The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has cut petrol and diesel prices for November 2026, ending three consecutive monthly increases, with the new rates taking effect on 1 November.
Super 98 petrol will cost AED 4.16 per litre, down from AED 4.40 in October. Special 95 petrol falls by AED 0.24, from AED 4.28 to AED 4.04 per litre, and E-Plus 91 petrol drops from AED 4.21 to AED 3.97 per litre, a similar reduction of AED 0.24.
Diesel prices have been reduced by a smaller margin, from AED 4.80 to AED 4.75 per litre. The reductions amount to about 5.5 percent to 5.7 percent for petrol, while diesel falls by about 1 percent.
The cuts follow three months of increases, which came amid volatility in international energy markets linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The UAE reviews and adjusts its domestic fuel prices every month to reflect developments in international energy markets.
Background
The UAE moved away from fixed fuel prices in 2015 and now announces new retail prices at the end of each month, which are set with reference to average global oil and fuel prices in the preceding period. As a result, pump prices in the country can rise or fall from one month to the next, following the direction of international markets rather than domestic policy decisions.
Fuel grades in the UAE are sold under the names Super 98, Special 95 and E-Plus 91, which refer to their octane ratings. Diesel is priced separately. Because diesel is used mainly by trucks, buses and industrial equipment, a change in its price tends to matter more for businesses than for private motorists.
The November reductions are a break from the pattern of the previous quarter. Prices in the Gulf have reflected the same swings in crude oil and refined fuel markets that have affected pump prices in many other countries, including Sri Lanka, which imports all of its petroleum.
What it means
A large number of Sri Lankans live and work in the UAE, many of them as drivers, technicians, hospitality staff and in other roles in which fuel and transport costs form part of the monthly budget. A lower petrol price reduces the cost of commuting and of running a private vehicle for workers who own one, which leaves a little more of their income available to send home.
The change does not directly alter fuel prices in Sri Lanka, which are revised separately under the local pricing formula. It does, however, reflect conditions in the international energy market that influence the import costs faced by Sri Lankan fuel suppliers, so readers following fuel prices at home may wish to watch for the next local price revision.
The UAE is expected to announce its December prices at the end of November.
