Motorists across the UAE are set to see another increase in petrol prices in May 2026 after authorities announced another hike in petrol prices, continuing a months-long upward trend driven by instability in global oil markets, geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. The latest revision follows a sharp rise in April, with fuel prices now reaching their highest levels in recent years.The UAE Fuel Price Board has revised rates for all major petrol categories, while diesel prices remain higher. From May 1, the price of Super 98 petrol will increase from Dh3.39 to Dh3.66 per liter. Special 95 will go up from Dh3.28 to Dh3.55 per liter, while E-Plus 91 will go up from Dh3.48 to Dh3.48 per liter. Diesel price remains at Dh4.69 per liter.This increase means motorists will spend significantly more each time they fill up. Filling up a compact car with Super 98 now costs around Dh186.66, while SUV owners may have to pay upwards of Dh270 depending on vehicle size and fuel type.
UAE fuel prices in May 2026
May’s adjustment marks the third consecutive increase in fuel prices this year, following earlier increases in March and April.
| fuel grade | April 2026 prices (per liter) | May 2026 prices (per liter) | Change (per liter) |
| Super 98 | DH3.39 | Dirham 3.66 | +Dh0.27 |
| Special 95 | DH3.28 | Dirham 3.55 | +Dh0.27 |
| E plus 91 | Dirham 3.20 | Dirham 3.48 | + AED 0.28 |
| diesel engine | AED 4.69 | AED 4.69 | no change |
Oil prices have already soared in April, just weeks after global crude prices soared as regional tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States escalated. In April, the price of Super 98 jumped from Dh2.59 to Dh3.39 per liter, one of the largest monthly increases in recent times.Prior to this, prices in March had reversed a two-month downward trend, marking the beginning of a new upward trend in fuel costs in the UAE.
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The latest increase will immediately impact the cost of daily commuting for residents and businesses.According to estimates released after the announcement:
- Compact cars cost approximately Dh13 to Dh20 more to refuel compared to April
- Car owners’ fuel bills rise by almost Dh17 on average
- Depending on the fuel category, an SUV may cost around AED 20 more per tank
If fuel prices continue to rise in the coming months, businesses that rely on transportation and logistics may also feel the pinch. Delivery services, freight operators and the ride-hailing industry are expected to face rising operating costs as fuel costs remain high.Still, despite rising prices, fuel prices in the UAE remain lower than in many global markets due to relatively low taxes and the country’s strong domestic energy infrastructure.
Why are fuel prices rising in the UAE?
The recent interest rate hikes are closely related to the trends in the international crude oil market. Since the UAE deregulated gasoline prices in 2015, monthly retail fuel prices have been directly linked to global oil benchmarks, refining costs and supply and demand conditions.Oil markets will continue to be volatile in 2026 due to continued geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Analysts pointed to tensions involving Iran, concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to regional energy infrastructure as the main reasons for higher crude prices.According to reports, Brent crude oil was close to the $115 per barrel mark in March as concerns about supply disruptions on major oil transportation routes grew. About a fifth of the world’s oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and any instability in the region is a major concern for global energy markets.Analysts also said strong demand in Asian markets and tighter global supply conditions have put upward pressure on prices. Although the UAE announced its withdrawal OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1, experts believe domestic fuel prices will still largely follow global crude trends rather than just local production decisions.
