The UAE is preparing to announce new petrol prices at the start of 2026, following increases in fuel costs throughout 2025. Filling up a car is now more expensive than a year ago across all categories – from E-Plus 91 to diesel.
Petrol and diesel prices changed monthly throughout the year, with minor increases and decreases announced on the last day of each month. In January 2025, fuel retailers sold E-Plus 91 at AED 2.43 per litre and diesel at AED 2.68 per litre. Today, E-Plus 91 costs AED 2.51 per litre – slightly higher than at the beginning of the year. Special 95 and Super 98 also rose over the year, increasing from AED 2.50 to AED 2.58 per litre and from AED 2.61 to AED 2.70 per litre respectively. Diesel recorded the most significant increase – from AED 2.68 to AED 2.85 per litre – making it the most expensive fuel at UAE petrol stations.
How fuel prices changed in 2025
As of 1 December, fuel prices in the UAE are:
- E-Plus 91 – AED 2.51 per litre (AED 2.43 in January 2025)
- Special 95 – AED 2.58 per litre (AED 2.50 in January 2025)
- Super 98 – AED 2.70 per litre (AED 2.61 in January 2025)
- Diesel – AED 2.85 per litre (AED 2.68 in January 2025)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the UAE Fuel Price Committee froze petrol prices, preventing any changes. However, in March 2021 the government lifted controls as global oil prices began to rise, allowing market forces to once again determine fuel costs. Changes in global crude oil prices directly affect fuel price fluctuations in the Emirates. When Brent or WTI benchmarks rise on international markets, this is reflected in pump prices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates the following month. Unsurprisingly, property latest news increasingly notes how higher transport costs influence housing choices – areas with strong metro access and public transport become more attractive for buyers seeking to reduce use of individual cars and monthly fuel expenses.
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Why drivers closely monitor monthly fuel prices
For families with multiple vehicles, monthly price changes add up to appreciable annual costs. The 8 fils per litre difference between January and December for E-Plus 91 translates into an extra AED 4 per full 50-litre tank. Refuelling once a week adds up to around AED 200 per year for just one car. Key factors influencing fuel prices in the UAE include:
- Global crude oil prices
- International affairs affecting production and transportation
- The US dollar exchange rate
- OPEC decisions on production quotas
Property buyers in less central areas factor transport costs into their budgets. Understanding Fujairah real estate basics, for example, includes assessing how much commuting to Dubai or Sharjah will cost – at current petrol prices, daily travel can add AED 500–700 to monthly expenses for regular commuters. The UAE government will announce petrol prices for January 2026 in the final days of December, following the established practice of monthly adjustments. Analysts expect moderate increases based on current global oil market trends, though exact figures will only be confirmed after the Fuel Price Committee’s official announcement.
Read also: Branded real estate in Abu Dhabi has soared by 126% in a year.
Drivers across the Emirates have adapted to monthly price fluctuations. Many plan major refuelling at the end of the month if a rise is expected, or delay filling up until the start of the next month if a decrease is anticipated. This behaviour has become part of household financial planning for residents who closely follow announcements and modify their budgets accordingly.
