents. 

As of Monday afternoon, almost all the stations in Missoula had their prices set to at least $3.59 per gallon.   

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $3.29 per gallon yesterday while the most expensive was $3.75 per gallon.      

Montana is currently ranked 14th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas.     

“The national average price of gasoline has risen 6.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.51 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is up 27 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 8.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 2.0 cents in the last week and stands at $4.02 per gallon.”      

READ MORE: Montana Cracks the Top 15 for Average Gas Prices in the U.S.

According to De Haan, we've now seen the national average price of gasoline rising for four straight weeks, which isn't uncommon for this time of year. 

“What is uncommon is the number of attacks on Russian oil refiners; attacks which could have ripple effects worldwide if they continue," said De Haan. "Russia could see more capacity impacted by the attacks, forcing it to buy such products on the global market, pushing prices up everywhere. With oil prices now under more pressure and attacks potentially increasing on Russian refiners, we could be in for a few more weeks of rising prices.” 

De Haan said it is also significant that Americans are seeing inflation again at the pump. He said prices are higher than they were a year ago.