Montana Gas Prices Surge Amid Middle East Tensions

Prices could climb another 20-50 cents per gallon this week, expert warns

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Montana gas prices have risen 34.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12 per gallon, according to GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan. Prices in the state are 40.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and the national average has risen 51.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.45 per gallon. De Haan says the recent spikes in oil prices following U.S. strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to another 20-50 cent per gallon increase in gas prices in Montana this week.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices have a significant impact on Montana residents, who often have to drive long distances for work and other necessities. This latest spike in prices could strain household budgets and lead to difficult decisions about discretionary spending. It also highlights the vulnerability of Montana's economy to global energy market fluctuations.

The details

According to GasBuddy data, some stations in Missoula were charging $3.04 and others $3.09 per gallon as of Monday, a 30 cent increase from last week. The cheapest station in Montana was priced at $2.49 per gallon, while the most expensive was $3.59 per gallon. Montana is currently ranked 40th in the U.S. for average gas price, 10 spots lower than last week.

  • As of Monday morning, March 9, 2026, gas prices in Missoula had risen 30 cents per gallon from the previous week.
  • Over the past week, average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 34.2 cents per gallon.

The players

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, who provided the current gas price data and projections for Montana.

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What they’re saying

“Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 34.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.12 per gallon today. Prices in Montana are 40.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 2.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis, GasBuddy (963theblaze.com)

“With additional attacks across the Middle East over the weekend pushing oil above $100 per barrel for the first time in years, fuel markets are now rapidly recalibrating to the risk of prolonged disruption to global supply flows. As a result, gasoline prices in many states could climb another 20 to 50 cents per gallon this week, with price-cycling markets potentially seeing increases as early as today. Diesel may rise even more sharply, with increases of 35 to 75 cents per gallon possible as global distillate markets react.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis, GasBuddy (963theblaze.com)

What’s next

The situation remains highly fluid, and consumers are already beginning to feel the impact as energy markets adjust to this sudden escalation. Further price increases are expected in the coming days and weeks.

The takeaway

This latest surge in Montana gas prices underscores the state's vulnerability to global energy market fluctuations and the significant impact rising fuel costs can have on household budgets. It highlights the need for Montana to explore more sustainable and resilient energy solutions to insulate residents from such volatile price swings.