How fuel prices are set in the Gulf
The UAE sets fuel prices at the end of every month, following world oil prices. Qatar and Bahrain also announce prices monthly. Saudi Arabia reviews prices from time to time through Aramco, Kuwait reviews them every quarter, and Oman keeps them capped. Jordan sets prices every month, and Egypt's fuel pricing committee reviews them every few months. The table above shows this month's official prices; we update it every month.
How the cost is calculated
Litres used = distance × consumption ÷ 100. Cost = litres × price per litre. For example, a 500 km trip in a car that uses 8 litres per 100 km needs 40 litres. With petrol at 2.18 SAR that is 87.20 SAR.
How far does a litre go?
Comparing prices alone can mislead. A litre costs about 22 pounds in Egypt and about 2 riyals in Saudi Arabia, which is cheaper in Egypt once converted to the same currency, but incomes are much lower there. The comparison under the table shows each country's everyday petrol price in one currency, as a share of an average day's income, and how many litres an average day's income buys. Average income here is GDP per person (IMF, 2025), which in the Gulf includes oil wealth and is well above a typical worker's pay, so treat it as a fun, rough guide.
Ways to spend less on fuel
- Use the grade your car's manual asks for. Most cars run well on 91; paying for 95 or 98 brings no benefit unless the engine needs it.
- Keep tyres at the right pressure: under-inflated tyres can raise use by a few percent, and heat in the Gulf summer changes pressure quickly.
- Drive steadily. Hard acceleration and speeds above 120 km/h use much more fuel.
- Do not leave the engine running for long with the air conditioner on while parked.
Frequently asked questions
When do UAE petrol prices change?
The UAE Fuel Price Committee announces the new prices on the last day of each month, and they apply from the 1st of the next month.
Is 95 better than 91 for my car?
Only if the manufacturer recommends it. A higher octane number resists knocking in high-compression engines; it does not give more power or mileage in a car designed for 91.
How do I find my car's consumption?
Fill the tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally, then fill it again. Litres added ÷ km driven × 100 = your litres per 100 km.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.