News · 25 August 2026
Will UAE Petrol Prices Rise in September 2026 as Oil Stays High?
UAE petrol prices for September could rise slightly after Brent crude averaged more in August than in July.
UAE petrol prices for September could rise slightly after Brent crude averaged more in August than in July.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee is expected to announce the official petrol and diesel rates on Monday, August 31. The revised prices will take effect across the country on September 1, 2026.
No September rate has been confirmed. Prices could increase, remain unchanged or fall depending on the committee’s final calculation and movements in global energy markets during the remaining days of August.
Oil traded higher during August
Brent crude recorded an average closing price of about $87.70 per barrel during the first three and a half weeks of August, according to a UAE fuel price analysis. That compared with an average of $83.46 per barrel in July.
On the morning of August 25, Brent was trading at about $91.18 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was near $84.13.
Oil prices have remained sensitive to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions targeting Iran and uncertainty over regional crude exports.
Reports that around 40 tankers moved through the strait on one night, carrying approximately 16 million barrels, provided some short-term supply relief. However, overall flows remained below normal levels.
The United States also announced new pressure on Iran and warned countries that continue certain business relationships with Tehran. The latest developments contributed to volatile oil trading, according to an Associated Press market update.
Current UAE petrol prices for August
The UAE increased every petrol grade by Dh0.20 per litre for August. Diesel also rose by Dh0.20 per litre.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee’s official August rates are:
- Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre
- Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre
- E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre
- Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre
The August increase followed higher global crude prices during July. UAE fuel prices are reviewed monthly to reflect changes in international markets.
Why a September increase is possible
The higher average Brent price creates the possibility of another upward adjustment in September. However, it does not guarantee one.
The size and direction of the change may depend on the final August average, refined fuel costs, shipping conditions and other components considered by the committee.
Oil could remain supported if sanctions reduce Iranian exports or further restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices could ease if tanker traffic improves, regional tensions decline or more crude reaches the market.
This uncertainty means any estimate published before August 31 should be treated as a forecast rather than an official UAE petrol price.
What a small increase would cost drivers
A minor change can still affect household transport budgets, particularly for drivers with long daily commutes.
For a 50-litre fuel purchase:
- A Dh0.05 increase would add Dh2.50.
- A Dh0.10 increase would add Dh5.
- A Dh0.20 increase would add Dh10.
A driver purchasing 50 litres four times a month would pay an additional Dh20 if the rate increased by Dh0.10 per litre. These examples are illustrations only and are not predictions of the September price.
When will the new prices take effect?
The Fuel Price Committee is expected to publish the September rates on August 31. Petrol stations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates will apply the new prices from September 1.
Drivers planning to refuel near the end of August should wait for the official announcement before deciding whether filling the tank early would offer any saving.