Motorists get slight break as skyrocketing gas prices inch down. Don’t expect it to last

Motorists are getting a small but welcome break as gas prices take a pause in their steady upward march.

Prices that accelerated with higher demand for gasoline after relaxed COVID-19 restrictions jumped as global energy markets struggled in response to the February invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a major exporter of natural gas. But in the last few weeks, average U.S. prices have stalled and reversed, reaching $5.02 a gallon June 14 and inching down to $4.86 a gallon Thursday, according to the AAA.

“We are seeing wholesale prices trickle down,” said Michael Fox, executive director of the Gasoline and Automotive Service Dealers of America. “We’re not seeing increases like we were.”