Purdue economist predicts gas prices won’t top $4

A Purdue University economist is predicting that gasoline prices likely won't top $4 a gallon in Indiana during the summer travel season.

Purdue agricultural and energy economist Wally Tyner said Indiana's gas prices will likely remain between $3.50 and $4 per gallon over the summer. But he said that prediction will only hold true if there's no new turmoil in the Middle East or heightened tensions with Iran.

Tyner told the Journal & Courier of Lafayette that the political situation in the Middle East along with U.S. relations with Iran will play a large role in what motorists pay to fill up this summer.

But Tyner said severe weather, the Greek economic crisis and China's apparent economic slowdown could also drive gas prices up or down.