Fuel prices in the UK are set to increase after a major UK pipeline shut down. 

Prices of petrol and diesel are set to soar by 3p per litre, over the next few days. 

The shock increase to the price of fuel comes after the North Sea Forties Pipeline was forced to be closed. 

A hardline crack was found in the pipeline after a routine inspection. 

In addition to this and explosion at a key European gas hub in Austria and disruption to supplies in Norway pushed gas prices up. 

A Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy spokesperson said: “This incident should not have a significant impact on global oil supplies. 

“It is important the oil industry does not use this short-term challenge as an excuse to put up the prices of fuel at the pump.”

Pump prices are now expected to surge from 120.76p a litre to 123.21p a litre for unleaded - which is the highest since 2014. 

Diesel drivers are also expected to be hit with a 3p increase seeing prices leap from 123.21p a litre to 126.21p.

This means an average cost of filling a family hatchback will jump by £1.65 to £68.07 while diesel car owners will see a full tank increase by £1.65 to £69.42.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “An increase of up to 3p a litre is very bad news for motorists who are already having to endure the highest prices at the pumps for three years. 

“This closure will inevitably lead to an unwelcome increase in the price with the knock-on effect of raising the wholesale cost of both fuels.

“This really isn’t what drivers need at Christmas when many are travelling longer distances to spend time with family and friends. 

“This will only serve to make the most expensive time of year even more costly.”

Oil prices are already at their highest price for tow years with the costing around $65 each. 

Wholesale gas prices in the UK also leapt up 32 per cent to 92p a therm - which is the highest it has been since 2013.