Fuel prices around the world have soared in the weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine with a benchmark Greek gas price hitting a record high of $2.20 a liter.

The sky-high gas prices have led to people in Greece's border communities crossing into Bulgaria to fill up their tanks.

Despite the record prices, gas stations in Thessaloniki still see a regular supply of customers. But at $2.20 a liter, motorists are only buying what they need for their next journey.

"Gas has increased a lot, and people are going through a difficult time. Most people just care if they will have gas today and don't fill up. They just care about the daily journeys, going to work, taking their children to school, etc. If we have enough money tomorrow we will put in more. But when it come to gas we live by the day, it's very difficult," said motorist Thomas Poursanidis.

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And as prices continue to rise, some in the border communities are looking abroad when it comes to filling up.

At the Promachona border crossing with Bulgaria, you can find long queues of trucks waiting to go back and forth each day, but there are also car drivers heading over for a fuel stop.

In Bulgaria, fuel is less expensive - almost 55 cents cheaper at $1.60. And that's because Greece has the fourth-highest excise tax in the EU whereas Bulgaria has the lowest.

And it's not only gas that Greeks cross for. Food and tobacco products are also high on the list. At the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, many shops owners speak Greek, which makes it easier for those who've traveled seeking lower prices for essentials.  

The border back and forth for shopping has been going on for many years, but recently numbers have increased dramatically.

"There are a lot of Greeks who stay in our hotel, mainly because one of the staff speaks Greek and makes it easier for them. They feel more comfortable. They usually come here to visit Sofia, to visit the interesting things and of course for shopping," said Vodislav Barbanov, who manages a Sofia hotel.

The number of people waiting to cross the border is likely to grow because, while prices in Bulgaria are fairly stable, they just keep rising in Greece.