The highly improbable may be happening. U.S. gasoline consumption may be arcing downward, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday (subscription required).

Confronted with near-record gasoline prices, an anemic-growth U.S. economy, and rising food costs, among other living expense increases, U.S. gasoline consumption has fallen about 1.1% in the past six weeks, on a year-over-year basis, The Journal reported Monday, citing U.S. Government data. Further, excluding Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which destroyed energy facilities, the six-week drop in demand is the longest drop in 16 years.

If the 'mini' trend strengthens or at least holds on a year-over-year basis, experts say it will limit gasoline price increases that typically occur during the summer driving season - - a period when U.S. gasoline consumption historically increases and oil companies increase gasoline prices to take advantage of that higher demand.