The streak of rising gas prices ended earlier this week, technically, but it doesn't feel much better going to the pump to fill your tank.

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AAA Mid-Atlantic says that for the first time since Jan. 26, gas prices dropped nationwide on Tuesday. However, the drop was only by a scant one-third of one cent, hardly an impact on prices which are nearing a $4 per gallon average nationwide.

Overall for the week, the average price for a gallon of gas nationwide went up three cents to $3.76, 28 cents higher than it was a month ago. Officials say that a major drop shouldn't be expected anytime soon, either, considering the busy spring driving season that is fast approaching.

"This week's slight drop in gas prices is unlikely to bring any smiles to motorists, considering prices at the pump are expected to continue their upward trend in the coming weeks," AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend said.

Townsend warns that a nationwide average of $4.25 by late March or April is possible.

In the D.C. metro area, prices jumped by 7 cents per gallon to a $3.83 average, but prices at individual stations in some parts of the city are significantly higher. At one station on 22nd Street in the District, regular unleaded gas was going for $4.77 per gallon on Saturday night.