Montana Gas Prices Near Historic High

Montana gasoline prices slipped slightly last week but remain about a dollar above last year, averaging $4.27 per gallon, with the cheapest station at $3.88 and the most expensive at $5.34. The state now ranks 12th in the United States for average pump prices. Nationwide, the average price of gasoline is $4.05 per gallon, up 28.5 cents from a month ago and 93.6 cents from a year ago, while diesel averages $5.33 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the recent price movements reflect a mix of factors, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, which keep refined product prices elevated. He warned that the national average could reach its highest level for this point in the calendar year soon, urging motorists to watch developments in both regions closely.