UAE petrol and diesel prices rose in April as global oil prices spiked in March.
Dubai: UAE motorists are facing a steep rise in fuel prices this April, with rates climbing 31% to 72% month-on-month as global energy costs surge.
From April 1, the revised fuel prices are:
- Super 98: Dh3.39 per litre (up from Dh2.59, +30.9%)
- Special 95: Dh3.28 (up from Dh2.48, +32.3%)
- E-Plus 91: Dh3.20 (up from Dh2.40, +33.3%)
- Diesel: Dh4.69 (up from Dh2.72, +72.4%)
In practical terms, petrol prices have risen by about 80 fils per litre, while diesel has jumped by nearly Dh2 per litre—marking one of the sharpest monthly increases in recent years.
On an annual basis, the increase is just as striking. Petrol prices are up 30%–35% from April 2025 levels, while diesel has climbed nearly 80%, reflecting a sharp shift in global fuel trends.
What a full tank now costs
The impact is immediately felt at the pump.
For a typical 60-litre sedan (Special 95):
- March: Dh148
- April: Dh196
- Increase: Dh48 per tank
For an 80-litre SUV or 4×4:
- March: Dh198
- April: Dh262
- Increase: Dh64 per tank
For drivers filling up twice a week, this translates to an additional Dh380–Dh500 per month, depending on the vehicle type and usage.
The impact is even more pronounced for diesel users, especially in the transport and logistics sector, as global supply of industrial fuels tightens.
Global surge feeds UAE rates
The UAE’s price increase reflects a broader global surge in fuel costs, driven by supply disruptions and rising crude oil benchmarks.
Oil markets turned volatile in March:
Brent crude surged more than 50% in a single month, briefly nearing $120 per barrel at its peak. Prices have since stabilised around $110–$115—still significantly higher than earlier levels.
In the US, petrol prices have crossed $5 per gallon, rising roughly 25%–30% within weeks.
The primary driver is a supply shock linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around 20% of global oil flows. The resulting strain on supply chains has pushed up both crude and refined fuel prices worldwide.
How UAE prices compare globally
Because the UAE follows a liberalised pricing system, global price movements are reflected relatively quickly at the pump.
Recent international trends show:
- Diesel prices rising over 80% in markets such as the Philippines and Nigeria
- Increases exceeding 50% in countries like Australia
- US petrol prices climbing above $5 per gallon
In contrast, countries with regulated or subsidised fuel—such as Saudi Arabia, India, and China—have seen slower adjustments due to policy controls.
Despite the April hike, UAE fuel prices still sit in the global mid-range, particularly relative to higher-priced, heavily taxed European markets.
Why UAE prices adjust quickly
Fuel prices in the UAE are directly tied to international benchmarks under a system introduced in 2015:
- Prices are reviewed monthly
- Rates reflect global crude and refined fuel averages
- Changes are applied without significant delay
As a result, UAE fuel prices move in step with global oil cycles—rising when markets tighten and easing when they soften.
What happens next
The latest increase follows a period of declining fuel prices through much of 2025, when global oil markets were softer. Prices hit multi-month lows in early 2026 before reversing in March. April’s rise signals the start of a rebound phase, rather than a continuous upward trend.
Looking ahead:
- Oil markets remain volatile amid ongoing supply risks
- Prices have stabilised, but at elevated levels
- Any sustained easing in crude could bring relief in upcoming monthly revisions
For motorists, the key takeaway is that fuel prices in the UAE will continue to track global markets—and can shift quickly if conditions change.
