How UAE Fuel Prices Are Set and When They Change

Ever wonder how prices of petrol in UAE change from month to month. Every time you switch on the ignition in your car, whether you are driving in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or anywhere in the UAE, it’s essential that you understand the pricing structure of the fuel in your car in order to plan your monthly trips and not use your imagination as you do it.

The Gasoline and Diesel Prices Follow-up Committee discusses fuel prices once a month and updates the prices, which generally come into effect the 1st day of each month in UAE. But beyond the price of crude oil, a whole lot of other elements have an impact on the price you pay at the pump. This can be influenced by several factors such as global petrol/diesel markets, refining costs, and variability in supply.

In this guide, you’ll discover how UAE fuel prices are determined, who approves the monthly rates, when new prices are announced, and why petrol and diesel prices change. You’ll also learn how to calculate the impact on your fuel budget and where to check the latest official UAE fuel prices before your next fill-up.

Current UAE Fuel Prices for October 2026

These rates apply during October 2026. Check the latest official announcement before relying on them for a future month.

When Do UAE Fuel Prices Change?

Prices of the Fuel and Lubricants in the UAE are revised on a monthly basis. Generally the new rates are announced towards the end or on the last day of the current month and become effective on day “one” of the next month.

Their prices are announced since October 30, and take effect on October 1 in the following year, for example the October, 2026 prices announced in September 30, 2026 and October 1, 2026 taking effect.

Who sets the price?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee decides retail fuel prices. It was established through the deregulation of fuel prices by the government in August 2015. Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure head of committee with membership comprising the Ministry of Finance and also the national fuel retailers ADNOC Distribution and ENOC.

How the monthly price is calculated

Prior to 2015 price of pumps was artificially set and subsidised. Since August 2015 they take into account average global prices for oil and refined products from the previous month. Pump prices tend to increase the month following a rise in world prices, and decrease after a decline in world prices.

Prices hit a low of AED 1.47 for Super 98 in March 2016 when crude oil was cheap, and a record AED 4.63 in July 2022 after oil prices surged. You can see every month on our price history page.

When are new prices announced?

• The announcement typically takes place on the final day of the month, on a weekday or a weekend in the morning UAE time.
• Changes in prices are effective from the 1st of every month.
• WAM, the Emirates News Agency publishes the official announcement, and the media report it within a few minutes.

Why Do UAE Petrol Prices Rise or Fall?

Monthly price of fuel may vary due to multiple factors:

• Upward pressure on fuel price: May be resulted by high demand or low supply worldwide.
• Geopolitical tensions: Conflicts across the globe and shipping disruptions can have impacts on oil and refined-products markets.
• Refinery conditions: Maintenance or unexpected outages can result in a decrease in finished fuel availability.
• International market trends: Any adjustment of the benchmarks for refined petrol and diesel products can impact on the monthly review.
• Supply-chain costs: Transportation and distribution conditions can affect the wider fuel market.

Are prices the same in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah?

Yes. The committee determines a single price for each fuel grade and the price of a litre of Special 95 is the same from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, via UAE's airports, or from ADNOC to Emarat and all other fuel stations.

Do prices include VAT?

Yes. Since January 2018, the published pump prices include 5% VAT, so the price on the pump is what you pay.

What happened to prices during the pandemic?

From April 2020 to January 2021, prices stayed unchanged at AED 1.91 for Super 98, AED 1.80 for Special 95, AED 1.72 for E-Plus 91, and AED 2.06 for diesel. Monthly changes resumed in February 2021.

Can anyone predict next month's price?

Only the committee knows the official price before it is announced. Rising crude oil prices during the month suggest a rise, and falling prices suggest a cut, but sites that publish exact figures in advance are guessing. We publish only official prices.

Check this month's figures on the UAE petrol price today page, or work out a trip with the fuel cost calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are UAE petrol prices announced?

Prices are generally announced near the end of each month, with the new rates taking effect on the first day of the following month.

Who decides petrol prices in the UAE?

The Gasoline and Diesel Prices Follow-up Committee approves monthly petrol and diesel rates under the UAE's fuel-pricing system.

Why don't petrol prices change immediately when crude oil prices fall?

The monthly pricing process considers international refined-fuel benchmarks over preceding weeks. Refining costs, supply conditions, and other market factors can also influence the outcome.

Are UAE petrol prices the same across the emirates?

The approved monthly rates for the main petrol grades and diesel are national rates rather than separate monthly prices for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates.

Final Thoughts

Petrol and diesel prices are reviewed monthly in the UAE and the approved prices usually come into effect on the first day of the following month. International crude oil prices are important but refined-fuel markets, supply conditions and other costs play a role in the pricing process.

The most effective way to do this for motorists is to keep an eye on the current approved rates, know how the price change will impact the cost of filling up and work out the fuel costs ahead of any longer journeys.