UAE Petrol Prices Jump 16% in October 2026: What a Full Tank Now Costs
Petrol is back above AED 4 a litre for the first time in over 4 years. Here is what a full tank costs in October and how residents can trim their fuel bill.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
The UAE petrol price for October 2026 has risen by about 16% on every grade, taking Super 98 to AED 4.40 a litre from 1 October. The Fuel Price Committee's new rates push petrol above AED 4 for the first time in more than 4 years, so a weekly fill-up now costs most drivers AED 30 to AED 45 more than in September.
Diesel also climbs, by 50 fils to AED 4.80 a litre, which matters for delivery firms, trucks and anyone driving a diesel 4x4.
UAE petrol price October 2026: the new rates
Here is how the committee's October rates compare with September:
- Super 98: AED 4.40 a litre, up from AED 3.80 (+60 fils)
- Special 95: AED 4.28, up from AED 3.69 (+59 fils)
- E-Plus 91: AED 4.21, up from AED 3.61 (+60 fils)
- Diesel: AED 4.80, up from AED 4.30 (+50 fils)
This is the third monthly rise in a row, after a dip in July that followed four straight increases. Khaleej Times reports that retail fuel prices are now more than 60% higher than before the regional conflict that began in late February, with Brent crude trading around USD 100 a barrel or more in September.
The last time UAE petrol cost this much was mid-2022, when Super 98 peaked at AED 4.63 in July of that year. If you followed our July 2026 fuel price breakdown, you will notice how quickly the summer relief has disappeared.
What a full tank costs in October
We used typical tank sizes: 51 litres for a small hatchback, 62 for a mid-size sedan and 74 for an SUV.
| Car and grade | October | September | Extra per fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small car, Super 98 | AED 224.40 | AED 193.80 | AED 30.60 |
| Small car, Special 95 | AED 218.28 | AED 188.19 | AED 30.09 |
| Small car, E-Plus 91 | AED 214.71 | AED 184.11 | AED 30.60 |
| Sedan, Super 98 | AED 272.80 | AED 235.60 | AED 37.20 |
| Sedan, Special 95 | AED 265.36 | AED 228.78 | AED 36.58 |
| Sedan, E-Plus 91 | AED 261.02 | AED 223.82 | AED 37.20 |
| SUV, Super 98 | AED 325.60 | AED 281.20 | AED 44.40 |
| SUV, Special 95 | AED 316.72 | AED 273.06 | AED 43.66 |
| SUV, E-Plus 91 | AED 311.54 | AED 267.14 | AED 44.40 |
A sedan driver who fills up with Special 95 once a week will spend roughly AED 146 more over 4 weeks than in September. For an SUV on Super 98, that gap is closer to AED 178.
How to cut your fuel spend this month
A few changes that work for UAE commuters:
- Try Etihad Rail for intercity trips. Passenger services linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah started on 30 September, with Comfort fares from AED 39. The Dubai station connects to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro by a footbridge, so you can leave the car at home for a day in the capital. Our guide to Etihad Rail's first passenger routes covers the network.
- Use the Metro and buses with a Nol card. Even 2 or 3 car-free commutes a week make a dent for long-distance drivers.
- Carpool with colleagues. Splitting a daily Sharjah to Dubai run between 3 people cuts each person's fuel bill by roughly two thirds.
- Check whether your car needs Super 98. Many everyday models run fine on Special 95 or E-Plus 91, saving 12 to 19 fils a litre. Your owner's manual will say.
- Collect loyalty points. ADNOC Rewards and ENOC's YES programme both give points on fuel, which can be redeemed for fuel, car washes or shop items.
- Drive smoother. Gentle acceleration and correct tyre pressure help. More ideas: how UAE drivers are cutting fuel costs.
If your commute eats too much of your salary, a job closer to home may be the biggest saving: browse live UAE jobs by location.
Key takeaway
October's 16% petrol rise puts Super 98 at AED 4.40 a litre, the highest since 2022. A full tank now costs AED 214.71 to AED 325.60 depending on your car and grade, so it is a good month to test the new rail link, share rides and check whether you really need premium fuel.
FAQ
What is the UAE petrol price for October 2026?
Super 98 costs AED 4.40 a litre, Special 95 AED 4.28 and E-Plus 91 AED 4.21. Diesel is AED 4.80. The rates apply from 1 October to 31 October 2026.
Why did petrol prices go up in October 2026?
UAE retail fuel prices track global oil prices, which stayed high through September, with Brent crude around USD 100 a barrel or above. The committee resets prices monthly, so a fall in crude would show up in a later month.
How much does it cost to fill a car in the UAE now?
A typical 62-litre sedan costs AED 265.36 to fill with Special 95 in October, a 51-litre small car AED 218.28 and a 74-litre SUV AED 316.72. Super 98 adds a few dirhams more per fill.
When will November 2026 fuel prices be announced?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee usually announces the next month's rates on the last day of the month. November prices are expected on 31 October.
Further reading
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