Gas Prices On The Rise

It’s nothing new to those living in the Bakken to pay higher gas prices than the rest of Montana and North Dakota. Go east or west and the price of gas is normally on average up to $.10 lower than the boom towns of eastern Montana and western North Dakota due to the increased demand of the oil industry services.

The crude oil price rose in recent weeks because of increased tensions and fears of an Iranian supply cut. Gas prices have been rising because of the soaring oil prices. Surprisingly, oil prices fell below $109 a barrel for crude on Monday but the price we pay at the pump increased as much as $.11 in some areas.

Automotive group AAA says Montana gas prices are up $.12 and North Dakota prices are up $.06 from last week. Prices at the pump are as low as $2.99 for regular unleaded in Billings and $2.89 in Wyoming. Go east to Minot, prices are $3.49 for regular unleaded.

While still lower than the national average, gas prices in eastern Montana rose $.10 from last week to $3.59 for regular unleaded. Williston gas prices are at $3.49 for regular unleaded. Although fuel supplies remain plentiful in most of the country, gas prices have been rising daily for the 20th day in a row.

AAA says Montana’s prices are about $.45 lower than the national average. AAA North Dakota says gas prices in the state are now $.23 higher than they were a month ago and $.18 higher than a year ago.

If you want to save some money at the pumps, AAA said the best way to avoid higher gas prices is to fill up early in the week. An increased demand through the week and fuel delivery schedules make fuel prices higher later in the week.

The usage and pricing of gasoline results from factors such as crude oil prices, processing and distribution costs, local demand, the strength of local economies and the availability of local sources of gasoline suppliers.

Taking all that into account, gasoline prices really aren’t high right now. In fact, they are actually unusually low but because of this year’s election coming up politicians would like us to believe they are high. Gasoline prices would have to rise by another $.65-.75 per gallon from where they are now just to be “normal”.

To check gas prices in your area go to http://gasbuddy.com/GB_Map_Gas_Prices.aspx?zip.