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2026, Dubai, Oil and Gas

UAE Fuel Prices April 2026: How Much Could Petrol Cost After Brent’s 54% Surge?

UAE April 2026 fuel prices announced March 31. Brent oil up 54% to $112. Petrol could reach Dh3.70/litre. Current prices, forecast, and how to prepare.

Vadim Kouznetsov

24th Mar 2026

5–7 minutes

April 2026, Brent crude, diesel UAE, fuel forecast, Oil Prices, petrol prices, Strait of Hormuz, Super 98, UAE fuel prices

The UAE will announce April 2026 petrol prices on March 31. With Brent oil jumping 54% in three weeks — from $72.87 to $112.19 a barrel — due to the US-Israel-Iran war, UAE drivers should prepare for a significant price increase at the pump.

Oil prices are now trading close to levels last seen during the Russia-Ukraine war, when UAE fuel prices hit an all-time high of Dh4 per litre.

Line chart showing Brent crude oil price surge from $72.87 to over $112 per barrel in three weeks of March 2026, approaching 2022 Russia-Ukraine war peak levels

What Are the Current UAE Fuel Prices (March 2026)?

The UAE already increased fuel prices in March 2026 by approximately Dh0.14 per litre to reflect rising global rates:

Fuel Type	March 2026 Price	February 2026 Price	Change
Super 98	Dh2.59/litre	Dh2.45/litre	+Dh0.14
Special 95	Dh2.48/litre	Dh2.33/litre	+Dh0.15
E-Plus 91	Dh2.40/litre	Dh2.26/litre	+Dh0.14
Diesel	Dh2.72/litre	Dh2.52/litre	+Dh0.20

These March prices already reflected the early stages of the oil price rally. April is expected to bring a far larger increase.

Why Are Fuel Prices Expected to Jump in April?

The numbers tell a stark story. Brent crude has surged 54% in just three weeks of March:

End of February: $72.87 per barrel
March 20 close: $112.19 per barrel
March high: Over $118 per barrel
Average Brent in March (first 3 weeks): Over $92 per barrel
Average Brent in February: $68.92 per barrel

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran — which began on February 28 — has been the primary driver. The situation worsened significantly when the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed to oil tankers. Roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply passes through the Strait.

Additional factors pushing prices higher include strikes on energy infrastructure in Iran and Qatar, creating further supply concerns.

How High Could UAE Petrol Prices Go in April 2026?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee bases monthly rates on average global oil prices. With the March average Brent price sitting at over $92 — compared to $68.92 in February — the gap is substantial.

For context, here’s what happened during the last comparable oil price spike:

Russia-Ukraine war comparison (2022):

Brent reached approximately $125 per barrel
UAE Super 98 jumped to Dh3.74/litre in April 2022
Special 95 rose to Dh3.62/litre
Prices crossed Dh4/litre for the first time in June 2022

Current Brent prices ($112-118) are approaching those 2022 levels. If the average holds through March, UAE fuel prices in April could see the largest single-month increase since 2022.

A rough projection based on the oil price trajectory suggests Super 98 could potentially reach Dh3.20-3.70 per litre in April, though the exact figure depends on how oil prices move in the final days of March and the Fuel Price Committee’s calculations.

When Will April 2026 Fuel Prices Be Announced?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee will announce official April rates on March 31, 2026. New prices take effect from April 1 at all petrol stations across the UAE (ADNOC, ENOC, EPPCO, Emarat).

The committee reviews global oil price averages, currency exchange rates, and distribution costs to determine local rates. This month’s calculation will reflect the unprecedented March oil price volatility driven by the regional conflict.

What Is Driving Oil Prices So High?

Several factors have converged to push Brent crude above $110:

Strait of Hormuz disruption — Iran has effectively closed the strait to commercial shipping during the war. This waterway handles approximately 20% of global daily oil supply. The blockage has created immediate supply shortages worldwide.

Energy infrastructure strikes — Warring parties have targeted energy facilities in Iran and Qatar, raising concerns about long-term supply capacity.

Strategic reserve releases — The International Energy Agency has released strategic oil reserves to stabilise markets, but the effect has been limited given the scale of the supply disruption.

Global fuel price increases — Many countries have already raised domestic petrol prices. Nepal, the Philippines, and multiple Asian nations have implemented emergency price hikes or suspended fuel taxes.

Oil prices rose further on Monday morning as the regional military conflict continued to escalate.

How Can UAE Drivers Prepare for Higher Fuel Costs?

With a significant price increase expected:

Fill up before April 1 — Lock in March prices while they remain lower
Review your monthly budget — Factor in potentially 30-50% higher fuel costs compared to February levels
Consider fuel-efficient driving habits — Smooth acceleration, maintaining tyre pressure, and reducing unnecessary trips can meaningfully reduce consumption
Check your fuel grade requirements — E-Plus 91 remains the cheapest option. Verify whether your vehicle can run on a lower octane grade by checking the owner’s manual
Track the announcement on March 31 — The Fuel Price Committee publishes official rates on the last day of each month

For those weighing longer-term options, the UAE car market in 2025 saw significant price drops with 0% financing available — and fuel-efficient or electric vehicles may become increasingly attractive as petrol costs rise.

Key Takeaway

UAE fuel prices for April 2026 are expected to see a major increase when announced on March 31. Brent crude has surged 54% in three weeks to over $112 per barrel — approaching Russia-Ukraine war levels when UAE petrol hit Dh4/litre. Current March prices (Super 98 at Dh2.59) could jump significantly, with projections suggesting prices may reach Dh3.20-3.70 per litre depending on final March averages. Drivers should fill up before April 1 and budget for substantially higher fuel costs.

FAQ

When will UAE April 2026 fuel prices be announced?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee will announce April rates on March 31, 2026. New prices take effect from April 1 at all petrol stations across the UAE.

How much could petrol prices increase in April 2026?

Based on the Brent crude average exceeding $92 per barrel in March (compared to $68.92 in February), a significant increase is expected. During the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war when oil hit similar levels, UAE petrol reached Dh3.74/litre and eventually crossed Dh4/litre.

Why are oil prices rising so sharply?

The US-Israel-Iran war, which began February 28, has pushed Brent crude from $72.87 to over $112 per barrel. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — which handles 20% of global daily oil supply — is the primary factor, compounded by strikes on energy infrastructure.

Should I fill up my car before April 1?

Yes. March prices are significantly lower than what April rates are expected to be. Filling up before the new rates take effect on April 1 will save you money on at least one tank.

What was the highest UAE petrol price ever?

UAE petrol prices crossed Dh4 per litre for the first time in June 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine war, when Brent crude reached approximately $125 per barrel. Current prices are approaching those levels.

Are other countries also increasing fuel prices?

Yes. Multiple countries have already raised domestic fuel prices or taken emergency measures. Nepal has hiked petroleum prices, the Philippines has moved to suspend fuel tax collection, and strategic oil reserves have been released across Asia, Europe, and North America.