An improving economy may partially be at fault for the recent rapid rise in gas prices, which could increase by as much as $1 come summer, one expert said. GasBuddy.com co-founder Jason Toews said he doesn't believe gas prices will reach $5 in 2011, but may indeed rise to $4 a gallon by the summer. Toews said Tuesday the price of gasoline is rising across the nation, and blames a budding economy.