The UAE Ministry of Energy sets fuel prices on the last day of each month for the following month. Prices are pegged to global crude benchmarks and reviewed monthly by the Fuel Price Committee.
How UAE Fuel Pricing Works
The UAE moved to a market-linked fuel pricing system in August 2015. Prices are calculated using:
- International benchmark: Platts price for the Gulf region
- Distribution costs: Fixed component covering logistics
- VAT: 5% applies to all fuel grades
Grade Guide
| Grade | Octane | Typical Use | |-------|--------|-------------| | Special 95 | RON 95 | Most passenger cars | | Super 98 | RON 98 | Premium cars, recommended by some manufacturers | | Diesel | — | Commercial vehicles, some SUVs |
Year-on-Year Comparison
Fuel prices in 2026 have trended higher than 2025 due to supply constraints and sustained demand from the construction sector.