The cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in metro Orlando retreated 2 cents a gallon to $2.56 during the week ended Sunday compared to the previous week, AAA Auto Club South reported. The average price nationally also fell 2 cents a gallon to $2.62.

The modest decline came as crude oil prices shot to the highest level in 2009, closing at $73.89 a barrel. But economists and petroleum experts were mixed about the impact of crude on gas prices, even though an increase in crude costs generally leads to higher prices at the pump.The economists said high unemployment levels and weak consumer spending have slackened demand. And the summer travel season ends on Labor Day Weekend, now less than two weeks away.