[Frank Lee]

Up until very recently, U.S. motorists STILL burning more!

Earlier, prices tumbled on signs that the recent surge in fuel prices is slowing economic growth. So far this year, the U.S. is consuming more gasoline despite price increases of 50 cents per gallon in just three months. But Americans may finally be pulling back, experts said.

Motorists recently have started to buy fewer gallons of gasoline, according to SpendingPulse, a research firm that tracks retail spending. Consumers were buying more in February, and that trend was supposed to continue toward the summer.

The rapid increase in gas prices "blew through" everyone's comfort level, SpendingPulse Vice President Michael McNamara said. He called it the first real sign that consumers are rearranging their habits to conserve gas.

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