UAE Announces Higher Petrol Prices for August 2026

UAE petrol prices are set to rise again in August 2026, with the government slated to announce new rates for gasoline and diesel across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates later this week.

Recent price trajectory shows sharp climbs

After a modest drop in July, fuel costs have been climbing steadily since April, reflecting volatility in global oil markets that analysts tie to the ongoing US‑Israeli conflict with Iran. The July figures show E‑Plus 91 at AED 3.21 per litre and diesel at AED 3.60, up from AED 2.34 and AED 2.55 respectively in January 2025.

Special 95 and Super 98 have followed a similar pattern, moving from AED 2.42 and AED 2.53 at the start of the year to AED 3.29 and AED 3.40 per litre in July. The data reveal increases of AED 0.87 per litre for the three gasoline grades, while diesel jumped AED 1.05 per litre.

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Comparing January 2026 with July 2026, the percentage rises are notable: E‑Plus 91 up 37.2 %, Special 95 up 36.0 %, Super 98 up 34.4 % and diesel up 41.2 %.

How the August rates compare with recent months

From July 1, the cost of filling a typical vehicle will be slightly lower than in June, but still above the levels seen earlier in the year. E‑Plus will drop to that amount from AED 3.76, Special 95 to that amount from AED 3.83, Super 98 to that amount from AED 3.95, and diesel to that amount from AED 4.33.

The June prices, which were the highest of the period, stood at the earlier figures. Those numbers followed a gradual climb that began in March, when E‑Plus was AED 2.40, Special 95 AED 2.48, Super 98 AED 2.59 and diesel AED 2.72 per litre.

While the August announcement is expected to keep the trend upward, the exact numbers have not yet been released. The pattern suggests that diesel will retain the largest percentage increase, given its 41.2 % rise since the start of the year.

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It is worth remembering that the UAE’s Fuel Price Committee froze petrol prices in 2020 amid the COVID‑19 pandemic, a move that temporarily halted any market‑driven adjustments. The freeze was lifted in March 2021 as global crude prices began to climb, restoring the ability of market forces to set local fuel rates.

In the broader context, changes in worldwide crude oil prices continue to exert a strong influence on domestic fuel pricing. When international benchmarks shift, the UAE’s pricing mechanism responds accordingly, leading to the observed fluctuations.

Industry observers will monitor the August announcement closely, as the figures will provide insight into how the UAE balances global market pressures with domestic economic considerations.