How much does a full tank cost now?
The increase is immediately apparent when you refuel.
For a typical 60 liter sedan (Special 95):
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March: Dh148
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April: Dh196
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Increase: Dh48 per tank
For an 80 liter SUV or 4×4:
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March: Dh198
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April: Dh262
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Increase: Dh64 per tank
For drivers who fill up twice a week, this adds up to approximately Dh380-500 more per month, depending on vehicle type and usage.
Oil users—especially in transportation and logistics—are seeing a sharper impact on costs, reflecting a tighter global supply of industrial fuels.
Global growth fuels UAE rates
The UAE’s rise reflects a broader rise in global fuel prices driven by supply disruptions and rising crude standards.
Oil markets turned volatile in March:
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Brent crude rose more than 50% in a single month, near $120 a barrel at its peak
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Prices have since stabilized around $110-115, still well above previous levels
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In the US, gasoline prices have soared past $5 a gallon, roughly 25%-30% within weeks
The main driver is a supply shock linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil flows. The resulting pressure on supply chains has pushed up crude oil and refined fuel prices around the world.
How UAE prices compare globally
Because the UAE follows a ‘liberalised’ pricing system, global price movements are reflected relatively quickly at the pump.
Recent international trends show:
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Oil prices rise over 80% in markets such as the Philippines and Nigeria
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It increases over 50% in countries like Australia
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Gasoline prices in the US are climbing above $5 a gallon
In contrast, countries with regulated or subsidized fuel — such as Saudi Arabia, India and China — have seen slower adjustments due to policy controls.
Even after the April increase, fuel prices in the UAE remain within a globally average range, especially compared to heavily taxed European markets.
Why UAE prices adjust quickly
Fuel prices in the UAE are directly linked to international standards under a system introduced in 2015.
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Prices are reviewed monthly
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Rates reflect global crude oil and refined fuel averages
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Changes are applied without significant delay
This means prices move in line with global oil cycles – rising when markets tighten and easing when they soften.
What happens next?
The last increase follows a period of falling fuel prices through most of 2025when global oil markets were softer. Prices hit multi-month lows in early 2026 before rebounding in March. April’s surge signals the start of that rebound phase rather than a sustained upward trend.
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Oil markets remain volatile amid supply risks
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Prices have stabilized but at elevated levels
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Any continued easing in crude oil could bring relief in future monthly revisions
For drivers now, one thing to remember is this: Fuel prices will continue to follow global markets – and can change just as quickly if conditions change.
Justin is a seasoned personal finance author and business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers confidently navigate today’s economy. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a business correspondent at Reuters, reporting on stocks and economic trends in both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
