With April 1 fast approaching, UAE drivers want to know one thing: will fuel prices go up or down next month? After a sharp jump in March 2026, global oil markets have pulled back — but prices are still significantly elevated compared to February. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the official announcement on March 31, 2026.
When Will UAE April 2026 Fuel Prices Be Announced?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee will officially announce petrol and diesel rates for April 2026 on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The new prices will take effect the following morning on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, applying at all fuel stations across the country.
This monthly process has been in place since the UAE liberalised its fuel pricing system in 2015, aligning local pump rates with international oil market benchmarks. The announcement is made through the Emirates News Agency and applies nationwide — meaning drivers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the Emirates will all see the same updated rates at the start of each new month.
The government introduced this system with a dual purpose: to reflect global energy market realities more accurately and to encourage residents to explore public transport and alternative fuel options where possible.
What Are the Current UAE Petrol and Diesel Prices in March 2026?
For March 2026, the UAE Fuel Price Committee set the following rates per litre across all fuel grades:
| Fuel Type | March 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh2.59 per litre |
| Special 95 | Dh2.48 per litre |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh2.40 per litre |
| Diesel | Dh2.72 per litre |
These figures represent a notable increase over February 2026 prices, when Super 98 was priced at Dh2.45, Special 95 at Dh2.33, E-Plus 91 at Dh2.26, and diesel at Dh2.52 per litre. The March increase was largely driven by a spike in global crude oil prices fuelled by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
UAE Petrol Price History: January to March 2026
To understand where April prices may land, it helps to look at how 2026 has unfolded so far at the pump:
- January 2026: Super 98 – Dh2.53 | Special 95 – Dh2.42 | E-Plus 91 – Dh2.34 | Diesel – Dh2.55
- February 2026: Super 98 – Dh2.45 | Special 95 – Dh2.33 | E-Plus 91 – Dh2.26 | Diesel – Dh2.52 (prices dipped)
- March 2026: Super 98 – Dh2.59 | Special 95 – Dh2.48 | E-Plus 91 – Dh2.40 | Diesel – Dh2.72 (sharp rise)
The pattern shows that UAE fuel prices have not followed a straight line in 2026. February offered motorists a brief period of relief, but that was quickly reversed in March as global crude oil surged. This kind of month-to-month volatility is a direct consequence of the UAE's market-linked pricing model.
Why Did UAE Petrol Prices Rise So Much in March 2026?
The March spike was driven almost entirely by geopolitical risk in the Middle East. As fears of a wider regional conflict escalated, traders and energy markets began pricing in the possibility of major disruptions to oil supply flows — particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important energy corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil supply, and any sustained disruption there has an outsized impact on international crude prices. During the recent period of elevated tension, the strait reportedly remained largely closed to most commercial shipping, which tightened supply expectations and pushed Brent crude significantly higher — effects that fed directly into the higher March fuel rates paid by UAE drivers.
What Is the Strait of Hormuz and Why Does It Affect UAE Fuel Prices?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between the UAE, Oman, and Iran. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and serves as the exit route for oil exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE itself. When shipping activity through the strait is disrupted or restricted, global oil supply tightens, crude prices rise, and those increases eventually filter down to fuel prices at the pump — including in the UAE.
What Is Happening in Global Oil Markets Ahead of April 2026?
In a significant shift, oil prices dropped sharply after US President Donald Trump signalled progress in diplomatic talks with Iran and announced a pause in planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. This news eased immediate fears of a supply crisis and sent Brent crude falling to around $96 a barrel.
However, market analysts are urging caution about reading too much into this pullback. Despite the decline, crude oil remains 35% to 43% higher than it was in late February, depending on the benchmark. Brent crude has been trading near $101 a barrel, while US crude (WTI) has held close to $90 a barrel — levels that are still historically elevated and well above where they were just weeks ago.
Abdelaziz Albogdady, Market Research and Fintech Strategy Manager at FXEM, described the situation clearly: while the easing of immediate fears brought prices lower, "the overall risk environment remains elevated, limiting the scope for a sustained decline." He also noted that disruptions to energy infrastructure and logistics remain key drivers of market behaviour, particularly while the Strait of Hormuz stays constrained.
Will UAE Fuel Prices Go Up or Down in April 2026?
Based on current oil market trends and analyst assessments, the most likely outcome for April 2026 UAE fuel prices is broad stability near March 2026 levels. A sharp increase now looks less probable than it did during the peak of the recent oil spike, but a meaningful drop is equally unlikely given that crude prices remain elevated compared to February.
Here is a breakdown of the three possible scenarios heading into April:
- Prices stay close to March levels (most likely): If oil stabilises near current benchmarks, the Fuel Price Committee is likely to keep rates largely unchanged or make only minor adjustments.
- Prices drop slightly (possible): If the diplomatic progress between the US and Iran holds and oil continues to pull back, there is a small chance of modest relief at the pump — though any drop would likely be limited.
- Prices rise again (less likely but not ruled out): If tensions in the Gulf flare up again or the Strait of Hormuz faces renewed disruption, crude oil could reverse its recent decline quickly, pushing April fuel prices back up or beyond March levels.
The key takeaway is that the situation remains sensitive and fast-moving. The direction oil markets take between now and March 31 will ultimately determine where the committee sets the final April figures.
What Does This Mean for UAE Motorists in April 2026?
For everyday drivers across the UAE, the current signals suggest a more stable month ahead compared to the March spike — but not necessarily a cheaper one. Motorists who rely on their vehicles daily, whether for commuting across Dubai or running errands in Abu Dhabi, should plan for pump prices that remain close to what they are paying now.
Drivers who use Super 98 petrol in performance or premium vehicles should expect rates to hover near the Dh2.59 mark, barring major oil market moves before month-end. Those on Special 95 or E-Plus 91 will likely see similar stability. Diesel users — particularly those with SUVs, pickups, or commercial vehicles — should also note that diesel has consistently been the highest-priced fuel grade throughout 2026 so far.
If you are thinking about switching vehicles or considering a more fuel-efficient option, now may be a good time to explore what is available. You can browse new cars for sale in the UAE or discover affordable used cars for sale in the UAE on YallaMotor and find a model that suits your budget and driving needs.
How Are UAE Fuel Prices Decided Each Month?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee meets at the end of every month to review and set the fuel rates that will apply from the first day of the following month. The process is tied directly to global oil market benchmarks, meaning that international crude prices — particularly Brent crude and WTI (West Texas Intermediate) — are the primary inputs into the committee's calculations.
This system was introduced in August 2015 when the UAE deregulated domestic fuel pricing. Before that, the government subsidised fuel and kept prices artificially low. The shift to a market-linked model brought the UAE in line with international norms and made local pump prices responsive to global supply and demand dynamics — which is exactly why UAE drivers feel the impact of events like the Strait of Hormuz situation so directly at the fuel station.
Key Dates to Watch for UAE April 2026 Fuel Prices
- March 31, 2026: Official announcement of April fuel prices by the UAE Fuel Price Committee via Emirates News Agency
- April 1, 2026: New petrol and diesel rates come into effect at all UAE fuel stations
YallaMotor will update this page as soon as the official April 2026 fuel prices are confirmed. Bookmark this article or follow YallaMotor for the latest fuel price news across the UAE.
FAQs
When will UAE fuel prices for April 2026 be announced?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee will announce April 2026 petrol and diesel rates on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The new prices will come into effect on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at all fuel stations across the country.
Will UAE petrol prices go up in April 2026?
A sharp increase in April 2026 fuel prices is considered unlikely following a recent pullback in global crude oil prices. However, because oil remains significantly higher than February 2026 levels, prices are most likely to stay close to current March 2026 rates rather than drop noticeably.
What is the current price of Super 98 petrol in the UAE?
For March 2026, Super 98 petrol is priced at Dh2.59 per litre. Special 95 is at Dh2.48, E-Plus 91 at Dh2.40, and diesel at Dh2.72 per litre.
Why do UAE fuel prices change every month?
The UAE liberalised its fuel pricing system in 2015, linking local pump rates directly to global oil market benchmarks. The Fuel Price Committee reviews international crude prices every month and adjusts local rates accordingly, meaning events like supply disruptions or geopolitical tensions can directly impact what UAE drivers pay at the pump.
How does the Strait of Hormuz affect UAE petrol prices?
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil shipping route. When activity through the strait is disrupted, global oil supply tightens and crude prices rise — effects that feed directly into the UAE's monthly fuel price calculations. Any escalation or resolution in the region can therefore cause noticeable movement in pump prices.
Where can I find the latest UAE fuel prices?
Official UAE fuel prices are announced monthly by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). You can also follow YallaMotor for the latest fuel price updates, car news, and automotive guides across the UAE.
Disclaimer: This article is based on oil market data, analyst commentary, and available information at the time of publication (March 24, 2026). Actual April 2026 UAE petrol and diesel prices are set by the UAE Fuel Price Committee and will be officially announced on March 31, 2026. Predictions may change if global oil market conditions shift significantly before that date.
