UAE Announces Major Fuel Price Increase for April 2026
The United Arab Emirates has officially released its fuel prices for April 2026, revealing a substantial increase that will impact motorists across the nation. Approved by the UAE Fuel Price Committee and confirmed on March 31, 2026, the new rates represent one of the sharpest monthly hikes observed in recent years, with prices rising by up to nearly Dh2 per litre.
Official Breakdown of April 2026 Fuel Prices
The price revision, effective from April 1, 2026, shows significant increases across all fuel grades. Below is the detailed comparison with March 2026 prices:
- Super 98: Increases from Dh2.59 to Dh3.39 per litre, a rise of Dh0.80
- Special 95: Rises from Dh2.48 to Dh3.28 per litre, also up by Dh0.80
- E-Plus 91: Climbs from Dh2.40 to Dh3.20 per litre, increasing by Dh0.80
- Diesel: Jumps from Dh2.72 to Dh4.69 per litre, a substantial hike of Dh1.97
This adjustment marks a dramatic shift from the relatively stable fuel prices that characterized much of 2025 and early 2026, when rates occasionally declined due to softer global oil demand.
Global Oil Market Volatility Drives Price Surge
The primary driver behind this significant price increase is the escalating global crude oil market, where prices have surged close to the $115–$120 per barrel range in recent weeks. This spike reflects heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over potential supply disruptions, particularly around critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Market volatility has intensified due to ongoing regional conflicts, which have pushed up refining and transportation costs worldwide. Diesel prices have experienced particularly sharp increases globally, a trend clearly mirrored in the UAE's latest pricing structure.
UAE's Market-Linked Fuel Pricing System
Since deregulating fuel prices in 2015, the UAE has implemented a market-linked pricing mechanism that ensures local fuel costs reflect international market conditions with minimal delay. The UAE Fuel Price Committee conducts monthly reviews at the end of each month, basing updated rates on the average global price of oil and refined fuel products.
This system means that any sudden spike in global crude prices is quickly passed on to consumers, as demonstrated by the April 2026 revision. The current increase represents a sharp turnaround from March 2026, when petrol prices remained below Dh2.60 per litre, pushing them well above Dh3 per litre in a single revision cycle.
The combination of geopolitical tensions, supply chain concerns, and global market dynamics has created the conditions for this significant fuel price adjustment, marking one of the most substantial month-on-month increases in recent UAE history.
