Motorists across the UAE will pay more at the pump starting Thursday, with fuel prices for May 2026 rising across all petrol grades following a decision by the Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee announced on April 30.
The increase marks the second consecutive monthly adjustment upward, driven by sustained pressure on global oil markets tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict and the broader US-Israel-Iran war. Brent crude prices surged more than seven percent to a fresh four-year high after US President Donald Trump signalled the American blockade of Iranian ports could remain in place for months, with reports indicating he was also being briefed on possible new military strikes. The sharp rally rippled into fuel costs across multiple countries, with many governments already adjusting their pump prices in response.
Under the UAE’s monthly pricing mechanism, rates are set by the Ministry of Energy based on average global oil prices plus the operating costs of distribution companies. The new figures, effective May 1, are:
Super 98: AED3.66 per litre (up from AED3.39 in April) Special 95: AED3.55 per litre (up from AED3.28 in April) E-Plus 91: AED3.48 per litre (up from AED3.28 in April)
Depending on the grade used, the per-litre increase ranges from AED0.20 to AED0.27 compared to April.
The practical cost of a full tank varies significantly by vehicle type. For compact car owners — whose tanks average 51 litres — a complete fill-up on Special 95 will cost AED181.05 in May, up from AED167.28 in April. Sedan drivers, with an average tank capacity of 62 litres, are looking at AED220.10 for the same grade, compared to AED203.36 last month. SUV owners face the steepest absolute increase: a full tank of Special 95 will run AED262.70, versus AED242.72 in April — a difference of nearly AED20.
For those running on Super 98, a full SUV tank will reach AED270.84 in May, while E-Plus 91 users will pay AED257.52 for the same vehicle category.
