Montana Gas Prices Could Rise Quickly

In the last week, Montana's average gas price climbed a little more than 7 cents per gallon. Montanans are now paying around $3.53 a gallon, which is still about 14 cents shy of the national average.

According to Gas Buddy Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan, Montana's price is "likely to rise faster in the next week or so as it catches up with the national average."

Dehaan says that September will bring lower prices.  "There is some light at the end of the tunnel for motorists: driving season will be over in less than a month and soon thereafter the EPA also relaxes gasoline mandates, meaning cheaper winter fuel."

While Montana's prices are about 9 cents higher than they were last month, the national average is a full quarter more expensive than it was ago. If that trend is any indication, Montana's could be on the rise for a while.