After more than two weeks of relentless increases, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States edged down slightly on Friday, falling just over one cent to $4.55 per gallon, according to AAA data.

The tiny decline comes after 15 consecutive days of increases that sent prices sharply higher nationwide. During that stretch, gas prices climbed by an average of nearly 4 cents per day, including several single-day jumps ranging from 7 to 9 cents.

Despite the modest drop, experts say drivers should not expect significant relief anytime soon. Based on previous fuel price spikes, it could take weeks for national averages to fall back below $4 per gallon.

A prior two-week decline in prices earlier this year reduced the national average by only 14 cents before the latest surge began, briefly bringing prices down to $4.02 per gallon.

Returning to pre-war levels may take considerably longer. Before the war with Iran began, average gas prices nationwide were below $3 per gallon. Analysts now believe it could take months for prices to return anywhere near those levels.

Only one state in the country — Oklahoma — currently has an average gas price below $4, at $3.98 per gallon.

California continues to have the highest average gasoline prices in the nation, with drivers there paying an average of $6.16 per gallon.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)