UAE Fuel Prices Rise in September 2026: Full-Tank Costs for Cars, Sedans and SUVs
Motorists across the UAE are paying more for fuel in September after the country announced higher petrol and diesel prices compared with August. The new rates, effective from September 1, come amid continued uncertainty in global energy markets and ongoing regional tensions.
The latest increase follows a modest rise in August after fuel prices declined in July. Before that, UAE fuel rates had increased for four consecutive months amid regional conflict and volatility in global oil markets.
UAE Fuel Prices for September 2026
UAE fuel prices are reviewed and announced monthly. The rates are based on average global oil prices, with operating costs of distribution companies also taken into account.
The new September prices are:
| Fuel type | September 2026 | August 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh3.80/litre | Dh3.60/litre |
| Special 95 | Dh3.69/litre | Dh3.49/litre |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh3.61/litre | Dh3.41/litre |
| Diesel | Dh4.30/litre | Dh3.80/litre |
Petrol prices have increased by Dh0.20 per litre across all three grades, while diesel has risen by Dh0.50 per litre.
For motorists, the increase means that filling a vehicle can cost around Dh10.20 to Dh14.80 more than in August, depending on the vehicle's fuel tank capacity and petrol grade.
How Much Does a Full Tank Cost for a Compact Car?
Compact cars have an average fuel tank capacity of about 51 litres.
A full tank in September costs:
| Petrol type | September | August |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh193.80 | Dh183.60 |
| Special 95 | Dh188.19 | Dh177.99 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh184.11 | Dh173.91 |
This means compact-car owners will pay approximately Dh10.20 more for a full tank regardless of which of the three petrol grades they use.
Sedan Full-Tank Costs in September
Sedans generally have larger fuel tanks, averaging around 62 litres.
The estimated cost of a full tank is:
| Petrol type | September | August |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh235.60 | Dh223.20 |
| Special 95 | Dh228.78 | Dh216.38 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh223.82 | Dh211.42 |
At the September rates, filling a sedan with Super 98 costs Dh235.60, while Special 95 costs Dh228.78 and E-Plus 91 costs Dh223.82.
SUV Owners Face the Highest Full-Tank Costs
SUVs typically have larger fuel tanks, with an average capacity of 74 litres. As a result, they record the highest estimated full-tank costs among the vehicle categories considered.
| Petrol type | September | August |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh281.20 | Dh266.40 |
| Special 95 | Dh273.06 | Dh258.26 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh267.14 | Dh252.34 |
An SUV owner filling up with Super 98 will therefore pay Dh281.20 for a full tank in September, compared with Dh266.40 in August.
Higher Fuel Prices Could Affect Household Budgets
Monthly fuel-price movements have a direct impact on motorists and household budgets, particularly for people who rely heavily on private vehicles for daily commuting.
While the increase in September may appear modest on a per-litre basis, the additional cost can accumulate over multiple refuelling cycles. Drivers with larger vehicles or higher monthly mileage are likely to feel the increase more significantly.
How September Prices Compare With the 2022 Record
The latest rates remain below the record levels seen in the UAE in 2022, when global energy markets were heavily affected by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Fuel prices crossed Dh4 per litre for the first time during that period. In July 2022, Super 98 reached a record Dh4.63 per litre, while Special 95 peaked at Dh4.52 per litre, marking the highest fuel prices recorded in the UAE.
The September 2026 increase therefore comes against a backdrop of continued volatility in global energy markets, although current petrol prices remain below those 2022 peaks.
For UAE motorists, the new rates mean higher refuelling costs throughout September, with the impact varying according to vehicle size, fuel grade and individual driving patterns.
