Motorists in the UAE are in for a jolt this April. In one of the sharpest month-on-month revisions in recent years, petrol and diesel prices have surged dramatically, underscoring how quickly global oil shocks can hit consumers at the pump.
The revised rates, approved by the UAE Fuel Price Committee on March 31, 2026, reflect a steep climb in international crude benchmarks amid escalating geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
New UAE fuel prices effective April 1
Petrol prices have risen sharply across all categories. Super 98 has increased from Dh2.59 to Dh3.39 per litre, while Special 95 has gone up from Dh2.48 to Dh3.28. Similarly, E-Plus 91 now costs Dh3.20 per litre, up from Dh2.40, marking a uniform increase of Dh0.80 across petrol variants.
Diesel, however, has seen a far steeper jump. The price has surged from Dh2.72 to Dh4.69 per litre, reflecting a massive increase of Dh1.97, making it the most significant hike among all fuel types this month.
What’s driving the spike?
The surge is closely tied to global crude oil prices, which have climbed to the $115–$120 per barrel range in recent weeks. Ongoing instability in the Middle East, coupled with fears of supply disruptions along critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, has rattled energy markets.
Refining and transportation costs have also surged, with diesel markets particularly strained worldwide—explaining the outsized increase in UAE diesel prices.
Why prices change so fast in the UAE
Since deregulating fuel prices in 2015, the UAE has adopted a market-linked pricing mechanism. Every month, the Fuel Price Committee adjusts domestic rates based on average global oil and refined fuel prices.
This system ensures transparency, but it also means global volatility is quickly passed on to consumers. April’s hike is a textbook example of that direct linkage.
A sharp turn after stability
For much of 2025 and early 2026, UAE fuel prices remained relatively stable, even dipping during periods of weaker global demand. March hinted at a mild uptick, but April has flipped the trend decisively.
In a single revision cycle, petrol prices have vaulted past Dh3 per litre, marking a sudden and significant shift for consumers and businesses alike.
