How Global Events are Impacting Montana Gas Prices

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Average gas prices in Montana have now increased in 21 out of 25 weeks. Prices have increased two weeks in a row. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and he provided the current numbers.    

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 5.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.23 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 5.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 14.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.”      

As of Tuesday morning, many stations in Missoula had their prices set to around $3.31 per gallon.           

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According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $2.95 per gallon yesterday, while the most expensive was $3.79 per gallon.            

Montana is currently ranked 11th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas, which is one spot higher than last week.                      

“The national average price of gasoline has risen 9.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.18 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is unchanged from a month ago and stands 23.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 16.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.65 per gallon.”                 

READ MORE: Montana Gas Prices Rise Again: What Drivers Should Know

With Israel and Iran trading attacks over the past week, De Haan said oil prices have continued to climb and gasoline prices are following suit, rising at a pace we haven’t seen since last summer. 

"Few pumps have been immune, with nearly all states seeing gas prices rise over the last week,” De Haan said. “Additionally, average diesel prices recorded their largest weekly jump since August 2023. Now, with the U.S. launching attacks on Iran, oil prices are likely to continue trending higher.” 

With that being said, De Haan does not expect the apocalyptic spikes being circulated by some so-called influencers on social media, many of whom he said are wildly inaccurate.  

“For now, motorists should anticipate a continued steady climb in prices, with the national average likely to increase another 7 to 15 cents this week, while diesel could rise by 10 to 20 cents,” De Haan said. “These forecasts remain fluid and could shift quickly depending on global developments, so we encourage motorists to stay tuned to GasBuddy for the latest updates and insights."