Fuel prices directly affect the cost of driving in the UAE, whether you own a car, commute daily, or rent a vehicle for a few days. In 2026, UAE petrol and diesel prices have moved sharply because the country links pump prices to global oil-market conditions. This guide covers the monthly UAE fuel prices for 2026, explains what caused the major changes, and shows how much fuel can add to your monthly car running costs.
Latest update: August 2026 fuel prices are AED 3.60 per litre for Super 98, AED 3.49 for Special 95, AED 3.41 for E-Plus 91, and AED 3.80 for diesel. These rates took effect on August 1, 2026.
UAE Fuel Prices 2026 at a Glance
The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews fuel prices monthly. The country introduced market-linked fuel pricing in 2015, so local pump rates can move when global oil prices change.
| Month 2026 | Super 98 | Special 95 | E-Plus 91 | Diesel |
| January | AED 2.53 | AED 2.42 | AED 2.34 | AED 2.55 |
| February | AED 2.45 | AED 2.33 | AED 2.26 | AED 2.52 |
| March | AED 2.59 | AED 2.48 | AED 2.40 | AED 2.72 |
| April | AED 3.39 | AED 3.28 | AED 3.20 | AED 4.69 |
| May | AED 3.66 | AED 3.55 | AED 3.48 | AED 4.69 |
| June | AED 3.95 | AED 3.83 | AED 3.76 | AED 4.33 |
| July | AED 3.40 | AED 3.29 | AED 3.21 | AED 3.60 |
| August | AED 3.60 | AED 3.49 | AED 3.41 | AED 3.80 |
The January and February rates started the year lower, but prices increased from March through June before falling in July. August brought another AED 0.20-per-litre increase across the listed petrol grades and diesel.
September 2026 prices have not been officially announced yet as of August 25, 2026. The UAE is expected to announce the new rates near the end of August.
What Are the UAE Fuel Prices in August 2026?
The current August 2026 rates are:
| Fuel | August 2026 Price |
| Super 98 | AED 3.60/L |
| Special 95 | AED 3.49/L |
| E-Plus 91 | AED 3.41/L |
| Diesel | AED 3.80/L |
The UAE Fuel Price Committee approved these rates on July 31, with the new prices applying from August 1.
These prices apply across the UAE rather than creating separate petrol prices for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates.
Why Did UAE Fuel Prices Change So Much in 2026?
Global oil-market movements played a major role in 2026.
Fuel prices initially declined in January and February. Super 98 fell from AED 2.70 in December 2025 to AED 2.53 in January and AED 2.45 in February.
Prices then climbed sharply from March. Regional conflict and disruption around major oil-supply routes pushed global crude prices higher. By April, Super 98 reached AED 3.39 while diesel jumped to AED 4.69 per litre.
The increase continued into June. Super 98 reached AED 3.95 and Special 95 reached AED 3.83. Diesel stood at AED 4.33.
July brought significant relief as global crude prices moved lower. Super 98 dropped to AED 3.40 and diesel fell to AED 3.60.
August reversed part of that decline. Super 98 increased to AED 3.60, while diesel increased to AED 3.80.
The main factors behind UAE fuel-price movements include:
- Global crude oil prices
- Regional geopolitical tensions
- Oil supply disruptions
- Shipping conditions around the Strait of Hormuz
- Global demand for crude and refined fuels
- Changes in international energy-market expectations
The important point for drivers is that UAE fuel prices do not simply follow the price of crude oil on the same day. Monthly pricing reflects market conditions used by the UAE's pricing mechanism.
Which Fuel Should You Use in the UAE?
Choosing the right fuel depends on the vehicle manufacturer’s specification, not simply on which fuel has the highest octane rating.
| Fuel | Typical Use |
| E-Plus 91 | Vehicles designed for lower-octane fuel |
| Special 95 | Many standard passenger cars |
| Super 98 | Performance and higher-compression engines |
| Diesel | Diesel-powered cars, SUVs, vans and commercial vehicles |
ADNOC Distribution describes Super 98 as its highest-grade petrol, Special 95 as suitable for medium-compression engines, and E-Plus 91 as an economical option for suitable low-compression engines.
Do not choose a higher-octane fuel simply because you expect it to improve fuel economy. ADNOC advises motorists to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended fuel specification.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Car in the UAE?
Fuel is only one part of the total running cost. Your actual fuel bill depends on three main variables:
Fuel cost = Distance driven ÷ Fuel economy × Fuel price
For example, a car that travels 12 km per litre and covers 1,500 km per month uses approximately 125 litres.
At August's Special 95 price of AED 3.49 per litre:
125 × AED 3.49 = AED 436.25 per month
That gives a practical fuel-only estimate for a reasonably efficient car.
Example Monthly Fuel Costs
Assuming 1,500 km of driving per month:
| Fuel Economy | Approx. Fuel Used | August Special 95 Cost |
| 10 km/L | 150 L | AED 523.50 |
| 12 km/L | 125 L | AED 436.25 |
| 15 km/L | 100 L | AED 349 |
| 18 km/L | 83.3 L | AED 290.67 |
These figures exclude parking, Salik, insurance, maintenance, tyres and other ownership expenses.
How Much Does a Full Tank Cost in the UAE?
Tank size makes a noticeable difference to each refuelling bill.
For a 70-litre tank in August 2026:
| Fuel | Approx. Cost for 70 Litres |
| E-Plus 91 | AED 238.70 |
| Special 95 | AED 244.30 |
| Super 98 | AED 252.00 |
| Diesel | AED 266.00 |
A 70-litre tank is only an example. Check your vehicle's actual tank capacity before estimating your refuelling budget.
Do Bigger Cars Cost More to Run?
Usually, yes.
Large SUVs, luxury cars and performance vehicles generally consume more fuel than compact economy cars. However, fuel economy varies significantly between engines, transmissions, vehicle weights and driving conditions.
For example, a compact sedan that achieves 15–18 km/L can require considerably less fuel than a large SUV achieving 8–11 km/L over the same distance.
Dubai drivers should also consider traffic. Frequent acceleration, idling and stop-and-go driving can increase fuel consumption compared with steady highway driving.
How Fuel Prices Affect Car Rental Costs in Dubai
Fuel prices matter when comparing rental options, but they should not become the only deciding factor.
If you need a car for several days, compare the rental rate, included mileage, insurance terms, Salik policy and expected fuel consumption together.
For tourists and short-term visitors, hire a car in Dubai can be a practical option when the planned trips involve multiple attractions or areas that are inconvenient to reach by public transport.
For longer stays, compare daily, weekly and monthly car rental rates instead of looking only at the daily price. A fuel-efficient economy car can also reduce your total trip cost when you expect to drive extensively.
Which Car Types Can Help Reduce Fuel Costs?
Your choice of vehicle can make a bigger difference than a small change in fuel price.
Economy Cars
Economy cars usually offer lower fuel consumption and smaller tank requirements. They work well for city commuting and regular Dubai driving.
Sedans
Modern sedans provide a useful balance between cabin space, comfort and fuel economy. They suit drivers who travel longer distances but do not need an SUV.
SUVs
SUVs provide more space and ground clearance, but larger engines and heavier bodies can increase fuel consumption. Choose a smaller or hybrid SUV when fuel efficiency matters.
Luxury and Sports Cars
Luxury and sports cars often use more powerful engines. Some models also require premium fuel such as Super 98. Factor both fuel consumption and fuel grade into the rental budget.
How Can You Reduce Your Fuel Bill?
You cannot control the monthly pump price, but you can control how efficiently you use fuel.
- Maintain correct tyre pressure.
- Avoid unnecessary idling.
- Accelerate smoothly.
- Keep unnecessary weight out of the car.
- Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
- Use the correct fuel grade.
- Combine multiple errands into one trip.
- Compare fuel consumption when choosing between rental vehicles.
- Use cruise control when road conditions make it practical.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and repeated hard braking.
For Dubai driving, route planning can also reduce unnecessary kilometres. A shorter, smoother route can save fuel even when the difference looks small on a single trip.
Is It Cheaper to Rent a Fuel-Efficient Car?
It can be, especially when you plan to drive a lot.
Consider two rental cars covering 1,500 km:
| Vehicle | Estimated Economy | Fuel Needed |
| Economy car | 15 km/L | 100 L |
| Large SUV | 9 km/L | 166.7 L |
At the August 2026 Special 95 rate of AED 3.49, the economy car would use about AED 349 in fuel, while the SUV would require about AED 581.83 if both vehicles could use Special 95.
The rental price can change the final calculation, so compare rental cost + expected fuel cost rather than judging a vehicle by its rental price alone.
What Are the Other Costs of Running a Car in Dubai?
Fuel does not represent the complete cost of driving.
A realistic car budget can include:
| Cost | What Affects It? |
| Fuel | Distance, fuel grade and vehicle efficiency |
| Insurance | Vehicle, driver and policy |
| Maintenance | Model, mileage and service schedule |
| Tyres | Vehicle type and replacement interval |
| Parking | Location and duration |
| Salik | Number of toll-gate crossings |
| Registration | Vehicle and renewal requirements |
| Depreciation | Vehicle value and age |
| Cleaning | Usage and vehicle type |
For renters, some ownership expenses do not apply directly because the rental company handles many vehicle-related responsibilities according to the rental agreement. Always check what the quoted rental price includes.
UAE Fuel Price Trends: What Should Drivers Watch?
The 2026 price pattern shows why drivers should avoid assuming that fuel will always become cheaper or more expensive in a straight line.
Prices moved from relatively low levels in February to much higher levels by June, then dropped in July before rising again in August.
As of August 25, Brent crude has remained elevated amid continuing Middle East supply and shipping concerns. Recent market reports have placed Brent around the $90-per-barrel level, making the next UAE monthly fuel-price announcement worth watching.
However, September 2026 fuel prices should not be presented as confirmed until the UAE Fuel Price Committee announces them.
FAQ About UAE Fuel Prices 2026
What is the petrol price in UAE in August 2026?
August 2026 prices are AED 3.60 per litre for Super 98, AED 3.49 for Special 95 and AED 3.41 for E-Plus 91. Diesel costs AED 3.80 per litre.
Are petrol prices the same across the UAE?
Yes. The announced UAE fuel rates apply across the country, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates.
When does the UAE announce fuel prices?
The UAE normally announces the following month's fuel prices around the end of the current month. The new rates then take effect from the first day of the next month.
Is Super 98 better than Special 95?
Not automatically. Use the fuel grade specified by your vehicle manufacturer. A higher octane rating does not necessarily make an engine more efficient if the engine does not require it.
How much does petrol cost for 1,000 km in Dubai?
At August 2026 Special 95 pricing of AED 3.49 per litre, a car achieving 12 km/L would use about 83.3 litres for 1,000 km. That equals approximately AED 290.83 in fuel.
Should I rent an economy car to save fuel?
An economy car can make sense when fuel consumption is a priority. For longer trips, compare its rental price and fuel consumption against SUVs, sedans or hybrid vehicles before booking.
Final Takeaway
UAE fuel prices have shown significant movement in 2026. Prices started the year relatively low, climbed sharply during the spring, peaked in June for petrol, fell in July, and increased again in August.
For drivers, the smartest approach is to calculate fuel consumption alongside the rental or ownership cost. A vehicle with a slightly higher rental price can sometimes cost less overall if it uses substantially less fuel.
If fuel prices remain volatile, choosing an efficient car, planning routes, and comparing rental durations can help keep your total driving budget under control. September's rates should be checked after the UAE Fuel Price Committee makes its official announcement.
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