While the Gulf region is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, the prices we pay at the pump are not immune to global disruption. Global oil benchmark prices are surging amid recent shifts in international policy and rising tensions among major energy players. From the boardrooms of Wall Street to the gas stations of Dubai and Doha. For residents of the UAE and wider GCC, this is not just a headline but a direct blow to monthly budgets as regional fuel boards struggle to bring local prices in line with increasingly volatile global markets.
Global oil prices top $150
Oil markets have surged in recent days as rising tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel have raised concerns about supply disruptions across the Middle East. Benchmark Brent crude prices have climbed to near $105 a barrel, rising sharply as traders worry that conflict in the region could affect energy infrastructure and shipping routes.One of the biggest concerns is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow strait through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass every day.Any disruption to tanker traffic on this route could push up oil prices, with knock-on effects on global energy markets.
What is Brent crude oil and why is it important?
Global oil prices are typically measured using Brent crude oil, one of the world’s most widely used crude oil trading benchmarks.Brent represents oil extracted from North Sea fields, but its price has become a reference point for global energy markets. About two-thirds of internationally traded crude oil is priced using the Brent benchmark.Because Brent crude oil reflects global supply and demand, its price directly affects the price at which countries buy refined fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.When Brent crude rises sharply, it often leads to higher fuel prices in many countries, including those that produce their own oil.
Will petrol prices rise in the UAE?
For residents of the United Arab Emirates, rising oil prices could lead to higher costs at the pump.Fuel prices in the UAE have been adjusted monthly since 2015 by the Emirates Fuel Price Committee, which reviews international crude oil prices and refining and distribution costs.As a result of this system, gasoline prices in the UAE generally move in line with global oil markets. If crude oil prices remain high for a few weeks, this increase is usually reflected in next month’s fuel price update.That means motorists across the country are keeping a close eye on the oil market to see if the recent spike in oil prices will affect the next gasoline price announcement.
How much does petrol cost for UAE residents?
Fuel prices in the UAE will fluctuate in 2025 and early 2026 based on global oil trends.Analysts say gasoline prices could rise again in the coming months if oil prices remain above $100 a barrel. Based on previous price patterns, if crude oil prices climb further to $110 to $120 per barrel, gasoline prices in the UAE may rise to Dh3.60 to Dh4 per liter.However, the exact price will depend on several factors, including refining costs, transportation charges and currency fluctuations. With prices reviewed monthly, any sustained spike in the oil market could impact fuel prices in the next pricing cycle.
What about the other Gulf countries?
The impact of rising oil prices is not limited to the United Arab Emirates. Fuel pricing policies vary across the GCC, meaning residents of other Gulf countries may be affected differently.exist Saudi Arabiathe government and state oil giant Saudi Aramco regularly review gasoline prices. Although the country ranks first in oil production in the world, fuel prices are likely to adjust based on global market trends and domestic economic policies.Meanwhile, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain also regularly review gasoline prices; adjustments are often linked to international oil benchmarks such as Brent crude. This means that a prolonged surge in global oil markets could gradually push up fuel prices in these countries.Kuwait’s gasoline prices are more heavily subsidized than some neighboring countries, which helps cushion residents from rapid market swings. However, the continued rise in global crude oil prices may still affect future policy decisions.
Looking to the future
If Brent crude prices remain above $100 a barrel for an extended period, gasoline prices in several Gulf states could gradually rise in the coming months, analysts said. At the same time, rising oil revenues are likely to strengthen government finances across the region.Ultimately, the direction of fuel prices will depend on the evolution of the geopolitical situation, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.Motorists in the UAE and GCC are keeping a close eye on global oil markets as the next move in crude prices could determine how much they pay at the pump in the coming weeks.
