Montana Gas Prices Drop For the First Time in Four Weeks

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Montana gas prices have dropped for the first time in four weeks, but not by much. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and he provided the current numbers.  

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 1.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.56 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 19.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.42 per gallon higher than a year ago."  

As of Monday morning, the two stations at the corner of Reserve and Mullan in Missoula were charging $4.48, which is a 1-cent decrease from last week. The two stations at the corner of South Avenue and Reserve Street were charging $4.56. Another station on Reserve was charging $4.59. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $4.18 per gallon yesterday, while the most expensive was $5.39 per gallon. 

Montana is currently ranked 12th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas, which is the same spot as last week.  

"The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.42 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is up 35.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.34 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 4.1 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $6.45 per gallon.”  

READ MORE: Gas Prices In Montana Up Nearly $1.40 In A Year

De Haan said average gasoline prices fell in slightly more than half of states over the last week, with the Great Lakes seeing the largest declines after a major refinery successfully restarted. 

“The West Coast moved in the opposite direction as refinery snags there sent prices jumping significantly," said De Haan. "Diesel in the Great Lakes should also begin easing, though that relief may take several more days to materialize. With oil holding below $100 per barrel, many Americans may see modest declines ahead for gasoline and slight drops for diesel, but the West Coast faces continued pressure with further increases possible.” 

According to De Haan, the broader geopolitical situation remains fluid and could push prices in either direction with little warning, and with Trump still weighing a diesel export ban, impacts could follow.