UAE raises petrol prices for May 2026 amid global oil surge, diesel remains unchanged

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates has announced revised fuel prices for May 2026, increasing petrol rates while keeping diesel prices unchanged, as global energy markets continue to experience volatility.

An official statement said that overall fuel prices in the country have risen by approximately 8 percent for the month. Authorities said the adjustment is directly linked to fluctuations in international crude oil prices, which have remained unstable due to shifting global demand and geopolitical developments.

Under the new pricing structure, Super 98 petrol has been set at 3.66 dirhams per litre, equivalent to around Rs278 in Pakistani currency. Other petrol grades have also seen similar upward adjustments, reflecting the broader increase in global oil benchmarks. Diesel prices, however, have been kept steady for the current cycle.

Officials stated that the UAE follows a monthly fuel price review mechanism, which aligns domestic rates with international market trends to ensure transparency and economic balance.

Meanwhile, the global oil markets have surged to their highest levels since 2022, putting pressure on fuel-importing and fuel-dependent economies. The rise in crude oil prices has also been reflected in the United States, where fuel costs have climbed noticeably in recent weeks.

In the US, the average petrol price has increased by 8 cents to 4.30 dollars per gallon, while diesel has reached an average of 5.50 dollars per gallon. A report published in an American media outlet noted that diesel prices have risen by nearly 46 percent since the Iran conflict, significantly impacting transportation and logistics costs. It further added that American drivers have experienced an overall 44 percent increase in travel-related expenses.

The energy experts warned that the continued uncertainty in global oil supply chains could keep fuel prices elevated in the coming months, potentially influencing inflation trends and transport costs across multiple regions, including Asia and the Middle East.

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