BOSTON—Gasoline prices in Massachusetts broke the $4-a-gallon mark for the first time Monday, passing a once-unthinkable milestone after nine straight weeks of price increases.
A weekly statewide survey found an average price of $4.03 per gallon for self-serve, regular unleaded, up from $3.96 a week ago, according to AAA of Southern England.
The survey found prices as high as $4.24 to as low as $3.91. A year ago at this time, the state average stood at $3.00.
A smaller, daily survey showed the statewide average rose above the $4 mark on Saturday night and continued rising Sunday and Monday, said Art Kinsman, a spokesman for the automobile association.
The nationwide average also eclipsed the $4 mark over the weekend, standing at $4.02 on Monday, AAA said.
Until the recent spike, the state's record price was $3.23 per gallon, set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Drivers of diesel vehicles have seen even higher prices near the $5-a-gallon mark. Diesel fuel prices rose a nickel a gallon over the past week in Massachusetts to an average $4.96, AAA said.
Many analysts expect prices to continue climbing after last week's surge in oil prices, which caused distributors and retailers alike to raise their prices. The rise has been fueled in part by expectations of higher seasonal demand as more people drive in the summer.
