Expect Fuel Rates to Nudge Up Next Month as Crude Holds Above $90
Why filling your tank could cost slightly more next week
Drivers across the UAE should prepare for a potential small increase at the pump when official fuel prices for September 2026 are released on Monday. Global crude rates stayed elevated throughout August because ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and fresh trade sanctions kept international oil supplies tight.
Local retail rates already jumped by around Dh0.20 per litre at the start of August after crude rallied in July. With international benchmarks staying high through most of this month, market analysts expect another minor upward adjustment rather than a relief drop.
Here is where retail rates currently stand as drivers head into the end-of-month review:
| Fuel Grade | August 2026 Rate (per litre) |
|---|---|
| Super 98 | Dh3.60 |
| Special 95 | Dh3.49 |
| E-Plus | Dh3.41 |
Why crude markets are keeping pump rates high
Physical supply uncertainty is driving international oil prices right now rather than routine demand shifts. Average Brent crude closing prices hovered around $87.70 a barrel in August, up from $83.46 in July. Prices touched $91.18 for Brent and $84.13 for WTI on Tuesday morning as conflict rhetoric and energy vessel targeted incidents restricted key marine pathways.
Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets, noted that tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted. He explained that the market remains sensitive to anything threatening Iranian exports or shipping routes. Prices can drop quickly on diplomatic headlines, but structural supply limits keep a floor under current rates.
New sanctions introduced by US President Donald Trump targeting Iranian tech, gold, aviation, and shipping sectors have added further pressure. These measures threaten to sever economic ties with foreign partners trading with Tehran, including major crude buyers.
Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial, pointed out that around 40 tankers carrying roughly 16 million barrels moved through the Strait on Friday night. That brought brief relief, but overall flows remain significantly restricted. With sanctions tightening on buyers like China, supply risks stay high enough to support elevated retail fuel prices heading into September.
Drivers won’t have to wait long to see the final numbers. The official retail breakdown for September 2026 will be published on Monday, setting the rates across all UAE service stations for the month ahead.
