Gas prices have been climbing for weeks in Montana, but a sharp increase over Memorial Day weekend has even surprised the experts,

"We saw a brutal spike in prices across the Montana area," said Gasbuddy.com petroleum analyst Will Spear. "Right now, you are looking at a statewide average of $2.56, that's up seven cents from last week."

That seven cent climb is right on the heels of a nine cent climb the week before. Speer says the price spikes are caused by refinery disruptions in Utah.

"When the barrels in Utah get reduced, you'll have movement of gasoline from Montana to Utah, and what that means is less supply for Montana and an increase in prices.

Montana prices are still about 20 cents cheaper than the national average. Spear says that, traditionally, prices begin to drop after Memorial Day.

 

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