UAE fuel prices for February 2026 are set to be announced as global oil markets firm up. Will petrol and diesel costs rise or stay stable?
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| Car refueling at a UAE petrol station during daylight, showing a fuel nozzle inserted into the fuel tank with a clean, everyday driving environment. |
Fuel prices are once again in focus for UAE motorists as the country prepares to announce petrol and diesel rates for February 2026. After drivers enjoyed noticeable relief at the pump in January, global oil markets have started sending mixed signals, raising an important question: are fuel prices about to climb again, or will stability prevail?
As always, the answer depends less on a single day’s oil price and more on broader global trends. Still, recent movements in crude markets suggest February could mark a shift from the downward trend seen at the start of the year.
Where UAE Fuel Prices Stand Right Now
To understand what may come next, it helps to look at where prices currently sit. In January 2026, the UAE reduced fuel prices across all major categories, offering welcome savings to motorists after months of fluctuation.
At present, pump prices are:
- Super 98: Dh2.53 per litre
- Special 95: Dh2.42 per litre
- E-Plus 91: Dh2.34 per litre
- Diesel: Dh2.55 per litre
This reduction followed a period of easing global oil prices toward the end of 2025. For many drivers, especially those with daily commutes or commercial vehicles, January’s cut translated into tangible monthly savings.
However, fuel prices in the UAE are never static. They are reviewed monthly by the UAE Fuel Price Committee, which bases its decisions on average global oil prices and refined fuel costs from the preceding period, not short-term spikes or dips.
How the UAE Sets Fuel Prices
Since fuel price deregulation, the UAE has followed a transparent, market-linked pricing system. This means petrol and diesel rates move broadly in line with international oil markets.
When crude prices rise steadily over a review period, local fuel prices usually increase. When oil prices soften, motorists often see relief at the pump. This system ensures that fuel pricing reflects real global conditions rather than government-fixed rates.
Over the past year, this mechanism has been clearly visible. Fuel prices climbed through much of mid-2025, peaked around October, eased slightly toward December, and then dropped sharply at the start of 2026.
That volatility highlights how quickly global oil dynamics can affect everyday costs for UAE residents.
What’s Happening in Global Oil Markets?
Since early January, oil prices have been trending higher. Brent crude — the benchmark most closely watched by global markets — has been trading in the range of $63 to $66 per barrel, while U.S. crude has hovered between $59 and $61.
What has drawn particular attention, however, is the strength of January’s rally. Brent crude recorded its strongest monthly gain in years, rising by nearly 15 percent, marking its biggest increase since early 2022.
Much of this upward momentum has been driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns surrounding relations between the United States and Iran. Statements from U.S. leadership warning Iran about the narrowing window for a nuclear agreement briefly reignited fears of potential military escalation or supply disruptions in the region.
Those fears pushed oil prices sharply higher as traders priced in a risk premium — essentially a buffer added to oil prices when geopolitical uncertainty threatens supply routes.
Why Prices Haven’t Surged Further
Despite the dramatic headlines, oil prices have not continued climbing unchecked. One key reason is supply.
Recent data shows that global oil stockpiles, especially in the United States, have been increasing. Rising inventories suggest that supply remains ample, helping to offset geopolitical concerns.
In addition, while fears of disruptions in critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz briefly rattled markets, no actual supply interruption occurred. As a result, oil prices eased from their multi-month highs, even though they remain above levels seen earlier in January.
This balance between geopolitical risk and solid supply has created a more stable — though still elevated — price environment.
What February 2026 Fuel Prices Could Look Like
Because oil prices are now higher than they were when January fuel rates were set, another price cut appears unlikely. Instead, a modest increase or price stability is the more probable outcome for February.
Analysts suggest that any upward adjustment at the pump would likely be limited rather than dramatic. Global supply conditions remain comfortable, and inventory data continues to act as a ceiling on how far prices can rise.
Diesel prices, however, may behave slightly differently. International data indicates that diesel supplies are tighter than petrol, which could keep diesel prices firmer even if petrol rates see only marginal changes.
A second consecutive price drop would likely require a renewed decline in crude prices before the pricing window closes — something markets are not currently signaling.
What This Means for UAE Motorists
For drivers across the UAE, the most realistic expectation for February is either a small increase or prices staying close to January levels. A sharp spike appears unlikely under current conditions, but the recent rebound in crude prices reduces the chances of meaningful further savings at the pump.
It’s also important to note that much of the recent strength in oil prices is tied to perceived risk, not actual supply shortages. If geopolitical tensions ease or diplomatic efforts gain traction, oil prices could stabilize or even retreat, limiting their impact on local fuel rates.
On the other hand, sustained firmness in crude benchmarks throughout the review period would make another reduction difficult to justify.
Fuel Costs by Vehicle Type: What Drivers Pay
Fuel prices don’t affect all drivers equally. The impact often depends on vehicle size and tank capacity.
SUVs
Tank capacity: 74 litres
| Fuel Type | February | January |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh181.30 | Dh187.22 |
| Special 95 | Dh172.42 | Dh179.09 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh167.24 | Dh174.64 |
Sedans
Tank capacity: 62 litres (Average)
| Fuel Type | February | January |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh151.90 | Dh156.86 |
| Special 95 | Dh144.46 | Dh150.04 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh140.12 | Dh146.32 |
Compact Cars
Tank capacity: 51 litres (Average)
| Fuel Type | February | January |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh124.95 | Dh129.03 |
| Special 95 | Dh118.83 | Dh123.42 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh115.26 | Dh120.36 |
Depending on vehicle type, motorists could spend between Dh4 and Dh7 less per full tank compared to January, assuming current projections hold.
When Will February Fuel Prices Be Announced?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee is expected to release the official February 2026 fuel rates on January 31. The new prices will come into effect from February 1, applying across all fuel stations nationwide.
As always, final prices will reflect average oil market performance over the review period, rather than short-term volatility in the final days of the month.
Final Outlook
While January offered welcome relief at the pump, February is shaping up to be a month of caution rather than celebration for UAE motorists. Oil prices have regained some strength, making further cuts unlikely, but solid global supply continues to limit the risk of sharp increases.
For now, drivers can expect stability — or at most, a modest adjustment — as global markets balance geopolitical uncertainty against ample supply.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and reflects market trends and publicly available data at the time of writing. Fuel prices, forecasts, and costs may change based on global oil movements and official announcements. Always refer to updates released by the UAE Fuel Price Committee for confirmed petrol and diesel rates.
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