Expert Predicts Cheaper Gas Prices This Fall in Montana

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – Montana gas prices have now dropped five weeks in a row. Patrick De Haan is the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy and he provided the current numbers.        

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.42 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “Prices in Montana are 9.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 56.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.”                          

As of Monday morning, many stations in Missoula had their prices set to around $3.42 per gallon.       

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $3.12 per gallon yesterday while the most expensive was $4.19 per gallon. 

Montana is currently ranked 14th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas, which is one spot lower than last week.        

“The national average price of gasoline has fallen 4.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.28 per gallon today,” De Haan said. “The national average is down 17.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 48.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen .2 cents in the last week and stands at $3.65 per gallon, a fresh multi-year low.”      

READ MORE: Montana Gas Prices are Still Chasing the National Average

According to De Haan, the summer driving season is now over and we have much to look forward to for the fall. 

“There will be more drops at the pump as demand drops seasonally, and the changeover to cheaper winter gasoline is just two weeks away,” said Patrick De Haan. “As long as we don’t see a major hurricane head into the Gulf and the situation improves in the Middle East, the national average could fall below $3 in the next two months. While diesel prices fell slightly last week, they may rise with winter growing closer and the economy’s likely rebound ahead of the Fed’s expected rate cut.” 

De Haan said it’s great news for gas prices, but diesel will likely soon see its seasonal rise kick in.