Gas Prices Continue to Drop as the New Year Approaches

Average gas prices in Montana have fallen almost seven cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.27 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com

Including the change in gas prices in the state during the past week, prices are 74 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 64 cents per gallon lower than a month ago.

"The dramatic decline at the pump continues to reap significant savings for the motoring public- over $525 million less spent every day versus this past summer, or $375 million less than the same time last year," Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy.com said. "The slump in crude oil has wavered slightly and we're in the fourth quarter of the game. However, there is still a chance that crude prices resume their slump again, and carry the pump plunge into overtime."

This compares to the national average, which has fallen over nine cents per gallon in the last week to $2.28 per gallon.

DeHaan said the national average has decreased over 50 cents per gallon during the last month and stands over $1 per gallon lower than this day one year ago.