Despite the recent dip in gas prices, a Ball State economist predicts gas prices will rise above $5 before the end of summer.
Michael Hicks, director of the center for business and economic research, said local gas prices around $3.85 are temporary.
"I think I can, in absence of international crisis, rule out a significant decline in prices," he said. "We might see it bounce around, up and down 25 cents, but we're certainly in a place when all signs point to higher prices over the long term."