By the looks of the $3-a-gallon prices at the U.S. pumps, you'd think gasoline supplies were running out.  Oddly enough, they're brimming.  The latest data from the Energy Information Administration shows  inventories have grown to their highest level since 1994, when a gallon of the fuel went for a buck.

Before you become outraged?

The increase in inventories  IS expected to push prices lower over the winter, possibly by as much as 50 cents, experts said on Wednesday. The main reason prices are pointing lower and supplies are pointing higher  is that Americans ? pressured by recent high energy costs and an uncertain economy ? appear to be  reducing their consumption.