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Gas in Montana up 18 Cents in Past Month

By Charlie Keegan

Story Created: Feb 20, 2012 at 8:25 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 20, 2012 at 8:25 PM MDT

Montana is seeing gas prices rise. The average cost for a gallon of basic, unleaded gas in the Treasure State is now $3.12; up 18 cents over the last month. Still, Montana’s prices are about 45 cents lower than the national average.

Experts tell ABC 5 Montana doesn't normally see the same increases as the rest of the country. Economic and international issues continue to effect oil prices nationwide, but it's hard to say what will happen in Montana.

“It's always hard to predict what gas prices are going to do because so many international and geopolitical factors contribute to the change. But generally, as we go in to spring and summer, there's an increase in demand, which leads to an increase in the price at the pump,” explains Tara Hanley, AAA public affairs manager.

To help you save a little money, car pooling is advised when possible and taking heavy objects out of your vehicle if they don't need to be there can help.

Even with higher prices, history shows Montanans typically don't usually cut back all that much on day-to-day travel.

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Anonymous said on Monday, Feb 20 at 10:47 PM

with all the oil in browning,mt and north dakota why does the US keep paying so much for oil

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