UAE Fuel Prices for October 2026: Will Petrol and Diesel Costs Rise Again?
By Thasmiya
UAE motorists could face another increase in petrol and diesel prices in **October 2026**, as global oil markets remain elevated heading into the final week of September.
However, October’s official rates have **not yet been announced**, and any specific price at this stage would only be an estimate. The UAE Fuel Price Committee normally confirms the following month’s rates near the end of the current month.
For now, motorists are paying September prices that are already considerably higher than they were during the summer.
## **What are the current UAE fuel prices?**
The UAE Fuel Price Committee increased petrol and diesel prices for September 2026.
Current rates are:
**Super 98:** AED 3.80 per litre
**Special 95:** AED 3.69 per litre
**E-Plus 91:** AED 3.61 per litre
**Diesel:** AED 4.30 per litre
The official Emirates News Agency confirmed that September petrol prices were adjusted by roughly 5.6% to 5.9%, under the UAE’s monthly pricing mechanism.
## **How much did prices increase in September?**
September marked another expensive month for motorists.
Super 98 increased from AED 3.60 to AED 3.80 per litre.
Special 95 increased from AED 3.49 to AED 3.69.
E-Plus 91 increased from AED 3.41 to AED 3.61.
Diesel recorded the biggest jump, rising from **AED 3.80 to AED 4.30 per litre**.
That means petrol increased by 20 fils per litre across the three grades, while diesel increased by 50 fils.
## **Could UAE petrol prices rise again in October?**
Current oil-market conditions suggest there is **upward pressure**, but an October increase is not guaranteed.
Brent crude climbed to around **$101.52 per barrel on September 23**, after briefly falling below $99 earlier in the session. Gulf News notes that Brent is roughly 41% above levels seen in late February and recently approached $110 amid concerns about Middle East energy supplies.
These elevated September oil prices are significant because UAE retail fuel rates track movements in global energy markets.
## **Why are global oil prices so high?**
Geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions continue to affect energy markets.
Oil prices have been particularly sensitive to developments involving Iran, regional energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz.
On September 22, Brent was trading around $100 per barrel as markets continued assessing the risk of further Middle East supply disruptions.
Earlier in September, Brent had moved above $104 amid concerns over attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and restrictions affecting regional crude flows.
## **Diesel could remain under particular pressure**
Diesel is another major concern heading into October.
Global diesel supplies are unusually tight, with disruptions affecting exports from the Middle East and Russia. Reuters reported this week that diesel inventories in several major markets remain extremely low and that the global shortage could persist into 2027.
That does not automatically mean UAE diesel will increase in October, but it gives the Fuel Price Committee another volatile international market to consider.
September diesel is already priced at **AED 4.30 per litre**, compared with AED 3.80 in August.
## **Could prices still fall?**
Yes.
Oil prices have been highly volatile rather than moving consistently higher.
Brent recently dropped from above $104 to below $100 before moving back above the $100 mark. Improving oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz or other regional supply improvements could reduce some of the pressure on crude prices.
This is why it is too early to say definitively whether UAE motorists will pay more in October.
## **How does the UAE decide petrol prices?**
The UAE has used a market-linked fuel pricing system since 2015.
The Fuel Price Committee reviews rates every month, taking international energy-market movements into account before announcing the prices motorists will pay during the following month.
The same monthly prices apply across the UAE.
September’s official announcement specifically said the rates were set under a mechanism that tracks movements in global energy prices and reflects changes in the domestic market.
## **When will October 2026 UAE fuel prices be announced?**
The official October petrol and diesel rates are expected to be announced **towards the end of September**, before taking effect on **October 1, 2026**.
Until the Fuel Price Committee releases the figures, any October price circulating online should be treated as a forecast rather than an official rate.
## **How expensive has fuel become in 2026?**
Fuel prices have changed significantly throughout the year.
For comparison, Super 98 was AED 2.45 per litre in February before climbing to AED 3.95 in June. It subsequently dropped to AED 3.40 in July before increasing again in August and September.
Special 95 moved from AED 2.33 in February to AED 3.83 in June and currently stands at AED 3.69.
Diesel has been even more volatile, rising from AED 2.52 in February to AED 4.69 during April and May before falling and subsequently climbing back to AED 4.30 in September.
## **What an increase would mean for motorists**
Even a relatively small increase can become noticeable for residents who drive long distances every day.
An additional 10 fils per litre would add AED 5 to the cost of filling a 50-litre tank from empty.
For motorists commuting between emirates, taxi and delivery operators, logistics companies and businesses running large fleets, repeated increases can have a much greater monthly impact.
## **Should you fill your tank before October?**
There is currently no confirmed October price increase, so motorists should not treat forecasts as an official announcement.
Those who already need fuel near the end of September may choose to fill up before October 1, but making an unnecessary trip simply because prices *might* increase could eliminate much of the potential saving.
The official announcement will provide a clearer picture.
## **Why this matters**
October could become another expensive month at UAE petrol stations if global oil prices remain elevated.
Brent crude trading around $100 per barrel and tight global diesel supplies are creating upward pressure, but improving regional supply conditions could still change the picture before the UAE Fuel Price Committee finalises its decision.
For now, the key message for UAE motorists is simple: **an October increase is possible, but it has not been confirmed.**
The official petrol and diesel prices should be watched closely as September comes to an end.
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