UAE Fuel Prices Rise in October as Petrol Exceeds AED 4 per Litre

Key Takeaways

• UAE petrol prices increased by 59–60 fils per litre in October 2026, while diesel rose by 50 fils compared with September.
• Super 98 costs AED 4.40 per litre, Special 95 is AED 4.28, E-Plus 91 is AED 4.21 and diesel is AED 4.80.
• A 50-litre petrol fill-up now costs approximately AED 30 more, adding to transport expenses for households and businesses.

UAE Fuel Prices Increase Across All Grades

UAE petrol and diesel prices rose in October 2026, taking all three standard petrol grades above AED 4 per litre and increasing refuelling costs across the country.

The October rates, which took effect on October 1, remain applicable as of October 21. Super 98 petrol costs AED 4.40 per litre, while Special 95 is priced at AED 4.28 and E-Plus 91 at AED 4.21. Diesel costs AED 4.80 per litre.

The monthly adjustment raised petrol prices by between 59 and 60 fils per litre compared with September. Diesel increased by 50 fils per litre, extending the pressure on drivers and businesses with substantial transport requirements.

The approved rates apply across all seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

How October Fuel Prices Compare With September

Petrol recorded a larger percentage increase than diesel during the latest monthly adjustment. E-Plus 91 rose approximately 16.6%, followed by Special 95 at 16.0% and Super 98 at 15.8%. Diesel increased approximately 11.6%.

Although E-Plus 91 remains the lowest-priced petrol option, its percentage increase was the largest because the 60-fils rise was calculated from a lower September price.

The difference between Super 98 and Special 95 is now 12 fils per litre, while Special 95 costs seven fils more than E-Plus 91. Drivers should continue using the fuel grade specified by their vehicle manufacturer.

What the Increase Means for a Full Tank

The October adjustment creates a noticeable difference at the pump, particularly for motorists who refuel frequently.

A 50-litre purchase of Super 98 now costs AED 220, compared with AED 190 in September. The same quantity of Special 95 costs AED 214, up from AED 184.50, while E-Plus 91 costs AED 210.50, compared with AED 180.50.

For diesel vehicles, a 50-litre purchase costs AED 240, an increase of AED 25.

These figures represent a purchase of exactly 50 litres. Actual refuelling bills depend on the volume added.

For an illustrative household purchasing 200 litres of Special 95 each month, the fuel bill rises from AED 738 to AED 856, an additional AED 118 if consumption remains unchanged. The equivalent monthly increase for Super 98 or E-Plus 91 is AED 120.

Why UAE Fuel Prices Change Each Month

The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices through a monthly pricing mechanism that reflects movements in global energy markets while accounting for local market requirements.

This means pump prices can change between months as conditions in the international energy market shift. However, a daily increase or decrease in crude oil does not immediately produce the same movement at UAE petrol stations.

Crude oil is an input into petrol and diesel production, rather than the finished fuel sold to motorists. Refining conditions, distribution costs and the timing of the monthly review can affect how changes in energy markets reach consumers.

The October announcement confirms higher retail prices. It does not, by itself, establish how much of the increase came from any single market factor.

Higher Diesel Costs Put Business Expenses in Focus

The diesel increase is particularly relevant to logistics operators, delivery businesses and other companies that depend on road transport or diesel-powered equipment.

As an illustration, a business purchasing 10,000 litres of diesel in October would pay AED 48,000, compared with AED 43,000 at September’s rate. That represents an additional AED 5,000 before any change in fuel consumption.

The effect on profitability depends on each company’s circumstances. Businesses may absorb higher expenses, improve operating efficiency or pass some costs through to customers where contracts allow.

Higher fuel prices could therefore contribute to broader cost pressure, although the pump-price increase alone does not establish that delivery charges, consumer prices or company earnings have changed.

For equity market participants, fuel-intensive businesses may warrant closer attention during earnings updates, particularly where management discusses transport expenses, pricing flexibility and margins.

Attention Turns to November’s Fuel Review

The next monthly pricing decision will determine whether UAE motorists receive relief in November or face further increases.

Global energy prices remain relevant, but the direction and size of the next pump-price adjustment cannot be confirmed before the approved rates are announced. Short-term movements in crude oil should therefore be distinguished from confirmed changes in domestic retail fuel prices.

For now, October’s increase has lifted petrol above AED 4 per litre across all three grades and raised diesel to AED 4.80. The immediate effect is higher refuelling expenditure, with the wider economic impact depending on consumption, business operating costs and the duration of elevated prices.

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