Econ Tracker

Western Montana gas prices sink below $3

Posted: Jan 3, 2013 3:50 PM by MTN News

Western Montana gas prices dropped below $3 this week, but there's no clear indication on how long the bargains will remain at the pump.

In Four Corners, near Bozeman, motorists noticed on Thursday that prices were sliced below $3.

At Missoula area stations, prices dropped as the price of fuel continues with the decreases that began last fall.

That marks the first time in a year the price of a gallon of regular has been below $3, mirroring a similar cut that lasted for a few weeks last January.

Missoula area station owner Walt Muralt is thrilled to see the drop in prices. He has a lot of traffic from commercial firms and small businesses, and he knows the break really helps the economy, even if it's just for a few weeks.

"The indications would be it's probably not going to go down a whole lot more. But there's smarter people than me that have guessed way wrong on this thing. It's starting to bottom out so we may only be below three dollars for a little bit and then it will go back up," he said.

Muralt suggests enjoying it while you can.

"Try to do as much driving as you possibly can. We're excited to be under $3, that's for sure."