Gas prices top $4-a-gallon mark in Massachuestts

Gasoline prices in Massachusetts have broken the $4-a-gallon mark for the first time ever.

A weekly statewide survey Monday by AAA Southern New England found an average price of $4.03 per gallon for self-serve, regular unleaded. That's up from $3.96 a week ago, and marks the ninth consecutive week of higher prices.

AAA spokesman Art Kinsman says a smaller daily survey showed the statewide average rose above the $4 mark on Saturday night. Nationally, gas prices also eclipsed the $4 mark over the weekend.

Many analysts expect prices to continue climbing after last week's surge in oil prices and with seasonal demand rising as more people drive in the summer.

Until the recent spike in prices, the state's record price was $3.23 per gallon, set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. (AP)