Retail gasoline prices continue to put a strain on consumer pocket books late in the season, though relief is around the corner, a market report found. Motor club AAA reports a national average retail price for regular unleaded gasoline at $2.56 per gallon early Tuesday, up just a fraction of a percent from Monday but 40 cents per gallon higher than on this date last year. In its retail market report for the week, AAA said consumer demand has been stronger than normal late in the fall season, which has eaten into national supplies. Last week, total U.S. gasoline inventories declined by 3.3 million barrels, creating a tighter market and higher prices at the pump. […]