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HELENA- Drivers in the Treasure State are paying about six cents more for gas at the pump today than one week ago according to the automotive group AAA, but the state's average is still about 44 cents less than the national average.

"Generally, Montana is slow to follow the national trend," explained Tara Hanley, AAA spokesperson. "Gas prices are on the rise due to several domestic and international factors."

The recent escalating tensions with Iran combined with economic instability in European countries and disruption in crude oil distribution are all factors in the rising prices.

Lower gasoline production is also adding to the upward demand on the price at the pump with a recent Department of Energy report showing that gasoline demand was the lowest it's been since April 1997.

The AAA's www.fuelgaugereport.aaa.com shows that the statewide average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded is at $3.12 while in Missoula the average was at $3.08 per gallon.

"With the market of crude oil being so unpredictable, it's hard to forecast what prices at the pump will do, but because so many different factors are contributing to price fluctuations, including many international and geopolitical issues, motorists can expect to see changing prices at the pump," Hanley said.