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As June begins, motorists across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider UAE are facing a significant increase in fuel prices, marking a troubling trend that has persisted for several months. The UAE Fuel Price Committee has announced that petrol prices will rise to their highest levels in nearly four years, effective June 1, 2026. Super 98 petrol will now cost Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May, while Special 95 has increased to Dh3.83 from Dh3.55. E-Plus 91 has also seen a rise, now priced at Dh3.76 compared to Dh3.48 last month. In contrast, diesel prices have decreased to Dh4.33 per litre from Dh4.69.
This latest adjustment marks the fourth consecutive month of rising petrol prices, placing additional strain on household budgets, daily commuters, and businesses reliant on road transport. The increases have pushed petrol prices close to levels last seen during the global energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Currently, petrol prices in the UAE are at their highest since August 2022, when they surpassed the Dh4-per-litre mark due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.
Since the beginning of 2026, the price of Super 98 petrol has surged dramatically, rising from Dh2.45 per litre in February to Dh3.95 in June, a staggering increase of over 60 percent in just four months. This sharp rise is attributed to ongoing volatility in international energy markets, particularly following recent conflicts in the Middle East that have disrupted shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global oil supplies.
Brent crude oil prices have fluctuated significantly, recently climbing above $110 per barrel amid heightened regional tensions, although they have eased slightly due to diplomatic efforts. Analysts have noted that supply concerns, shipping restrictions, and geopolitical risks continue to exert pressure on global oil markets. Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, emphasized that the physical oil markets remain tight due to ongoing shipping constraints and security issues in the region.
The recent fuel price adjustments come shortly after the UAE's historic decision to exit OPEC and OPEC+ in May 2026, ending over six decades of membership. While the immediate impact on local fuel prices may be limited, energy analysts are closely monitoring how future production policies could affect oil markets. The UAE has employed a market-linked fuel pricing system since 2015, which ties domestic petrol prices to international oil market trends. As summer travel activity increases, motorists are left wondering whether this price surge marks a peak or if further volatility lies ahead, contingent on global crude prices and geopolitical developments in the region.
