UAE Fuel Prices October 2026: Up to 16.6% Rise Hits Drivers and Delivery Riders

Fuel in the UAE got sharply more expensive on 1 October 2026. The UAE Fuel Price Committee announced on 30 September that every grade would rise, with E-Plus 91 up 16.6% and diesel up 11.6% to Dh4.80 a litre. For drivers, delivery riders and transport workers, especially those who pay for fuel out of a fixed allowance, this is a pay cut in practice. Here are the new prices and what they mean for workers.

The New Fuel Prices

The committee reviews prices at the end of every month in line with global energy markets, under a system the UAE has used since August 2015. The new rates apply from 1 October until the next announcement, expected at the end of October.

Why Prices Keep Rising

The committee links each month’s prices to global energy markets but does not explain individual changes. The National’s comparison with February, before the Iran war began, suggests that tension in regional oil markets has pushed prices up. Until global prices ease, workers should not expect quick relief.

How Much More a Full Tank Costs

Khaleej Times calculated that filling a tank now costs roughly Dh30 to Dh44 more than in September, depending on the vehicle size. The National reported that fuel is around 80% more expensive than in February. That is the newspaper’s own calculation, not an official figure.

The table below shows our own simple estimate of the extra cost for a worker who fills up regularly, using the official price change per litre.

A delivery rider who uses 150 litres a month would pay about Dh90 more in October than in September. For a worker earning Dh2,000 to Dh3,000 a month, that is a noticeable share of take-home pay.

Who Feels It Most

Delivery riders

Many riders are paid per order and buy their own fuel, or receive a fixed fuel allowance. Unless the allowance rises, the higher price comes straight out of earnings. No delivery platform has announced a change to rider pay, so check your contract or rider app for any update rather than relying on rumours.

Private, company and limousine drivers

If your employer pays for fuel directly, your pay should not change. If you receive a fixed monthly fuel allowance, you may want to raise the issue with your employer, giving your monthly fuel receipts as evidence.

Truck and heavy-vehicle drivers

Diesel is now Dh4.80 a litre. Most heavy-vehicle fuel is paid by the transport company, but owner-drivers will feel the full increase. Dubai has also tightened truck movement on major roads from 1 October, as explained in our report on Dubai’s new truck restrictions.

Commuters

Workers who drive themselves to work face a higher daily cost. The new Etihad Rail passenger service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which Gulf News lists as starting on 30 September and 1 October with fares from Dh39, may help some long-distance commuters.

Practical Steps for Workers

• Read your contract: Check whether fuel is paid by the employer, covered by an allowance, or your own cost.
• Keep fuel receipts: They show your real monthly cost if you ask for an allowance review.
• Check salary deductions: An employer cannot simply deduct fuel costs from your salary without a legal basis. Our guide to the UAE Wage Protection System explains salary rules.
• Plan remittances: If you send money home monthly, budget for higher transport costs this month.

For job seekers comparing offers, ask whether transport or fuel is included. A slightly lower salary with company transport can now be worth more than a higher salary without it. Our beginner Gulf jobs guide and jobs in Dubai for foreigners overview can help you compare.

What Has Not Been Announced

• Taxi fare changes: No fare change has been announced by the RTA or other emirates’ transport authorities.
• Delivery pay changes: No platform has announced new rider rates.
• November prices: These will be announced at the end of October.

Frequently Asked Questions