HIGHER interest rates, soaring fuel prices and massive grocery bills are in order for regional Victorians already feeling the squeeze while the economy tries to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Last week locals were coming to grips with unleaded petrol reaching $2.00 per litre and above, directly attributable to the invasion of Ukraine and the impact of the oil sanctions war between Russia and the United States, with warnings to expect prices to hit $3.00 by end of year.