Drivers across the UAE are paying more at the pump this month, with petrol and diesel prices increasing across every fuel category for September 2026.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee approved the latest rates on August 31, 2026, with the new prices taking effect from September 1. Petrol rates increased by around 5.56 to 5.87 percent compared with August, while diesel recorded a much larger increase.
For motorists, the new rates mean a higher cost every time they fill up. The increase comes after fuel prices had already moved higher in August following a decline in July.
September 2026 UAE Fuel Prices at a Glance
Here are the official pump prices for the month:
| Fuel type | September 2026 | August 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | AED 3.80 per litre | AED 3.60 | AED 0.20 |
| Special 95 | AED 3.69 per litre | AED 3.49 | AED 0.20 |
| E-Plus 91 | AED 3.61 per litre | AED 3.41 | AED 0.20 |
| Diesel | AED 4.30 per litre | AED 3.80 | AED 0.50 |
The same September rates apply across the UAE under the country’s monthly fuel-pricing system.
Super 98 Petrol Rises to AED 3.80
Drivers using Super 98 will pay AED 3.80 per litre in September.
That is 20 fils more than the August price of AED 3.60 per litre. The increase represents a rise of roughly 5.6 percent month on month.
Super 98 is generally used by vehicles whose manufacturers specify higher-octane petrol. Drivers should continue to follow the fuel grade recommended in their vehicle’s owner’s manual or fuel-filler information rather than choosing a grade solely because it has a higher octane rating.
Special 95 Now Costs AED 3.69
The September price for Special 95 petrol is AED 3.69 per litre, compared with AED 3.49 in August.
That works out to another 20-fils increase per litre. The Fuel Price Committee said petrol prices were adjusted by between 5.56 and 5.87 percent for September.
Special 95 is a commonly used petrol grade, so the change is particularly relevant to everyday drivers who use their cars for commuting, school runs, shopping and regular journeys around the emirates.
E-Plus 91 Moves Up to AED 3.61
The lowest-octane petrol category, E-Plus 91, is priced at AED 3.61 per litre in September.
In August, the rate was AED 3.41, meaning motorists are paying an additional 20 fils per litre this month.
As with the other grades, motorists should use the type of fuel specified for their particular vehicle.
The price difference between the petrol grades remains relatively small, but drivers covering long distances may notice the additional cost over the course of a month.
Diesel Sees the Biggest Increase
The largest change this month is on diesel.
The September diesel price has jumped to AED 4.30 per litre, compared with AED 3.80 in August. That is an increase of 50 fils per litre, or approximately 13.2 percent.
The increase is significantly larger than the 20-fils rise applied to each petrol grade.
That could have a wider effect on businesses and motorists operating diesel-powered vehicles, particularly those that travel long distances or use fuel-intensive vehicles.
How Much More Will a Full Tank Cost?
The impact of the September increase depends on the size of a vehicle’s fuel tank.
For example, a 50-litre petrol tank filled with Special 95 would cost approximately AED 184.50 at September’s price, compared with AED 174.50 in August.
That means the same 50-litre fill-up costs AED 10 more this month.
For Super 98, a 50-litre fill-up rises from AED 180 in August to AED 190 in September.
A 50-litre tank using E-Plus 91 would cost AED 180.50, compared with AED 170.50 previously.
Diesel sees a much larger difference. A 50-litre diesel fill-up rises from AED 190 in August to AED 215 in September.
These examples illustrate how even a relatively small increase per litre can add up for people who regularly fill their tanks.
Why Do UAE Fuel Prices Change Every Month?
The UAE introduced a monthly fuel-pricing mechanism that links domestic pump prices to movements in global energy markets.
The Fuel Price Committee reviews market conditions and announces the rates for the following month, with the new prices generally taking effect on the first day of the month.
This means motorists can see prices move higher or lower from one month to the next depending on broader energy-market conditions.
For September, the committee approved increases across all four fuel categories.
September Comes After a Rise in August
The latest increase follows another rise in August.
In July 2026, prices had fallen to AED 3.40 for Super 98, AED 3.29 for Special 95, AED 3.21 for E-Plus 91 and AED 3.60 for diesel.
August then brought increases to AED 3.60, AED 3.49, AED 3.41 and AED 3.80 respectively. September has pushed the rates higher again.
This makes the September figures noticeably higher than the rates seen earlier in the summer.
Fuel Prices Have Moved Sharply During 2026
The UAE’s fuel prices have experienced considerable movement during 2026.
Monthly data shows that prices reached particularly high levels in June, when Super 98 reached AED 3.95, Special 95 was AED 3.83, E-Plus 91 stood at AED 3.76 and diesel reached AED 4.33 per litre.
Prices then dropped considerably in July before rising again in August and September.
That means September’s rates are not the highest recorded in every category this year, but they represent another upward movement after July’s decline.
What the Increase Means for Daily Drivers
For someone who only fills their tank occasionally, the change may appear relatively modest.
However, drivers with long daily commutes or larger vehicles can see the difference accumulate over several fill-ups.
A driver covering significant mileage every week may need to budget more for fuel, while households with multiple vehicles could face a larger combined increase.
The effect also depends on fuel economy. A vehicle that uses more fuel per kilometre will naturally be more exposed to a rise in pump prices than a more efficient car.
Business and Commercial Drivers May Feel the Change More
The diesel increase could be particularly relevant for commercial operators.
Diesel is widely used by certain commercial vehicles, heavy transport and industrial equipment. A 50-fils-per-litre increase can therefore become a more noticeable expense for businesses that consume large quantities of fuel.
Higher fuel expenses can also become one part of broader operating costs for logistics and transport companies.
The actual effect on businesses depends on their fleet size, mileage, fuel efficiency and operating model.
Are Fuel Prices the Same Across the UAE?
Yes. The monthly rates apply across the emirates rather than varying by individual emirate.
That means the September 2026 rates are the same in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.
Drivers therefore do not need to travel to another emirate in search of a lower official pump price.
The main difference in an individual’s monthly fuel spending comes from how far they drive, their vehicle’s fuel economy and the amount of fuel they use.
What Fuel Grade Should You Use?
Drivers should always use the grade recommended by their vehicle manufacturer.
The three petrol options are differentiated by octane level:
E-Plus 91 has an octane rating of 91, Special 95 has an octane rating of 95 and Super 98 has an octane rating of 98.
A higher number does not automatically mean that a vehicle will perform better. The correct fuel depends on the engine and manufacturer’s specifications.
Using the appropriate grade is more important than simply selecting the most expensive option.
How Can Drivers Manage Higher Fuel Costs?
With all fuel categories increasing this month, drivers may want to pay closer attention to everyday fuel consumption.
Keeping tyres properly inflated, avoiding unnecessary idling and maintaining the vehicle according to its service schedule can help support efficient fuel use.
Planning journeys more carefully can also reduce unnecessary kilometres, particularly for people who make several short trips each day.
These habits cannot change the official pump price, but they can affect how often a vehicle needs to be refuelled.
When Will the Next UAE Fuel Prices Be Announced?
The UAE announces fuel prices monthly.
The September rates apply from September 1 through September 30, 2026, with the next monthly rates expected to be announced at the end of September and take effect on October 1. The exact October prices depend on the Fuel Price Committee’s upcoming decision and prevailing market conditions.
Drivers planning long-distance journeys into October may therefore want to check the new rates once they are officially announced.
UAE Fuel Prices September 2026 FAQs
Super 98 costs AED 3.80 per litre, Special 95 costs AED 3.69, and E-Plus 91 costs AED 3.61 in September 2026.
All three petrol grades increased by AED 0.20 per litre compared with August 2026.
The UAE uses a monthly fuel-pricing mechanism that tracks movements in global energy prices and reflects market changes in domestic pump prices.
Not necessarily. Drivers should use the fuel grade recommended by their vehicle manufacturer rather than automatically choosing a higher-octane fuel.
The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews and announces fuel prices each month. October’s rates will depend on the committee’s next announcement and prevailing market conditions.
Final Thoughts
September 2026 has brought another increase in UAE fuel prices, with petrol and diesel all moving higher compared with August.
Super 98 now costs AED 3.80 per litre, Special 95 is AED 3.69, E-Plus 91 is AED 3.61, while diesel has climbed to AED 4.30 per litre.
The biggest change is diesel, which has risen by 50 fils per litre. Petrol grades have each increased by 20 fils.
For everyday drivers, the effect will depend largely on vehicle size, fuel economy and monthly mileage. Commercial and high-mileage drivers may notice the increases more quickly because they consume larger quantities of fuel.
The September rates remain in place through the end of the month, with the next official fuel-price announcement expected ahead of October 1, 2026.
