UAE Petrol Prices May 2026: UAE announces petrol, diesel prices for May 2026 as fuel rates rise by up to 10% across the emirate. world News
Motorists in the UAE are set to pay more at the pump again in May 2026, after authorities announced another hike in the price of petrol, extending a months-long upward trend due to global oil market volatility, geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. The latest revision follows a sharp rise already seen in April, with fuel prices now reaching the highest level recorded in recent years.The UAE’s Fuel Pricing Committee revised rates for all major petrol categories, while diesel prices remained high. From May 1, Super 98 petrol will cost Dh3.66 per litre, up from Dh3.39 in April. Special 95 has increased from Dh3.28 to Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 has increased to Dh3.48 per litre. Diesel remains at Dh4.69 per litre.The increase means motorists will spend more every time they refuel. Filling up a compact car with Super 98 will now cost around Dh186.66, while SUV owners may have to pay more than Dh270 for a full tank, depending on the vehicle size and fuel type.
UAE fuel prices for May 2026
The revision in May is the third consecutive increase in fuel prices this year, following earlier hikes in March and April.
| fuel grade | April 2026 price (per litre) | May 2026 Price (per litre) | Change (per litre) |
| super 98 | Dh3.39 | Dh3.66 | +Dh0.27 |
| special 95 | Dh3.28 | Dh3.55 | +Dh0.27 |
| e-plus 91 | Dh3.20 | Dh3.48 | +Dh0.28 |
| diesel | Dh4.69 | Dh4.69 | no change |
Just a few weeks earlier, April prices had already increased dramatically after global crude oil prices soared amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. In April, Super 98 rose from Dh2.59 to Dh3.39 per litre, one of the sharpest month-on-month increases in recent memory.Earlier, March prices had already reversed two months of decline, signaling the beginning of a fresh rise in UAE fuel costs.
How much would you pay for a full tank?
The latest increase will immediately impact daily commute costs for residents and businesses.According to estimates published after the announcement:
- Compact cars will cost about Dh13 to Dh20 more to fill up compared to April
- Sedan owners’ fuel bills will increase by about Dh17 on average
- The SUV may cost around Dh20 more per tank, depending on the fuel category
If high fuel prices persist in the coming months, businesses dependent on transportation and logistics may also feel the pressure. Delivery services, freight operators and ride-hailing sectors are expected to face rising operating costs as fuel expenses remain high.Yet, despite the growth, fuel prices in the UAE remain low compared to many global markets due to comparatively low taxes and the country’s strong domestic energy infrastructure.
Why are fuel prices increasing in UAE?
The latest increase is closely linked to fluctuations in international crude oil markets. Since the UAE deregulated petrol prices in 2015, monthly retail fuel prices have been directly linked to global oil benchmarks, refining costs and supply-demand conditions.Oil markets remained volatile throughout 2026 due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Analysts cite tensions related to Iran, fears over the Strait of Hormuz and disruption in regional energy infrastructure as the main reasons behind the high crude oil prices.At one stage during March, Brent crude reportedly neared $115 a barrel as fears grew of supply disruptions on key oil shipping routes. Nearly one-fifth of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making any instability in the region a major concern for energy markets around the world.Analysts also say that prices remain under pressure due to strong demand from Asian markets and tight global supply conditions. Even though UAE has announced its exit from OPEC And from OPEC+ May 1, experts believe domestic fuel prices will still largely follow global crude trends rather than local production decisions alone.