UAE motorists are facing the sharpest fuel price increase in years. As of April 1, 2026, petrol prices surged between 31% and 72% month-on-month — directly driven by the Iran war’s impact on global oil markets and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
UAE Fuel Prices April 2026: Full Price List
| Fuel Type | March 2026 | April 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | AED 2.59/L | AED 3.39/L | +31% |
| Special 95 | AED 2.48/L | AED 3.28/L | +32% |
| E-Plus 91 | AED 2.40/L | AED 3.20/L | +33% |
| Diesel | AED 2.72/L | AED 4.69/L | +72% |
Prices effective April 1, 2026. Set by the UAE Fuel Pricing Committee.
Why Did Prices Surge So Much?
UAE fuel prices are linked to global oil benchmarks, adjusted monthly. Three factors drove this spike:
1. Brent crude averaged $92+ in March — up from $69 in February. The Iran war sent oil prices soaring, and UAE pump prices followed with a one-month lag.
2. The Hormuz disruption hit diesel hardest. Diesel’s 72% surge reflects the additional supply tightness in refined products. With Gulf refineries unable to export through Hormuz, regional diesel supply has tightened significantly.
3. The UAE does not subsidize fuel. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other GCC states that heavily subsidize petrol, the UAE moved to market-linked pricing in 2015. This means global price shocks pass through directly to consumers.
How UAE Prices Compare Globally
Despite the surge, UAE fuel remains cheaper than most developed nations:
- UAE (Super 95): AED 3.28/L (~$0.89/L)
- USA: ~$1.19/L ($4.50/gallon)
- UK: ~$1.85/L
- Germany: ~$1.95/L
- Saudi Arabia (91): ~SAR 2.33/L (~$0.62/L) — subsidized
The UAE remains competitive within the GCC, though the gap with subsidized neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait has widened significantly.
What to Expect in May 2026
May prices depend entirely on where Brent averages in April. Current scenarios:
- If Brent stays at $100-110: Expect prices to hold near April levels or rise slightly
- If a ceasefire materializes: Brent could drop to $85-90, bringing relief at the pump within 1-2 months
- If conflict escalates: Brent above $120 could push Super 98 above AED 4.00/L
Tips for UAE Motorists
- Fill up early in the month — prices are set on the 1st and don’t change until next month
- Consider E-Plus 91 if your car allows it — the AED 0.19/L saving adds up over a full tank
- Track oil prices in the last week of April to anticipate May adjustments
- EV owners are unaffected — the war has accelerated EV interest in the UAE
Read more: Oil Price Today & 2026 Forecast | Hormuz Crisis Explained
