Super 98 vs Special 95 vs E-Plus 91: Which Petrol Should You Use?
While having a petrol station in the UAE, the 3 common petrols that you choose are Super 98, Special 95 and E-Plus 91. The costs vary from one to another, but is it really worth paying a higher price for petrol if it doesn’t mean a further improvement in the performance or fuel economy of your car?
The answer depends on your vehicle. Super 98 isn’t automatically the best petrol for every car, and E-Plus 91 isn’t suitable for every engine. The right choice is the grade your car manufacturer requires.
In this guide, we’ll compare Super 98 vs Special 95 vs E-Plus 91, explain what their octane ratings mean, calculate how much each grade costs, and show you how to select the appropriate petrol for your car in the UAE.
Super 98 vs Special 95 vs E-Plus 91: What’s the Difference?
Super 98, Special 95 and E-Plus 91 are petrol grades distinguished by their octane ratings. Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking, which is important for engines designed to operate with particular fuel characteristics.
Super 98
AED 4.40 per litre
For high-performance and turbocharged engines that require 98. No benefit in cars designed for 95.
Special 95
AED 4.28 per litre
The right choice for most modern petrol cars sold in the UAE. Check your fuel cap or manual.
E-Plus 91
AED 4.21 per litre
The cheapest petrol. Only for engines the manufacturer approves for 91, often older or smaller cars.
Diesel
AED 4.80 per litre
For diesel engines only: pickups, vans, trucks and some SUVs. Never put it in a petrol car.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences.
| Feature | Super 98 | Special 95 | E-Plus 91 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octane rating | 98 | 95 | 91 |
| General purpose | Engines requiring higher-octane petrol | Engines designed for 95 octane | Engines approved for 91 octane |
| Main consideration | Follow the specified fuel requirement | Check the manufacturer’s minimum octane | Confirm that 91 octane is permitted |
| Suitable for every car? | No | No | No |
| Relative price | Highest of these three grades | Middle | Lowest of these three grades |
What octane actually means
The octane rates the ability of petrol to withstand uncontrolled ignition (or knocking) in an engine. High compression and turbocharged engines require higher octane for both safety and efficiency. As for as the engines designed for 95 or 91 are concerned they don’t get any special benefit from 98.
How to know which grade your car needs
- Look inside the fuel filler flap; most cars state the minimum octane there.
- Check the owner’s manual under “fuel requirements”.
- If the manual says “95 or higher”, Special 95 is enough. If it says “98 required”, use Super 98.
- Ask your dealer if you are unsure, especially for older or imported cars.
Price difference between the grades
In October 2026, Super 98 costs AED 4.40, Special 95 costs AED 4.28, and E-Plus 91 costs AED 4.21 per litre. The gap between Super 98 and Special 95 is usually 11–12 fils a litre, and between Special 95 and E-Plus 91 about 7–8 fils.
| Car | Tank | Super 98 | Special 95 | E-Plus 91 | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 51 L | AED 224.40 | AED 218.28 | AED 214.71 | AED 244.80 |
| Sedan | 62 L | AED 272.80 | AED 265.36 | AED 261.02 | AED 297.60 |
| SUV | 74 L | AED 325.60 | AED 316.72 | AED 311.54 | AED 355.20 |
For a typical 62-litre sedan tank, using Special 95 instead of an unnecessary Super 98 saves around AED 7 per fill-up. Over a year of weekly fill-ups, that adds up to several hundred dirhams.
UAE Petrol and Diesel Price Trends (2024–2026)
The fuel price in UAE can vary on a month to month basis, which would impact costs of commuting and traveling further distances. Below is a comparison chart of the historical price trend for Super 98, Special 95, EPlus 91 and diesel. Examining these changes will assist motorists in understanding how cost of driving has changed and why it is vital for them to look into latest monthly costs if calculating their driving budget.
Can you mix grades?
Yes. Filling 95 car when the grade is 98, it doesn’t harm mixing grades in the tank is safe. Lower grades than your car or engine can tolerate will lead to knocking and grime buildup and will ultimately reduce the engine’s performance, so don’t use 91 in a car that is designed to take 95 or even 98.
When should you use Special 95?
Special 95 is suitable when your vehicle’s fuel specification requires 95 octane or permits it as an acceptable grade.
When should you use Super 98?
Use Super 98 when the engine owner’s manual recommends or requires it for the “power output” of the engine.
What about diesel?
Diesel is a completely different fuel for diesel engines only. Never put diesel in a petrol car or petrol in a diesel car; if it happens, do not start the engine and call for assistance. See our guide to diesel prices in the UAE.
Compare the cost of each grade for your own driving with the fuel cost calculator.
UAE Petrol Prices: How Much Does Each Grade Cost?
Petrol prices affect the cost of commuting, school runs, road trips and everyday driving. Comparing the price per litre can help you plan your budget, provided you choose a grade that meets your vehicle’s requirements.
The UAE’s announced retail prices for October 2026 are:
| Fuel | Sep 2026 | Oct 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | 3.80 | 4.40 | +0.60 (+15.8%) |
| Special 95 | 3.69 | 4.28 | +0.59 (+16.0%) |
| E-Plus 91 | 3.61 | 4.21 | +0.60 (+16.6%) |
| Diesel | 4.30 | 4.80 | +0.50 (+11.6%) |
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Petrol Grade?
The impact varies with the grade applied, engine type, and the manufacturer’s fuel specifications. Switching to a different grade of petrol does not constitute the vehicle being filled with diesel.
What if you accidentally use lower-octane petrol?
Fuel with a lower octane than the minimum octane specification set by the manufacturer can cause the engine to knock in some circumstances.
Modern engines can alter the timing of their ignition in order to cope with the problem of knocking – this varies in how well it protects. These systems are not to be interpreted as an emancipation to use a non-approved grade.
What if you accidentally put diesel in a petrol car?
Not an octane grade of petrol, but another type of fuel – diesel.
Avoid starting a car if you have fuelled it with the wrong engine oil. If already operational, turn it off immediately when it is safe and seek professional help.
For more practical tips, read our guide to 10 ways to cut your fuel bill when driving in the UAE
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which petrol is best in the UAE: Super 98, Special 95 or E-Plus 91?
The best petrol depends on your car’s fuel requirements. Use Super 98 if specified, Special 95 if it meets the manufacturer’s requirements, and E-Plus 91 only if your vehicle permits 91 octane.
2. What is the difference between Super 98 and Special 95?
Super 98 has a higher RON (98 RON) than Special 95 (95 RON) and so contains more resistance to engine knocking. But not all cars get better mileage or performance when they have Super 98 fuel.
3. What is the difference between Special ‘95 and E-Plus 91?
Neither grade is universally better. Special 95 has a higher octane rating, but E-Plus 91 may be suitable for vehicles designed to run on 91 octane. Always follow your car manufacturer’s fuel specifications.
4. Can I use Super 98 instead of Special 95?
Generally, yes, if Super 98 meets your vehicle’s fuel requirements. However, using higher-octane petrol does not guarantee better fuel economy or extra power when your engine is designed for Special 95.
5. May use E-Plus 91 in place of Special 95?
If your car maker allows 91 octane. Note that many vehicles can only use 95 octane, and E-Plus 91 cannot be used in these types of vehicles.
Final Thought
The decision of whether to go for Super 98 or Special 95 and E-Plus 91 depends on the engine of the car and the specifications provided by the manufacturer about the fuel they recommend. Super 98 is recommended for vehicles that need higher octane gas, Special 95 for vehicles use gas that’s at or above 95 octane and E-Plus 91 for vehicles that have been approved for 91 octane.
It is not always possible to replace cheaper, lower-octane fuel with improved octane without compromising on either fuel efficiency or performance. Refer to your owner’s manual, compare the best current UAE petrol prices, and select the grade that is suitable for your vehicle. Use our UAE fuel-cost calculator to get an idea of how much it will cost you to drive in the UAE and what your fuel budget should be.
