Petrol in the UAE is cheaper than in most countries in the world, and prices here are set up unusually: they are determined not by the station but by the state, and revised once a month. In this guide you will find current prices for 2026, an explanation of how they are formed, which petrol to use and where to fill up. It will be useful to anyone renting a car or planning a trip out of town.
Current Fuel Prices
Below are approximate prices per litre for 2026. The exact figure changes every month, so use the table as a reference point. The ruble equivalent is given roughly at a rate of ~25 RUB per dirham (AED) — the rate floats, so check before your trip.
| Fuel grade | Price, AED/litre | Approx, RUB/litre |
|---|---|---|
| E-Plus 91 | ≈ 2.34 | ≈ 59 RUB |
| Special 95 | ≈ 2.42 | ≈ 61 RUB |
| Super 98 | ≈ 2.53 | ≈ 63 RUB |
| Diesel | ≈ 2.60 | ≈ 65 RUB |
Prices are uniform across the country — whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, a litre will cost the same. There is no difference between stations either.
Who Sets the Prices and How
The UAE has a dedicated government body — the Fuel Price Committee. Every month it announces new prices for petrol and diesel, based on global oil prices. The new rates are published at the end of the month and take effect on the 1st of the following month.
This means two important things: within the month the price per litre is fixed, and it is absolutely identical at every petrol station in the country. No haggling, no promotions, no “cheaper station around the corner” — the system is fully transparent.
Fuel Types: Which Petrol to Use
UAE petrol stations usually have four options:
- E-Plus 91 — the cheapest, for basic and older engines.
- Special 95 — the most common grade, used in most passenger cars, including rentals.
- Super 98 — for powerful and premium engines.
- Diesel — diesel fuel.
If you have rented a car and are not sure what to use, choose Special 95 — it suits almost all petrol cars. The exact grade is stated in the rental agreement or on the fuel-cap flap.
Station Networks: ENOC, ADNOC, Emarat
The main station networks in the country:
- ENOC and its EPPCO brand — the leading networks in Dubai.
- ADNOC — the largest network, originally from Abu Dhabi, gradually expanding across the country.
- Emarat — another prominent network in Dubai and the northern emirates.
Stations almost always have a full-service attendant — they will fill the tank for you, and you need not get out of the car. Tipping is not mandatory, but you can thank them with some change or a couple of dirhams. Payment is accepted by card and cash; the Salik system is only for road tolls and has nothing to do with fuel.
Comparison With Russia and Why It Is So Cheap
A litre of 95-octane in the UAE is about 60 rubles when converted, which is comparable to Russian prices or slightly more. But given local salaries and incomes, fuel here is perceived as very cheap. The reason is simple: the UAE is a major oil exporter, and the state additionally smooths out swings in global prices through monthly regulation.
For a tourist this is convenient: the budget for road trips is easy to calculate in advance, since the price does not depend on the station or the city.
Tips for the Road Tripper
A few practical bits:
- Fill the tank before the highway — if you are heading to Abu Dhabi, to the Oman border or deep into the desert, there are fewer stations along the way than in the city.
- Take 95-octane unless there are specific instructions for the car — it is the sweet spot for price and compatibility.
- Car rental is justified precisely for trips out of town; within Dubai itself public transport is often more convenient and cheaper. Before your trip, check out the guides on Salik toll roads, parking and traffic fines.
- When planning your budget, look at the guide how much a trip to Dubai costs, and for the route from the plane to the hotel, see the article how to get from Dubai airport.
Bottom line: fuel prices in the UAE are predictable and uniform across the country, updated once a month. Filling up is simple, the attendant’s help is a free bonus, and petrol itself remains one of the more pleasant expense items on a trip.
