Montana Diesel Prices Reach Near-Record Highs Amid Global Disruptions

Diesel prices in Montana have surged to near-record highs since the US-Iran conflict began in late February, affecting farmers, truckers, and businesses that rely on fuel.

According to GasBuddy, the average diesel price in Montana is now $6.23 per gallon, up $2.58 from last year's prices and just below the record high of $6.31 set on September 24th.

The increased costs are squeezing farmers' profit margins, said Eric Belasco, an agricultural economics professor at Montana State University, who noted that farmers have little choice but to keep buying fuel and pass some costs down the supply chain.

Nationally, the US Department of Agriculture forecasts a 29% increase in farmers' fuel and oil expenditures this year, totaling $4.8 billion more than last year's expenses.