Fresh petrol prices for May 2026 are expected to be announced across the UAE next week.
Fuel rates surged significantly in April, reflecting movements in global oil markets, which have been heavily affected by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
While petrol and diesel costs declined in January and February, March recorded a slight uptick, closing the first quarter on a marginally higher note.
April, however, brought steep increases, pushing up fuel expenses considerably across all categories at the pump.
At present, retailers are charging AED3.20 per litre for E-Plus 91 and AED4.69 per litre for diesel in April 2026.
These figures mark a notable rise from December 2025 levels, when prices stood at AED2.51 and AED2.85, respectively.
Fuel rates for May 2026 in the UAE
Special 95 and Super 98 have also climbed sharply compared to late last year, rising from AED2.58 to AED3.28 per litre and from AED2.70 to AED3.39 per litre, respectively.
Since April, fuel prices in the UAE have been set at:
E-Plus: AED3.20 per litre, up from AED2.40 in March
Special 95: AED3.28 per litre, up from AED2.48 in March
Super 98: AED3.39 per litre, up from AED2.59 in March
Diesel: AED4.69 per litre, up from AED2.72 in March
During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the UAE’s Fuel Price Committee temporarily held petrol prices steady, halting any fluctuations.
By March 2021, as global oil markets began recovering, the government reinstated market-based pricing, allowing fuel rates to adjust in line with international trends.
Additionally, global crude oil movements continue to play a key role in shaping petrol price changes.
