Expert Analysis on Montana's Soaring Gas Prices

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - For the third straight week, Montana gas prices have increased. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy and he provided the current numbers.

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 6.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.50 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 10.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 21.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.”

As of Monday afternoon, many stations in Missoula still had their prices set to around $3.51 per gallon, but a few were already at $3.55.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $3.31 per gallon yesterday while the most expensive was $4.47 per gallon.

Montana is currently ranked 17th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas.

“The national average price of gasoline is unchanged in the last week, averaging $3.46 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is up 3.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 5.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 3.6 cents in the last week and stands at $3.81 per gallon.”

According to De Haan, the national average price of gasoline has nudged higher over the last week as oil prices have continued to push toward multi-month highs.

“While it looks like this recent rise could be restrained for now, Hurricane Beryl is a stark reminder that hurricane season could play a role in prices in the weeks ahead," said De Haan. "For now, we'll likely continue to see some fluctuations in either direction with the national average moving up, but as we approach August and the peak of hurricane season, there remains a risk that the national average could surge temporarily if we see a major storm in the wrong place."