DUBAI: UAE motorists are entering the final days of September with global oil prices once again under pressure, raising the possibility of another change in petrol and diesel prices when the country’s October rates are announced.
The key point for drivers is that October fuel prices have not yet been officially confirmed. The current market signals point to continued volatility rather than a guaranteed increase.
The UAE’s monthly fuel-pricing mechanism tracks international energy-market movements. The Fuel Price Committee approved September rates at Dh3.80 a litre for Super 98, Dh3.69 for Special 95, Dh3.61 for E-Plus 91 and Dh4.30 for diesel.
Those rates followed increases across petrol grades and a particularly sharp rise in diesel compared with August.
Oil prices remain the main factor to watch
Brent crude, the international benchmark, has experienced substantial swings during September as markets assess the impact of conflict and disruptions affecting Middle Eastern oil supplies.
Brent was around $97 a barrel earlier in the month, according to Reuters, after rising to a six-week high amid concerns over regional supply disruptions.
The market then received some relief when Saudi Arabia restarted operations on its East-West oil pipeline. Reuters reported on September 22 that the pipeline had resumed operations after a shutdown caused by a drone attack, although pumping was initially at a reduced rate. The route is important because it allows Saudi crude to reach the Red Sea port of Yanbu without relying entirely on the Strait of Hormuz.
The improvement in supply prospects briefly pushed Brent down towards $97, but prices subsequently moved higher again.
By September 28, Brent had risen above $100, according to the latest market update cited by Gulf News. That renewed increase adds upward pressure to the outlook for the next UAE fuel-price review.
Current UAE fuel prices
For September 2026, UAE motorists are paying:
| Fuel type | September 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh3.80/litre |
| Special 95 | Dh3.69/litre |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh3.61/litre |
| Diesel | Dh4.30/litre |
The September prices were approved by the UAE Fuel Price Committee on August 31.
Petrol prices are still below their 2026 highs. In June, Super 98 reached Dh3.95 a litre, Special 95 was Dh3.83 and E-Plus 91 was Dh3.76. Diesel reached Dh4.69 in April and May.
That means there is room for October rates to move higher without necessarily exceeding the year’s previous peaks.
How UAE fuel prices are determined
The UAE introduced a deregulated fuel-pricing system in 2015, linking domestic petrol and diesel prices to international market conditions.
The Ministry of Energy said at the time that a Fuel Price Committee would review prices against average international levels before implementing the rates in the UAE each month.
The system means that motorists should not treat a single day’s movement in Brent crude as a direct indication of what they will pay at UAE petrol stations.
Instead, broader international price movements and the factors incorporated into the monthly pricing mechanism are important.
That distinction matters this month because oil prices have moved sharply in both directions.
Saudi pipeline recovery could limit the pressure
There are also factors that could work against a further increase.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline is a major alternative route for moving crude towards the Red Sea. Reuters reported that the pipeline had restarted following the September disruption, although restoring full capacity could take several weeks because pumping stations were damaged.
Any sustained improvement in regional oil flows could reduce some of the supply pressure that has pushed crude prices higher.
At the same time, continued disruption around major Middle Eastern energy routes could have the opposite effect.
Reuters reported earlier in September that the Strait of Hormuz remained a major concern for oil markets, with supply disruptions contributing to higher crude prices.
What does this mean for UAE motorists?
For drivers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates, the immediate takeaway is simple: September’s rates remain in force until the October prices take effect.
A higher October rate would increase the cost of every full tank. For example, a 10-fils-per-litre increase would add Dh6 to a 60-litre fill and Dh8 to an 80-litre fill.
A 20-fils increase would add Dh12 to a 60-litre tank and Dh16 to an 80-litre tank.
These are calculations to illustrate the impact only. They are not forecasts of the October prices.
The final decision will depend on the pricing review and international market conditions at the end of September.
When will October fuel prices be known?
The UAE’s monthly system means motorists normally receive the following month’s fuel rates at the end of the current month.
The September 2026 prices were announced on August 31 by the UAE Fuel Price Committee and came into effect on September 1.
As of September 28, the October rates have not been announced.
Until the official announcement, motorists should therefore treat forecasts of a petrol or diesel increase as market expectations rather than confirmed prices.
The direction of Brent crude over the remaining days of September, regional supply developments and the UAE’s monthly pricing review will determine what drivers pay from October 1.
What are the UAE fuel prices for September 2026?
Super 98 is Dh3.80 per litre, Special 95 is Dh3.69, E-Plus 91 is Dh3.61 and diesel is Dh4.30 per litre.
Have UAE fuel prices for October 2026 been announced?
Not as of September 28, 2026. The official October rates have not yet been announced.
Could UAE petrol prices rise in October?
A rise is possible because international oil prices have remained volatile and Brent has moved above $100 again. However, the final October rates cannot be confirmed until the official monthly review.
Why do UAE fuel prices change every month?
The UAE uses a monthly pricing mechanism linked to international energy-market movements. The system was introduced when the country deregulated fuel prices in 2015.
What is the current Super 98 price in the UAE?
Super 98 costs Dh3.80 per litre in September 2026.
What is the current UAE diesel price?
Diesel costs Dh4.30 per litre in September 2026.
Why are oil prices affecting the October fuel outlook?
International crude prices have been affected by Middle Eastern supply disruptions and uncertainty around major export routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
When will motorists know the October fuel rates?
The October rates are expected to be announced at the end of September before taking effect for the new month. The September rates were announced on August 31.
