A modest pullback in gasoline prices has not provided much relief for drivers, says the AAA, with retail pump prices posting 43 consecutive daily records.

Prices for September averaged $3.83 per gallon, 11 cents higher than the previous record for the month, set in 2008.

"Motorists are frustrated nationwide because gas prices have not declined more than a few cents from summertime highs," says Avery Ash, AAA spokesman; and although prices are likely to drop in the coming weeks, 2012 will almost certainly see the highest annual average ever.

The average on Oct. 1 was $3.782 a gallon, down 2.6 cents from a week ago, but nearly 35 cents higher than a year ago.