Quick answer
Petrol prices in the UAE are set once a month by a national fuel price committee and are the same at every station in the country. There are three grades of petrol — Super 98, Special 95 and E-Plus 91 — plus diesel, and most rental cars take Special 95. Rentals are usually full-to-full: you collect the car full and return it full, or pay the company's refuelling charge, which costs more than the pump.
1How are fuel prices set in the UAE?
Since 2015 the UAE has set retail fuel prices monthly, linked to global oil prices. The new prices are announced near the end of each month and apply from the 1st. Every station charges the same price for the same grade, whichever company runs it, so there is no point shopping around.
2Which fuel does your rental car need?
| Grade | Used by |
|---|---|
| Super 98 | Used bySome performance and luxury cars — check the fuel cap |
| Special 95 | Used byMost rental cars |
| E-Plus 91 | Used byMany economy and older cars that accept it |
| Diesel | Used bySome pickups, vans and large SUVs |
The fuel cap or the rental agreement says which grade to use. Never put diesel in a petrol car.
3How do you pay at the pump?
Most stations are attendant-served. Stay in the car, open the fuel flap, and tell the attendant the grade and either "full" or an amount. Pay by card or cash — attendants usually carry a card machine. Stations also have shops, air for tyres and often a car wash.
4What fuel policies do rental companies use?
| Policy | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Full to full | How it worksCollect it full, return it full | Watch out forA refuelling charge above the pump price if it comes back short |
| Same to same | How it worksReturn it at the level you collected it | Watch out forPhotograph the gauge at pick-up |
| Pre-paid tank | How it worksPay for a tank up front, return it empty | Watch out forNo refund for fuel you do not use |
5How much fuel will a rental use?
As a rough rule, an economy car uses around 6–7 litres per 100 km, a mid-size SUV 10–12 litres, and a large 4x4 or V8 15 litres or more.
A day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back is about 280 km, so a small car needs roughly 18–20 litres and a large SUV 40 or more. Multiply by the month's pump price to budget.
6Fuel tips for rental drivers
- Fill up close to the drop-off point and keep the receipt.
- Photograph the fuel gauge and mileage at pick-up and at return.
- Check whether the car takes 95 or 98 before the first fill.
- On desert or mountain trips, fill up before you leave the city — stations get sparse.
- Driving electric? See charging an electric rental.
Frequently asked questions
Are petrol prices the same everywhere in the UAE?
Yes. Prices are set nationally each month, and every station charges the same for each grade.
When do UAE fuel prices change?
Monthly. New prices are announced near the end of the month and apply from the 1st.
Which petrol does a rental car use?
Most take Special 95. Some performance cars need Super 98 — it is on the fuel cap or in the agreement.
Do I have to return a rental car with a full tank?
Usually, under a full-to-full policy. If it comes back short, the company charges for the missing fuel plus a refuelling fee.
Can I pay for petrol by card in Dubai?
Yes. Attendants take cards and cash at almost every station.
Is petrol cheap in the UAE?
It is lower than in much of Europe, but it follows oil prices, so it rises and falls month to month.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 22 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
