Gas Prices Increase By 15.2 Cents In State During Week

Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 15.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.42/g on Monday, April 17, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 615 stations in Montana. Prices in Montana are 20.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 61.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 0.3 cents in the last week and stands at $4.15 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $3.21/g on Sunday, April 16, while the most expensive was $3.89/g, a difference of 68.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $3.21/g while the highest was $3.89/g, a difference of 68.0 cents per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 7.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.65/g on Monday, April 17. The national average is up 22.1 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 41.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

Historical gasoline prices in Montana and the national average going back 10 years: April 17, 2022: $4.03/g (U.S. Average: $4.06/g) April 17, 2021: $2.75/g (U.S. Average: $2.86/g) April 17, 2020: $1.86/g (U.S. Average: $1.79/g) April 17, 2019: $2.76/g (U.S. Average: $2.84/g) April 17, 2018: $2.63/g (U.S. Average: $2.73/g) April 17, 2017: $2.34/g (U.S. Average: $2.41/g) April 17, 2016: $1.99/g (U.S. Average: $2.11/g) April 17, 2015: $2.30/g (U.S. Average: $2.43/g) April 17, 2014: $3.31/g (U.S. Average: $3.66/g) April 17, 2013: $3.34/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Idaho- $3.55/g, up 3.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.52/g.

Billings- $3.28/g, up 8.1 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.19/g.

Wyoming- $3.38/g, up 10.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.27/g.

“With oil prices touching their highest level of 2023 at nearly $83 per barrel, the national average price of gasoline has continued to inch higher, with 45 of the nation’s 50 states seeing prices rise over the last week. While the rising price of oil is likely the largest factor in rising gas prices, seasonal impacts continue to also exert pressure on prices,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “With the Northeast making the final step in the transition to summer gasoline this week, states in that region should expect a sharp rise in gasoline prices over the next week or two. Every other region has already seen the final step in the transition occur, so while other areas will see prices continue to slowly rise, the Northeast is likely to see a pretty hefty jump of 1540 cents per gallon soon. Oil prices remain a wildcard, but we’re likely a few weeks away from seeing the national average peak. Whether it hits $4 per gallon or not is still perhaps a 50/50 chance.”