Montana Gas Prices Rise for First Time in Five Months

Experts warn of potential further increases in the coming weeks

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Average gas prices in Montana have risen 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.72 per gallon. Prices are unchanged compared to a month ago but 32 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of gasoline has also risen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.87 per gallon. Experts warn that upward momentum could accelerate in the coming weeks as refinery maintenance intensifies and the broader transition to summer gasoline begins.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices can have a significant impact on consumers' budgets, especially in rural states like Montana where driving is essential. The potential for further increases could strain household finances and affect the broader economy.

The details

According to GasBuddy data, most stations in Missoula had prices around $2.69 per gallon as of Monday, a 10-cent decrease from the previous week. However, the cheapest station in Montana was priced at $2.52 per gallon, while the most expensive was $3.09 per gallon. Montana is currently ranked 30th in the U.S. for average gas price, two spots higher than the previous week.

  • Gas prices in Montana rose 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week.
  • Prices in Montana are unchanged compared to a month ago.
  • Prices in Montana stand 32.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

The players

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

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What they’re saying

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 2.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.72 per gallon today.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy (z100missoula.com)

“The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.87 per gallon today.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy (z100missoula.com)

What’s next

Experts warn that upward momentum could accelerate in the coming weeks as refinery maintenance intensifies and the broader transition to summer gasoline begins.

The takeaway

Rising gas prices in Montana, while still lower than a year ago, could strain household budgets and impact the broader economy. Consumers may want to fill up their tanks before potential further increases in the coming weeks.