Dubai: Motorists across the UAE are experiencing a sharp spike in fuel prices this April, as global energy costs continue to climb. Prices have increased significantly month-on-month, with rises ranging from around 31% to over 70%.
Effective April 1, updated fuel rates are:
- Super 98: Dh3.39 per litre (previously Dh2.59)
- Special 95: Dh3.28 (previously Dh2.48)
- E-Plus 91: Dh3.20 (previously Dh2.40)
- Diesel: Dh4.69 (previously Dh2.72)
In real terms, petrol prices have jumped by nearly 80 fils per litre, while diesel has surged by close to Dh2 per litre—making this one of the steepest monthly increases in recent years.
The year-on-year comparison is equally notable. Compared to April 2025, petrol prices are now approximately 30% to 35% higher, while diesel has surged by nearly 80%. This sharp rise highlights how rapidly global fuel markets have shifted, driven by tightening supply and ongoing geopolitical pressures.
What a Full Tank Now Costs
The impact of rising fuel prices becomes clear the moment you refuel.
For a typical 60-litre sedan using Special 95:
- March: Dh148
- April: Dh196
- Increase: Dh48 per tank
For a larger 80-litre SUV or 4×4:
- March: Dh198
- April: Dh262
- Increase: Dh64 per tank
For drivers refueling twice a week, this translates to an additional monthly cost of roughly Dh380 to Dh500, depending on vehicle size and driving habits.
Diesel users—particularly in transport, logistics, and heavy-duty operations—are facing even greater cost pressure. This reflects the tighter global supply of industrial fuels, which continues to push operating expenses higher across multiple sectors.
Global Surge Drives UAE Fuel Prices
The recent spike in UAE fuel prices reflects a broader global trend, as energy markets react to supply disruptions and rising crude oil benchmarks.
Oil markets became highly volatile in March, with Brent crude jumping by more than 50% within a single month, briefly approaching $120 per barrel. Although prices have since stabilized in the $110–$115 range, they remain significantly higher than earlier levels. In the United States, petrol prices have also surged, crossing $5 per gallon—an increase of roughly 25% to 30% in just a few weeks.
A major factor behind this surge is the supply shock linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that handles a substantial share of global oil shipments. With supply chains under pressure, both crude oil and refined fuel prices have risen sharply worldwide.
How UAE Prices Compare Globally
The UAE’s fuel pricing system, which is market-linked, allows global price movements to pass through relatively quickly to consumers. As a result, local fuel prices tend to adjust faster compared to countries with heavy regulation or subsidies.
Across global markets, the trend is similar but varies in intensity. Diesel prices have surged dramatically in several regions, while petrol prices have climbed steadily in major economies. In contrast, countries that maintain price controls—such as Saudi Arabia, India, and China—have experienced slower and more gradual increases due to government intervention.
Overall, the UAE remains closely aligned with international energy trends, making it more responsive to global supply shifts but also more exposed to sudden price fluctuations.
UAE Petrol Prices – April 2026
Fuel prices in the UAE have risen sharply compared to last month, reflecting global energy market trends. The updated rates are:
- Super 98 Petrol: Dh3.39 per litre (previously Dh2.59)
- Special 95 Petrol: Dh3.28 per litre (previously Dh2.48)
- E-Plus 91 Petrol: Dh3.20 per litre (previously Dh2.40)
- Diesel: Dh4.69 per litre (previously Dh2.72)
These increases highlight the growing pressure from rising crude oil costs and tightening global fuel supply.
Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.