Petrol and diesel prices have hit record highs in the UK. As we move away form a pandemic status world-wide, we are emerging into what some have described as ‘World War Three’.

On the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we saw petrol prices soar. Alongside fears for the future of the oil industry, with Russia being a main producer and exporter, residents in Kent rushed to petrol stations.

Yesterday in Medway Kent, queues for petrol were blocking main roads. One woman said; “A journey that was meant to take me two minutes took almost half an hour. People are panicking.”

We recently saw a similar occurrence in September last year, after almost 21 years since the last fuel crisis. Media reports of a leaked government briefing discussing the shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers, sparking the panic. But now, we have a new crisis on our hands – the sheer cost of a necessity for many – fuel.

A shopper on Gillingham high street said: “I’m partly concerned because they’ve raised quite a ot already due to covid. For young people especially the prices are quite high due to inflation.

“With what’s going on now, pricesare going to be so extreme, it’s just going to be so hard for some people.”

After diesel hit over £1.50 just two weeks ago, the invasion of Ukraine has affected the cost of petrol and affected oil prices, the RAC has said. However, it is unsettling the people of Kent.

On Wednesday, petrol prices rose to 149.30p per litre amid warnings it could soon pass £1.50.