Gas prices are on the rise in Montana, but they are still significantly cheaper than they were last year. Patrick DeHaan is the Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy and he says gas prices in the state are 6.4 cents per gallon higher than they were a month ago.

“Average gas prices across the state are now at about $2.32 a gallon,” DeHaan said. “That is up two cents from last week, but still about 18 cents lower than a year ago. Prices in Missoula on the other hand are right around the upper $2.20’s and some stations are at about $2.36 a gallon. Prices are slowly inching up as refineries continue maintenance season and we switch to cleaner gasoline ahead of the summer months.”

According to DeHaan, Montana is in a really good place in terms of the national average.

“Right now, Montana is about 12 cents a gallon under the national average as opposed to being above the national average by five cents a year ago,” DeHaan said. “Montana has been under the national average since about January. Eventually, by later this spring, it is possible that Montana’s prices cross back above the national average.”

DeHaan expects prices to continue to increase but he says we will still be in good shape because summer gas prices should be cheaper compared to last year.

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