As many pundits predicted, gasoline prices have continued to rise this week, with at least half the United States paying more than $4 for regular unleaded on Wednesday, June 13 when the average per gallon price stood at $4.052.

In figures compiled by AAA, prices climbed 9% from May and are currently 32% over last year's rate of $3.066. In 25 states and the District of Columbia prices at the pump meet or exceed the $4 level.

California continues to lead with the most expensive gas in the nation at $4.496 with Connecticut at $4.358 and Alaska at $4.307. The least expensive gas to be had is still in Missouri at $3.849.

While these prices alone are enough to adversely effect the budgets of Americans already hard hit by the mortgage crisis and resulting credit woes, the climbing cost of diesel is adding to the price of every item shipped in the country, particularly groceries. On June 14, diesel fuel was selling for $4.792 a gallon.

Many analysts are predicting that gasoline will be selling at the $4.50 level by July 4 with $5 a gallon not only possible, but highly likely before the end of the summer.

AAA bases its statistics on credit card swipes tallied from some 85,000 gas stations across the nation and compiled for the Oil Price Information Service.