Kamal Ghorui
Fuel prices in the UAE are expected to increase for April 2026, tracking a sharp rise in global crude oil markets where prices have climbed close to $115 per barrel in recent weeks.The monthly revision, overseen by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, links domestic fuel rates directly to international benchmarks. As a result, sustained strength in oil markets through March is likely to push petrol and diesel prices higher when the new rates are announced.Since the UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015, adjustments have closely mirrored global trends, making international crude movements the single biggest factor influencing what motorists pay at the pump.
Previous UAE fuel prices
Looking at recent data, UAE fuel prices have already been on a gradual rise:
- Super 98 petrol: Approx. Dh3.03 per litre
- Special 95 petrol: Approx. Dh2.92 per litre
- E-Plus 91 petrol: Approx. Dh2.85 per litre
- Diesel: Around Dh3.16 per litre
These March prices marked a slight increase compared to February, reflecting the early stages of the global oil rally. Analysts say the April revision could extend this trend further if crude prices remain elevated through the pricing cut-off period.
Global crude near $115
The surge in oil prices is driven by tightening supply conditions and steady global demand. Production discipline among major exporters, particularly within the OPEC+ grouping, has kept output in check even as consumption rebounds across key economies.At the same time, geopolitical tensions in critical energy corridors have added a layer of uncertainty, supporting higher prices. Strong demand from Asian markets and post-winter recovery trends have further tightened the balance between supply and consumption.As Brent crude trades near the $115 mark, the cost of refining and distributing fuel increases, which ultimately feeds into retail pricing in markets like the UAE.
How does the UAE set monthly fuel prices?
Fuel prices in the UAE are determined through a structured mechanism that takes into account the average global oil price over the month, along with refining costs and distribution margins. The UAE Fuel Price Committee announces the revised rates at the end of each month, with new prices coming into effect from the first day of the following month.This system ensures transparency but also means that domestic fuel rates respond quickly to shifts in global oil markets, whether upward or downward.An increase in fuel prices in April could lead to a gradual rise in residents’ day-to-day expenses. Higher petrol and diesel rates typically translate into increased commuting costs and can also push up transportation and delivery charges.Businesses that rely heavily on logistics may feel the pressure more acutely, especially if elevated fuel costs persist over multiple months. However, despite these increases, fuel prices in the UAE remain comparatively lower than in many global markets due to minimal taxation and strong domestic supply infrastructure.
Final April prices
The final fuel prices for April 2026 will depend on how crude oil performs in the closing days of March. If prices continue to hover around or above $110–$115 per barrel, an increase in UAE fuel rates appears highly likely.However, any late correction in global oil markets could moderate the scale of the hike. For now, the broader trend suggests that motorists should prepare for slightly higher prices at the pump in April.
