You probably already know that the UAE offers a few fuel options: mid-grade octane ratings like Special 95, premium Super 98, Diesel, and E-Plus 91. Each one of those is suited to different engine needs and driving styles. You will also find LPG and ULP, each designed for fundamentally different vehicles. Choosing the right fuel for your vehicle not only optimizes its performance but also keeps fuel and maintenance costs under control. This blog will clarify the differences and types of fuel in the UAE and compare them to see which option is the best for your engine and budget.
Petrol Types in UAE Explained
Across the fuel stations in the country, motorists can find three main petrol types in UAE:
Special 95:
Considered as an “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.
As of June 2026, Special 95 is priced at 3.83 AED per litre, up from 2.50 AED per litre in January 2025.
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. It is worth mentioning that Super 98 is still the most expensive fuel option in the UAE and is best suited for vehicles that specifically require it.
Motorists using Super 98 can expect to pay 3.95 AED per litre in June 2026, compared to 2.61 AED per litre in January 2025.
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.
For June 2026, E-Plus 91 is available at 3.76 AED per litre, an increase from 2.43 AED per litre in January 2025.
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 is currently priced at 4.33 AED per litre in June 2026, whereas it stood at 2.68 AED per litre in January 2025.
Fuel Prices Comparison
The table below shows a comparison of fuel prices in UAE between November 2024 and the latest fuel prices in June 2026. One of the main reasons for the increase is the rise in global crude oil prices. As international energy markets have faced supply concerns and stronger demand, fuel costs in the UAE have followed the same upward trend. Besides that, the ongoing geopolitical situation has contributed to the pressure on fuel costs.
| FUEL TYPE | PRICE IN JANUARY 2025 | PRICE IN JUNE 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Super 98 | 2.61 AED | 3.95 AED |
| Special 95 | 2.50 AED | 3.83 AED |
| E-Plus 91 | 2.43 AED | 3.76 AED |
| Diesel | 2.68 AED | 4.33 AED |
Does Higher Octane Fuel Improve 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.
Super 98 vs Special 95 vs E-Plus 91: Key Differences
The main difference between these fuel types is their octane rating. E-Plus 91 has the lowest octane level and is best suited for older vehicles, which are meant to run on regular petrol. Special 95 is the most common fuel type in the UAE as it works well for the majority of modern cars. Super 98 is intended for high-performance engines that require higher octane fuel to operate at their best capacity. The best choice is always the one recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, as using a higher grade than necessary usually provides little to no benefit.
Which Petrol Should You Use for Your Car?
Most everyday vehicles from brands like Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Mazda are designed to run perfectly on Special 95. Many luxury and performance-focused models we sell at First Choice Cars, like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, and Lexus, often recommend Super 98 for the best performance. Some older vehicles may still be suitable for E-Plus 91, although it is becoming less common among newer models. We always recommend checking the fuel recommendation inside the fuel filler flap or in the owner's manual, as it is the safest approach.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fuel?
Using a lower octane fuel in your vehicle can lead to engine knocking, slower performance, and lower fuel efficiency. It is true that modern cars can adjust to occasional use of a lower grade, but repeated use may place unnecessary strain on the engine over a certain period of time.
If you use a higher octane fuel than what is recommended, there won’t be any damage, but it also won't improve performance enough to justify the extra cost. The simplest way to avoid problems is to stick with the fuel grade specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
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 fuel is best in the UAE?
The ideal fuel type will entirely depend on your vehicle’s engine. High-performance engines normally require Super 98, while Special 95 is suitable for most standard engines.
Special 95 vs Super 98?
Special 95 is the right choice for most modern vehicles, while Super 98 is typically recommended for luxury and performance cars. The best option is the one specified by your vehicle manufacturer.
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
Fuel prices are likely to fluctuate from month to month, which makes it understandable that many drivers are looking for ways to save at the pump. However, choosing a fuel grade based on price alone isn't always the best approach. Your vehicle was designed to run on a specific type of fuel, and sticking to that recommendation is usually the smartest choice.
For most cars on UAE roads, Special 95 remains the standard option and provides everything the engine needs. Super 98 is reserved for vehicles with higher-performance engines, where the manufacturer specifically recommends it. If you're ever unsure, a quick look at your owner's manual will give you the answer.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.
