UAE fuel prices for May 2026: diesel fixed at AED4.69, gasoline edges higher
UAE fixes diesel at AED4.69/l for May 2026 while gasoline prices rise modestly; authorities cite support for logistics, market stability and transparent monthly pricing.
The Committee to Follow Up on Gasoline and Diesel Prices announced the new UAE fuel prices for May 2026, keeping diesel unchanged and applying limited increases to gasoline grades. The decision sets diesel at AED4.69 per litre while adjusting Super 98, Special 95 and E-Plus 91 to reflect global market shifts. Officials framed the move as a measure to sustain critical services, especially logistics and supply chains, while preserving market balance through the country’s monthly pricing mechanism.
UAE fixes diesel price to support logistics
The committee’s decision to hold diesel at AED4.69 per litre is aimed at maintaining continuity for sectors that rely heavily on diesel, notably freight, aviation support services and public transport. Authorities said the fixed diesel rate will help stabilise operating costs for logistics companies and keep supply chains functioning smoothly across the Emirates. By insulating diesel from short-term volatility, the government seeks to reinforce the UAE’s position as a regional hub for trade and distribution.
Limited adjustments announced for gasoline products
Gasoline products saw modest increases under the May 2026 pricing schedule, with Super 98 set at AED3.66 per litre, Special 95 at AED3.55 per litre and E-Plus 91 at AED3.48 per litre. The committee described these changes as limited and aligned with international energy market movements, applying the state’s transparent monthly review framework. Officials emphasised that the adjustments are calculated to reflect fair market conditions while mitigating abrupt price shocks for consumers.
Comparative rates: April versus May 2026
The May pricing shows a notable divergence between diesel and gasoline trends when compared with April 2026 levels. Diesel remained steady at AED4.69 per litre from April to May, whereas Super 98 rose from AED3.39 to AED3.66 per litre. Special 95 increased from AED3.28 to AED3.55 per litre, and E-Plus 91 moved up from AED3.20 to AED3.48 per litre. The committee indicated these month-on-month variations mirror shifts in international crude and refined product markets, which are incorporated into the UAE’s flexible pricing mechanism.
Pricing mechanism and commitment to transparency
The UAE’s monthly fuel pricing system operates on a flexible, transparent model designed to capture global price dynamics while safeguarding domestic stability. The committee noted that its methodology balances market signals with the need to support economic sectors and household affordability. Regular reviews allow policymakers to respond to rapid external changes without abrupt domestic disruption, aligning price signals with broader energy management objectives.
Implications for businesses and households
Keeping diesel unchanged is expected to ease cost pressures for transport companies and logistics operators during May, supporting the flow of goods and reducing the risk of supply bottlenecks. Conversely, higher gasoline prices will have a more direct effect on private motorists and small businesses that depend on petrol, potentially nudging fuel budgeting and consumer spending in the short term. Analysts and industry participants monitoring the move will weigh its effects alongside other operating costs and global energy trends.
State strategy on energy sector resilience
The committee reiterated that the pricing update fits within a broader UAE strategy to develop an integrated, resilient energy sector that emphasises flexibility and market transparency. Policies aim to ensure reliable supply and efficient market functioning while positioning the country to meet evolving domestic and international energy demands. The government’s approach seeks to marry economic sustainability with pragmatic support for sectors central to the UAE’s trade and logistics ambitions.
Market participants and consumers will now adjust to the May 2026 retail rates as petrol stations apply the new tariffs across the Emirates. The committee’s monthly reviews remain the primary channel for future adjustments, and stakeholders are expected to follow subsequent announcements closely.
The May pricing update underscores the UAE’s effort to balance global market responsiveness with domestic stability, keeping diesel costs steady to underpin logistics while passing limited gasoline adjustments through to reflect international market movements.