Montana drivers paid 7.7 cents less per gallon last week
Statewide average hits $4.28 as six consecutive weeks of declines continue, though local stations in Missoula show a wide price range.
By Javier Sanders ·
Gasoline prices in Montana fell by 7.7 cents per gallon over the past seven days, bringing the statewide average to $4.28. This marks the sixth straight week of declines, a streak that has not occurred this frequently in the first half of 2026.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, reported that current prices are 19.6 cents lower than they were one month ago. However, drivers are still paying $1.28 more per gallon than they did at this time last year. Montana currently ranks 16th in the nation for average fuel costs, unchanged from the previous week.
Local pricing in Missoula varies widely despite the general downward trend. On Monday morning, two stations at the intersection of Reserve and Mullan charged $4.24, a drop of 5 cents from the prior week. In contrast, stations at South Avenue and Reserve Street charged $4.29 and $4.38. Another location on Reserve Street charged $4.27, reflecting a 21-cent decrease.
According to GasBuddy data, the price spread across the state remains substantial. The cheapest gallon in Montana sold for $3.85 on Sunday, while the most expensive cost $4.99. These figures highlight the inconsistency drivers face when comparing nearby locations.
Nationally, the average gasoline price dropped 17.1 cents to reach $4.12 per gallon. De Haan noted that diesel prices also declined by 5.9 cents, settling at $6.28 per gallon. He attributed the price drops to the completion of refinery maintenance and the natural decrease in demand as cooler weather arrives.
De Haan observed that average prices fell in nearly every state during the reporting period. He pointed to crude oil market movements, noting that West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $102.15 per barrel and Brent crude at $111.52 on Sunday. He warned that volatility could return after the election, driven by developments around the Strait of Hormuz and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
The combination of lower crude prices and seasonal shifts has provided relief for motorists heading into the holiday season. While the current trend is downward, De Haan indicated that geopolitical factors will likely dictate future price movements in the coming weeks.
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