Cheapest Gas Prices for the Year in Billings Are Likely Behind Us

If you found yourself a little less cheery than usual Monday morning, you likely had good reason.

First, you lost an hour of sleep due to the change to Daylight Savings Time over the weekend.

Second, if you had to fill your gas tank over the weekend, you no doubt notice a spike in price. It was not your imagination.

Average retail gasoline prices in Billings have risen 6.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.85 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 81 gas outlets in Billings. This compares with the national average that has increased 11.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $1.93 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Billings during the past week, prices on Sunday were 32.8 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 13.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 23.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 50.2 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on March 14 in Billings have ranged widely over the last five years: Here is a snapshot for perspective:

• $2.18 per gallon in 2015
• $3.18 per gallon in 2014
• $3.33 per gallon in 2013
• $3.48 per gallon in 2012
• $3.27 per gallon in 2011

From the sound of it, gas prices will continue to rise.

"The cheapest gas prices of the year are now solidly behind us as the national average will soon again hit $2," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "The current upward trend is an unfortunate one that we witness every year"