The historical background of fuel prices and their impact on the United Arab Emirates are closely associated with the development of the country’s economy. The discovery of oil more than 70 years ago in the United Arab Emirates has been a keystone in the advancement and growth of the Emirati economy. Afterwards, in 1971, the world witnessed the foundation of the United Arab Emirates.
Fuel prices have been profoundly impacted by the support of the Emirati government for years. Eventually, with the rise in international oil prices and increased consumption, the government had to change its approach.
The approach to how fuel prices in the United Arab Emirates are set and calculated underwent a major shift in August 2015. This was when the Emirati government decided to shift from a system that subsidized fuel to one that linked fuel prices mainly to international market prices. This applied to all fuel types, including Super 98, Special 95, E-Plus 91, and Diesel.
Who announces UAE fuel prices?
Starting a new chapter in fuel pricing in the United Arab Emirates, the UAE Fuel Price Committee began reviewing and officially announcing fuel prices at the end of each month. The UAE government’s objective was to balance international prices with local market demands and requirements.
The main point of reference for the UAE Fuel Price Committee when determining local fuel prices is fuel prices in the international market. In fact, the Committee does not depend on one market to decide local fuel prices; it considers prices in various markets in the region and around the globe. Other factors may include local operating costs and other applicable considerations.
When are monthly rates normally published?
Every month, the UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews and sets fuel prices in the United Arab Emirates. The new rates are normally announced near the end of the month. Fuel stations start applying them at 12:00 a.m. on the first day of the following month.
What changes at the pump?
The introduction of monthly fuel price reviews changed the experience of motorists in the United Arab Emirates. Prices are no longer fixed for long periods, as they are reviewed each month by the UAE Fuel Price Committee.
The key point for any motorbike or vehicle driver or owner is that prices can increase, decrease, or remain the same from one month to the next. Moreover, the impact of price fluctuations varies from one person to another according to factors including vehicle type, daily driving distance, and the type of fuel used.
How Can Motorists Compare Monthly Costs?
When prices are reviewed every month, car and bike owners can evaluate the impact on their budgets. This can be done by simply comparing their monthly fuel cost with the previous month.
Motorists should consider three elements when calculating their monthly fuel consumption and cost. The first is the distance traveled each month. The second factor is the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The last is the actual price of the fuel used.
Motorists can calculate their monthly fuel cost by dividing the number of kilometers driven during the month by the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and then multiplying that figure by the price of the fuel.
Here is the formula to calculate the monthly fuel cost:
Monthly fuel cost = Monthly kilometers driven ÷ Vehicle fuel efficiency × Fuel price per litre for the month
An example to demonstrate this:
If a motorist drives 1,800 kilometers per month in a vehicle that consumes an average of 10 km per litre, using fuel sold at AED 3.20 per litre, the cost would be around AED 576 per month. The cost would increase if the fuel price increases.
UAE fuel prices for September 2026
The UAE Fuel Price Committee last modified fuel prices on August 31, with the new prices effective from September 1. The prices were as follows:
- Super 98 petrol costs Dh3.80 per litre, compared with Dh3.60 in August.
- Special 95 petrol costs Dh3.69 per litre, compared with Dh3.49 in August.
- E-Plus 91 petrol costs Dh3.61 per litre, compared with Dh3.41 in August.
- Diesel costs Dh4.30 per litre, compared with Dh3.80 in August.
How to Validate the Latest Fuel Prices in the UAE
To ensure you are using the most up-to-date UAE fuel prices:
Check the monthly statements: Look for the latest announcement from the UAE Fuel Price Committee, which announces fuel prices every month.
Check official sources: Refer to UAE government channels and official announcements for confirmation of the approved monthly rates.
Check ADNOC’s official channels: ADNOC publishes updates related to fuel through its official website and news channels.
Check the categories of fuel: Verify the applicable rate for Super 98, Special 95, E-Plus 91 and Diesel, as prices differ by fuel type.
