The United Arab Emirates has announced a notable rise in petrol and diesel prices for April 2026, with an increase of nearly Dh2 per litre, indicating one of the sharpest monthly spikes in recent years. This announcement was made official on March 31, 2026, by the UAE Fuel Price Committee as part of the country’s regular fuel price adjustment protocol. The surge is largely attributed to rising global crude oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions.

Effective Pricing Breakdown

With global oil benchmarks reaching significant highs, the new prices come into effect from April 1, 2026. The official price listing is as follows: Super 98 will rise from Dh2.59 to Dh3.39 per litre, an increase of Dh0.80; Special 95 will change from Dh2.48 to Dh3.28 per litre, also up by Dh0.80; E-Plus 91 will see an escalation from Dh2.40 to Dh3.20 per litre, marking a Dh0.80 rise; finally, diesel prices will jump from Dh2.72 to Dh4.69 per litre, reflecting an increase of Dh1.97.

Influence of Global Oil Market on Local Prices

The pricing of fuel in the UAE is closely linked to fluctuations in global oil markets. The recent price increase mirrors a steep rise in crude oil costs worldwide, which now hover around the $115 to $120 per barrel range. This surge is driven by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns regarding supply disruptions, particularly impacting vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. The market volatility resulting from ongoing regional conflicts has led to increased refining and transportation expenses, which are demonstrated by the recent diesel price spike.

Mechanism for Monthly Price Adjustments

Since the deregulation of fuel prices in 2015, the UAE has adopted a market-driven pricing model. The UAE Fuel Price Committee regularly reviews and announces pricing updates at the end of each month, informed by the average global prices of crude oil and processed fuel products. This system aims to ensure that local prices swiftly reflect changes in international markets, meaning that any abrupt rise in global crude oil prices is promptly communicated to consumers, as indicated by the adjustments observed in April.

Recent Trends in Fuel Pricing

For a considerable portion of 2025 and early 2026, fuel prices in the UAE remained relatively stable, with some months even experiencing reductions due to decreased global oil demand. However, March 2026 marked the start of an upward pricing trend, although petrol prices had remained under Dh2.60 per litre at that time. The sudden jump in April illustrates a dramatic shift, pushing petrol prices substantially above Dh3 per litre in a single pricing cycle.

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