Montana Gas Prices Drop Again, Missoula Prices are Inconsistent

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Montana gas prices have dropped in six straight weeks for the second time this year. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and he provided the current numbers.       

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 7.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.28 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 19.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.28 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 $4.24, which is 5 cents lower than last week. The two stations at the corner of South Avenue and Reserve Street were charging $4.29 and $4.38. Another station on Reserve was charging $4.27, which is a 21-cent decrease. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $3.85 per gallon yesterday, while the most expensive was $4.99 per gallon.      

Montana is currently ranked 16th 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 17.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.12 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is down 24.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands $1.13 per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 5.9 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $6.28 per gallon.”       

READ MORE: Montana Gas Prices Fall For Fifth Straight Week

De Haan said average gasoline prices fell in nearly every state over the last week, while diesel declined in most, as refinery maintenance wraps up, and seasonal demand continues to fade with the onset of cooler weather. 

“That combination has given gasoline and diesel prices some much-needed breathing room, and motorists are finally seeing relief at the pump," De Hana said. "Oil fell nearly $2 in Sunday trading, with WTI at $102.15 per barrel and Brent at $111.52. However, volatility could return quickly after the election. Whether new attacks occur or a truce takes hold around the Strait of Hormuz, along with continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, will likely dictate where prices head as we move closer to the holidays.”