UAE petrol and diesel prices for October 2026 have been announced, with motorists facing a significant increase across every fuel grade from 1 October.
The UAE Gasoline and Diesel Prices Follow-up Committee has set Super 98 at AED 4.40 per litre, Special 95 at AED 4.28, E-Plus 91 at AED 4.21 and diesel at AED 4.80.
The new rates represent a noticeable jump from September and will increase monthly running costs for drivers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the rest of the UAE.
UAE petrol and diesel prices for October 2026
All three petrol grades have moved above AED 4 per litre in October, while diesel has climbed to AED 4.80 per litre.
The confirmed October fuel prices are:
Super 98: AED 4.40 per litre, up from AED 3.80 in September.
Special 95: AED 4.28 per litre, up from AED 3.69.
E-Plus 91: AED 4.21 per litre, up from AED 3.61.
Diesel: AED 4.80 per litre, up from AED 4.30.
The new prices took effect across the UAE from 1 October 2026.
October brings a sharp rise in UAE fuel costs
Compared with September, petrol prices have increased by between 59 and 60 fils per litre depending on the grade. Diesel has risen by 50 fils per litre.
The month-on-month increases are approximately:
Super 98: up 15.8%.
Special 95: up 16%.
E-Plus 91: up 16.6%.
Diesel: up 11.6%.
The increase pushes UAE petrol prices to their highest levels in more than four years.
For drivers who cover long distances every day, the change will be more noticeable because the higher price applies to every litre purchased throughout October.
How much more will UAE drivers pay for a full tank?
The actual increase depends on the size of the vehicle's fuel tank and the grade of petrol used.
Drivers of compact cars will pay more at each visit to the petrol station, while owners of larger SUVs and performance cars will see a bigger difference because of their larger tanks.
Compact cars face around AED 30 more per tank
Using a 51-litre tank as an example, a compact car using Special 95 would cost around AED 218.28 to fill from empty in October.
For the same tank size:
Super 98: AED 224.40.
Special 95: AED 218.28.
E-Plus 91: AED 214.71.
A full tank of Special 95 cost AED 188.19 at September's price, meaning the same fill-up is now around AED 30 more expensive.
Large SUVs will feel the increase more
Large SUVs remain extremely popular across the UAE, particularly among families and drivers travelling longer distances.
Using a 74-litre tank as an example:
Super 98: AED 325.60.
Special 95: AED 316.72.
E-Plus 91: AED 311.54.
A 74-litre tank filled with Super 98 now costs AED 44.40 more than it did under September's fuel price.
For motorists filling up several times every month, that difference can quickly add to overall vehicle running costs.
Why UAE petrol and diesel prices have increased
The UAE has followed a market-linked fuel pricing system since 2015, with petrol and diesel prices reviewed each month.
The country's fuel prices are adjusted in response to movements in international oil and energy markets, along with local market conditions.
October's increase follows continued pressure on global energy prices and comes after UAE fuel prices had already risen in September.
The monthly pricing system means UAE motorists can see both increases and decreases throughout the year depending on international market conditions.
Higher prices matter most for high-mileage drivers
The impact will not be the same for every UAE motorist.
Drivers who use smaller, fuel-efficient cars and cover limited distances may see a relatively modest increase in monthly spending. Those driving large petrol SUVs or covering hundreds of kilometres every week will see a bigger difference.
The groups likely to notice October's increase most include:
Daily commuters: Frequent travel between emirates increases monthly fuel use.
Large SUV owners: Bigger tanks and higher consumption make price increases more noticeable.
Performance car owners: High-output engines often require more fuel and may use Super 98.
Commercial fleets: Higher petrol and diesel prices can increase operating costs across multiple vehicles.
Delivery and transport operators: High monthly mileage makes even small per-litre changes significant.
The increase may also bring fuel economy back into focus for buyers comparing new cars in the UAE.
Fuel economy could matter more to UAE car buyers
Higher petrol prices can make the difference between two otherwise similar cars more noticeable over a full year of ownership.
A buyer comparing a large petrol SUV with a hybrid alternative, for example, may now pay closer attention to official fuel consumption figures and real-world efficiency.
Other ownership factors still matter, including:
Purchase price.
Insurance costs.
Maintenance and servicing.
Depreciation.
Warranty coverage.
Fuel consumption.
Fuel prices can change every month, so buyers should avoid basing an entire vehicle purchase decision on a single month's rates. However, sustained higher prices can make efficiency increasingly relevant.
What UAE drivers should watch in November
The October 2026 fuel prices are confirmed for the month, but there is no confirmed indication yet of whether petrol and diesel will rise, fall or remain stable in November.
The next adjustment will depend on international energy market movements and the UAE Fuel Price Committee's next monthly review.
For October, however, motorists will be paying considerably more at the pump than they did in September, with large SUV owners, frequent commuters and high-mileage drivers facing the biggest increase in overall fuel spending.
