Quick Answer: UAE Fuel Prices May 2026
Effective 1 May 2026, UAE fuel prices are:
⛽ Special 95 → Dh3.55/litre
⛽ Super 98 → Dh3.66/litre
⛽ E-Plus 91 → Dh3.48/litre
🚌 Diesel → Dh4.69/litre (unchanged)
Prices apply at every station across all seven UAE emirates. Announced 30 April 2026 by the UAE Fuel Price Committee.
UAE fuel prices for May 2026 are confirmed — announced today, 30 April, effective from tomorrow. For the second consecutive month, every grade at the pump costs more. Special 95 rises to Dh3.55 per litre. Super 98 hits Dh3.66. Diesel holds flat at Dh4.69. Since the Iran war began in February, fuel costs are up 41–72% depending on grade. Here is every number, what it means in dirhams for your monthly budget, and whether relief is coming.
UAE Fuel Prices May 2026 — The Full Table
The UAE Fuel Price Committee — the government body that sets pump rates monthly based on global crude benchmarks — announced the following prices effective 1 May 2026. Prices are identical at every station across all seven emirates.
| ⛽ Fuel Grade | April 2026 | ✅ May 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh3.39/litre | Dh3.66/litre | 📈 +Dh0.27 (+8%) |
| Special 95 ⭐ most common | Dh3.28/litre | Dh3.55/litre | 📈 +Dh0.27 (+8.2%) |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh3.20/litre | Dh3.48/litre | 📈 +Dh0.28 (+8.75%) |
| Diesel | Dh4.69/litre | Dh4.69/litre | ✅ No change |
📌 Which grade does your car need?
Special 95 — most standard cars, crossovers, SUVs
Super 98 — high-performance, luxury, and most European cars
E-Plus 91 — commercial fleets, older vehicles, taxis
Diesel — trucks, buses, some large SUVs
When in doubt, check your fuel cap or car manual.
ℹ️ How does the UAE set fuel prices?
The UAE removed fuel subsidies in August 2015. Since then, the UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews international crude benchmarks — including Brent crude and Murban (the UAE’s own oil grade) — at the end of each month, then sets the retail pump price for the following month. Prices are announced on the last day of the month and take effect on the 1st. Every petrol station in every emirate charges the exact same price — there is no shopping around.
The Real Shock: UAE Fuel Costs Since the Iran War Began
May’s increase does not land in isolation. It follows one of the steepest single-month fuel surges in UAE history. The comparison that matters is not April vs May — it is February vs May.
🟢 February 2026
Dh2.48
Special 95
Pre-war price
🟡 April 2026
Dh3.28
Special 95
+32% in one month
🔴 May 2026
Dh3.55
Special 95
+43% since Feb
| Fuel Grade | February 2026 (pre-war) | May 2026 | Total Rise | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh2.59/litre | Dh3.66/litre | +Dh1.07 | +41.3% |
| Special 95 | Dh2.48/litre | Dh3.55/litre | +Dh1.07 | +43.1% |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh2.40/litre | Dh3.48/litre | +Dh1.08 | +45% |
| Diesel | Dh2.72/litre | Dh4.69/litre | +Dh1.97 | +72.4% |
🔴 UAE fuel prices are up 41–72% since the Iran war began on 28 February 2026. That is the biggest sustained fuel cost increase Dubai residents have faced since the Russia-Ukraine oil shock of 2022.
The surge began when US-Israel strikes on Iran on 28 February triggered the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — the 21-mile-wide channel through which around 20% of the world’s daily oil and LNG supply normally moves. Brent crude rocketed from roughly $68–70 per barrel pre-war to $111–113 per barrel in the weeks leading up to the May announcement. For the full economic context, read our breakdown: UAE Quits OPEC: What It Means for Dubai & You in 2026.
What UAE Fuel Prices Mean for Your Monthly Budget
Per-litre rates are one thing. Real monthly spending is what hits your bank account. The table below uses Special 95 at confirmed May prices, assuming two fill-ups per month — a reasonable baseline for most Dubai residents driving to work and back.
| Driver Type | Feb 2026 Monthly Cost | May 2026 Monthly Cost | Extra Per Month | Extra Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Small sedan — 45L × 2 fills | Dh223 | Dh320 | +Dh97 | +Dh1,164 |
| 🚙 Mid-sedan / crossover — 60L × 2 fills | Dh298 | Dh426 | +Dh128 | +Dh1,536 |
| 🚐 Large SUV — 80L × 2 fills | Dh397 | Dh568 | +Dh171 | +Dh2,052 |
| 🚚 Diesel van / large 4×4 — 90L × 3 fills | Dh734 | Dh1,269 | +Dh535 | +Dh6,420 |
🚨 Diesel drivers are absorbing the sharpest hit. A business owner filling two diesel vans daily is spending over Dh6,400 more per year than in January. That is a real cost-of-doing-business problem — not just a budgeting inconvenience. As we explored in Everyone in Dubai Looks Rich. Most of Them Aren’t., the gap between Dubai’s visible wealth and residents’ actual financial pressure keeps widening.
Month-by-Month: How UAE Fuel Prices Have Moved in 2026
Context matters. Here is the full 2026 price history for Special 95 — the grade most Dubai residents use — so you can see exactly where May sits in the trend.
| Month | Special 95 (Dh/litre) | MoM Change | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 2.48 | — | Stable global markets |
| February 2026 | 2.48 | No change | Pre-war baseline |
| March 2026 | 2.48 | No change | War outbreak 28 Feb — prices lag one month |
| April 2026 | 3.28 | +Dh0.80 (+32%) 🔴 | Strait of Hormuz closure — biggest single-month jump in years |
| May 2026 | 3.55 | +Dh0.27 (+8.2%) 🟡 | Sustained high Brent crude (~$111–113/bbl), stalled ceasefire |
✅ One positive sign: the rate of increase is slowing. April’s +32% shock moderated to +8.2% in May. The worst single-month surge is likely behind us — but the price level remains historically elevated until the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
Why Diesel Held Flat in May
April’s diesel surge — up 72% in a single month, from Dh2.72 to Dh4.69 — was one of the most dramatic fuel price moves in UAE deregulation history. May sees diesel unchanged for the first time since the war began.
| Grade | April MoM Change | May MoM Change | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | +31% | +8% | 🟡 Slowing |
| Special 95 | +32% | +8.2% | 🟡 Slowing |
| E-Plus 91 | +33% | +8.75% | 🟡 Slowing |
| Diesel | +72% | 0% ✅ | 🟢 Stabilised |
Global diesel benchmarks — which track industrial transport and logistics fuel separately from petrol — have partially stabilised as alternative shipping routes absorb some of the Hormuz disruption. The flat reading signals that the worst of the diesel shock is behind us, even as petrol grades continue to inch higher.
The OPEC Exit Factor — What It Means for Future Fuel Prices
Today’s fuel price announcement shares a date with a seismic policy shift: the UAE’s official withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+, effective 1 May 2026. These two events are directly connected.
🔷 The UAE holds 4.85 million barrels per day (bpd) in production capacity. Under OPEC+ quotas, it only produced around 3.4 million bpd — roughly 30% below capacity. As an independent producer from today, that ceiling is gone. Full detail: UAE Quits OPEC: What It Means for Dubai & You in 2026 →
Once the Strait of Hormuz reopens fully and the UAE ramps production, it adds up to 1.6 million bpd of previously constrained supply to global markets. More supply puts downward pressure on Brent crude — and lower Brent feeds directly into UAE fuel prices the following month.
| UAE Supply Increase Scenario | Impact on Brent Crude | Effect on UAE Fuel Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Gradual: 200,000–300,000 bpd | Minimal | Prices stay broadly flat |
| Moderate: 500,000–1,000,000 bpd | Caps further rallies | Fuel prices stabilise or edge down |
| Aggressive: 1,000,000+ bpd | Meaningful downward pressure | Prices fall if demand doesn’t surge to match |
💡 The bottom line: The UAE’s OPEC exit is the most significant structural signal that fuel prices are not on a permanent upward path. This is a war-driven spike in a market that is building toward a post-war supply surge. Prices are high now — but the structural conditions for a reversal are being set today.
What to Expect for UAE Fuel Prices in June 2026
The June fuel price announcement is due on 31 May 2026, effective 1 June. The committee uses May’s average Brent crude to set June prices — here is what the key variables look like right now.
| Variable | Current Status | Impact on June Fuel Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Brent crude average | ~$111–113/barrel | 🔴 Elevated baseline carries into June |
| Strait of Hormuz | Partially constrained | 🟢 Full reopening = strong downward force |
| US–Iran ceasefire talks | Ongoing, unresolved | 🟡 Deal = prices fall; no deal = prices hold |
| UAE production ramp (post-OPEC) | Early stage | 🟡 Meaningful market impact likely Q3 2026 |
The single most deflationary event for UAE fuel prices is a Strait of Hormuz reopening agreement. Everything else follows from that. Until Hormuz is fully open and UAE supply restores to full capacity, the elevated price environment persists.
5 Ways Dubai Drivers Are Cutting Fuel Costs Right Now
You cannot control the pump price. You can control how much you burn. These are the five practical moves Dubai residents are actually making.
- 🚇 Switch to metro for weekday commutes — the Dubai Metro Gold Line is coming in 2032, but the Red and Green lines cover most of the core right now. Off-peak metro is faster than Sheikh Zayed Road gridlock at these fuel prices.
- 🔄 Consolidate errands into one circular trip — multiple return journeys burn significantly more fuel than a single planned route. Plan your week, not your day.
- 🌡️ Pre-cool your car in shade before switching on full AC — AC load at startup in direct Dubai sun burns disproportionately more fuel. Two minutes in shade before you start can make a measurable difference.
- 📉 Drive 100–110 km/h on highways, not 120+ — aerodynamic drag rises sharply above 100 km/h. Fuel consumption at 120 km/h is roughly 20% higher than at 100 km/h. Use cruise control.
- ⚡ Model the EV switch seriously — at DEWA’s Dh0.44/kWh home charging rate, filling the equivalent of a 60-litre petrol tank costs around Dh35–40 in electricity. The same fill at Special 95 now costs Dh213. The payback maths have changed significantly since January.
Frequently Asked Questions: UAE Fuel Prices May 2026
These questions match the exact terms people search — and the answers LLMs, AI Overviews and voice assistants pull to respond to those queries.
What are the UAE fuel prices for May 2026?
UAE fuel prices for May 2026 are: Special 95 — Dh3.55/litre, Super 98 — Dh3.66/litre, E-Plus 91 — Dh3.48/litre. Diesel is unchanged at Dh4.69/litre. All prices effective 1 May 2026 across all seven UAE emirates.
What is the Special 95 petrol price in UAE for May 2026?
Special 95 costs Dh3.55 per litre in May 2026, up from Dh3.28 in April. It is the most widely used grade, suitable for the majority of standard cars, SUVs and crossovers in the UAE.
What is the Super 98 petrol price in UAE for May 2026?
Super 98 costs Dh3.66 per litre in May 2026, up from Dh3.39 in April. It is recommended for high-performance engines, luxury vehicles and most European cars including German and Italian models.
What is the diesel price in UAE for May 2026?
Diesel is unchanged at Dh4.69 per litre in May 2026 — the same rate as April. This is the first month diesel has not increased since the start of the Iran war in late February 2026.
What is the E-Plus 91 petrol price in UAE for May 2026?
E-Plus 91 costs Dh3.48 per litre in May 2026, up from Dh3.20 in April. It is mainly used by commercial fleets, taxis, buses and older standard-specification vehicles.
Why did UAE fuel prices go up again in May 2026?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee cited stalled progress toward ending the Middle East conflict as the primary driver. Brent crude averaged approximately $99–107 per barrel in April 2026, well above the pre-war level of $68–70. The partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to restrict global oil supply and keeps fuel prices elevated.
Are UAE fuel prices the same in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah?
Yes. UAE fuel prices are set nationally and are identical at every petrol station across all seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. There is no difference between ADNOC, ENOC or EPPCO stations for the same grade.
When will UAE fuel prices go down?
The key trigger for a meaningful reduction in UAE fuel prices is a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Once the strait is operational and the UAE ramps production — now unrestricted after the OPEC exit effective 1 May 2026 — global supply increases and Brent crude falls. A US–Iran ceasefire or peace deal is the most immediate catalyst. Analysts estimate meaningful downward movement is possible by Q3 2026 if a deal holds.
How much have UAE fuel prices increased in 2026?
From January to May 2026, Special 95 has risen from Dh2.48 to Dh3.55 per litre — an increase of Dh1.07, or 43.1%. Diesel has risen from Dh2.72 to Dh4.69 per litre — an increase of 72.4% — the largest sustained fuel cost increase in the UAE since the 2022 Russia-Ukraine oil shock.
📚 More on DubaiFastLiving
- 🛢️ UAE Quits OPEC: What It Means for Dubai & You in 2026 — why the UAE left OPEC today and what it means for your wallet long-term
- ⛽ UAE Fuel Prices May 2026: Relief Unlikely, What To Expect — the pre-announcement analysis, now confirmed by today’s numbers
- 🏠 Dubai Home Prices Decline for the First Time Since Pandemic — how the broader cost-of-living picture is shifting
- 🚇 Dubai Metro Gold Line Map: All About the AED 34B Route — the future of commuting in Dubai, and why it matters for your fuel bill
- 💰 Everyone in Dubai Looks Rich. Most of Them Aren’t. — the real financial pressure behind the lifestyle
Source: Khaleej Times — UAE Petrol and Diesel Prices for May 2026. Prices confirmed 30 April 2026, effective 1 May 2026.
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