Gasoline prices decline in Washington and Montana

Gasoline prices are trending downward in several U.S. states, including Washington and Montana, following summer peaks. In Washington, the statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline was $5.39 as of October 19, representing a 6-cent decrease from the previous week and a 17-cent drop from a month ago. Despite this decline, Washington remains one of the most expensive states for fuel, trailing only California and Hawaii.

In Montana, prices have fallen for four consecutive weeks. The state average reached $4.40 per gallon, an 8.8-cent decrease over the last week and 18 cents lower than a month prior.

Analysts attribute the broader national decline to a combination of state fuel tax suspensions and price-cycling markets adjusting to lower costs. While gasoline prices have eased, diesel prices have seen different trends, with some increases noted in various regions. The long-term outlook for fuel costs remains tied to global oil market disruptions and geopolitical developments.