FILLING stations across Kent were again besieged by motorists desperate to stock up with fuel today.

Stocks ran so low at some pumps that motorists were temporarily being turned away while fresh supplies from tankers were awaited.

Long queues formed on forecourts and onto the roads as drivers prepared for Wednesday’s planned blockade protest at the high fuel duty and VAT levied by the Government that makes it the second most expensive in Europe.

Areas most acutely affected today appeared to be Maidstone, Thanet, Medway and Bexley where there was queuing back into roads and staff on forecourts had to co-ordinate cars.

The cost of fuel rose sharply after Hurricane Katrina shut oil rigs and refineries in the US.