Montana Gas Prices Still Under $3, Still Lowest in U.S.

Gas prices have been inching higher in Montana during the first month of January, but Montana motorists still have a lot to be thankful for. "Montana is the only state that's still seeing a statewide average under $3 a gallon," said gasbuddy.com Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "Montana's average price sits at $2.99 and 7/10. It is possible though that we break that $3 level this week... oil prices have been up lately."

Montana prices are currently about a nickle cheaper than they were last year and are still about a penny lower than they were a month ago, a trend that is opposite from the rest of the U.S.

"[In Montana,] it's actually down over the last month, while the national average is up about six cents," DeHaan said. "There's some opposite trends going on in Montana verses the rest of the country, but I do believe prices in Montana this week will tick up a penny or two."

DeHaan said the bout of extremely cold weather back east will likely create downward pressure on gas prices as more people stay indoors to avoid the chill.