Best UAE Fuel Types: Maximize Engine Performance & Savings

Fuel types in the UAE include a few options: mid-grade choices like Special 95, premium Super 98, Diesel, and E-Plus 91. Each one of those is suited to different engine needs and driving styles. However, these are not the only fuel options in the UAE, as there are other versions, including LPG and ULP. Choosing the right fuel for your vehicle not only optimizes its performance but also keeps fuel and maintenance costs under control. In this blog, we will cover the essential information about types of fuel in the UAE and compare them to see which option is the best for your engine and budget. 

Which Petrol is Best in UAE?

Across the fuel stations in the country, motorists can find three main petrol types in UAE: 

• Special 95: Often referred to as the “everyday” fuel, Special 95 is suitable for most vehicles with regular engines. It has an octane level of 95, balancing performance and cost. If your car manual recommends regular or mid-grade fuel, Special 95 should provide reliable performance and efficiency.

• The price of Special 95 rose in November 2024 to 2.63 AED compared to 2.54 AED from the previous month. 

• Super 98: Super 98 is a high-octane fuel designed for high-compression engines found in luxury, sports, and high-performance vehicles. With an octave level of 98, it reduces engine knock, providing smooth acceleration and protective, sensitive, high-powered engines. However, the Super 98 is the most expensive fuel option in the UAE, so it is best suited for vehicles that especially require it. 

• The price of Super 98 in November 2024 is now at 2.74 AED, compared to 2.66 AED in October.

• E-Plus 91: Although the least expensive, E-Plus 91 is generally used for older cars and certain small-engine vehicles. Its lower octane level at 91 isn’t compatible with most modern vehicles, which generally perform best with Special 95 or Super 98. 

• 2.55 AED is the price for E-Plus 91 in November 2024, a slight rise compared to the 2.47 AED in October. 

• Diesel: Besides the three regular fuel types, you can also find Diesel in many petrol stations in the UAE. Diesel fuel is primarily used by commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks due to its fuel efficiency and torque advantages for heavy loads. Diesel engines are built for durability and perform well under constant, long-distance travel, making Diesel a budget-friendly choice for companies managing fleets or engaging in long-haul transportation.

• Diesel will now cost 2.67 AED per liter compared to the 2.6 AED from October. 

The table below shows a comparison of fuel prices in UAE between November 2024 and the latest fuel prices in January 2024. 

How Octane Levels Affect Performance

The number of octanes in the fuel is important because they indicate the fuel’s resistance to knocking, which is a phenomenon that happens when fuel combusts prematurely in the engine. In high-compression engines, knocking can cause damage over time. 

• Standard engines: Vehicles with a standard engine are likely optimized for mid-range fuel like Special 95. Super 98 is considered a high-performance fuel in the UAE, but using it in a regular engine may not yield noticeable performance benefits. It could, on the other hand, increase your fueling costs. That makes the main difference between Special 95 and Super 98. 

• High-Performance engines: High-performance or turbocharged engines require Super 98 for optimal performance. Super 98’s higher octane level supports smooth acceleration and prevents knocking, extending engine life and maintaining efficiency. High-performance engines may experience noticeable power gains and smoother operation with Super 98, which is why it is often referred to as the best petrol engine oil in the UAE. 

Budget Considerations 

With different types of fuel in UAE, budget and cost usually play a role in choosing the fuel for UAE vehicle owners. While the driving style is one of the important factors in fuel efficiency, when selecting a fuel, it will come down to what type of fuel fits your car best. 

• Special 95 is usually the go-to choice for everyday drivers who want reliability without the extra cost. As already discussed, the more expensive option of Super 98 is not typically going to provide better performance, so considering that as an option without gaining value, it won’t be a priority for many. 

• Super 98 is worth its premium price for vehicles that need this type of fuel, such as sports cars and luxury vehicles that are tuned for speed and power. Its higher octave enhances performance and potentially extends the engine life. Although it is the priciest option, the Super 98 is a wise choice if you drive a car built for speed, power, and smooth acceleration. 

• E-Plus 91 may be adequate for smaller or older cars that don’t require high-compression fuel. While it is the least expensive fuel type, it may lead to higher maintenance costs down the road, so it is essential to confirm its compatibility before choosing this type of fuel for your car. 

Popular Gas Station in the UAE

UAE drivers benefit from an extensive network of gas stations across the country. Here are the three of the major providers: 

• ENOC (Emirates National Oil Company): These petrol stations are well-known in Dubai for their reliable service and convenient locations. They offer all three fuel types, along with various vehicle services and retail outlets for convenience. 

• ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company): These stations are available across the UAE. ADNOC provides fuel options along with complementary services like tire inflation and car washing. With loyalty programs and rewards, ADNOC is popular for its customer-friendly approach. 

• Emarat: Emarat stations are known for consistent service, and they also offer Special 95, Super 98, and E-Plus 91. Emarat stations provide a range of convenient services, including mini-markets and eateries, making refueling stops easy and efficient. 

FAQs

Which type of fuel is better in the UAE?

The ideal fuel type will depend on your vehicle’s engine. High-performance engines generally require Super 98, while Special 95 is suitable for most standard engines. 

Super 98 vs. Special 95 petrol?

If your car manual specifies high-octane fuel, use Super 98. Otherwise, Special 95 is typically a cost-effective and efficient choice.

What is the premium fuel in UAE?

Super 98 is the premium fuel option in the UAE, with the highest octane level and optimized for high-performance engines. 

What is Special 95 Petrol?

Special 95 is a mid-range fuel suitable for standard engines, balancing cost with performance. 

E-Plus 91 vs. Special 95?

While generally lower in cost, E-Plus 91 may only be suitable for older or low-performance vehicles, so using this type of fuel poses the risk of pre-igniting or “knocking.”

Conclusion

In the end, the right fuel choice helps maintain your vehicle’s performance and engine health while also being kind to your budget. For most drivers in the UAE, Special 95 is a practical and effective choice. On the other hand, Super 98 provides enhanced performance for those with luxury or sports vehicles but comes at a higher cost.