UAE Car Petrol Guide: Which Fuel Should You Use? 2026
The UAE offers several grades of petrol at ADNOC, EPPCO, and ENOC service stations, and choosing the correct grade for your vehicle is important for engine performance, fuel economy, and long-term engine health. This guide explains UAE petrol grades, what they mean, and which fuel your vehicle needs in 2026.
UAE Petrol Grades Explained
UAE service stations offer Special 95 petrol (RON 95), Super 98 petrol (RON 98), E-Plus 91 petrol (RON 91), and diesel. The RON number (Research Octane Number) indicates how resistant the fuel is to pre-ignition, also known as engine knock. Higher RON fuel resists knocking better and is required by high-compression engines, including most modern turbocharged and performance engines registered in the UAE.
Which Petrol Does My Car Need in UAE?
Your vehicle owner handbook specifies the minimum octane rating required by the engine. Vehicles that specify RON 95 can use UAE Special 95 without issue. Vehicles that specify RON 98 or higher should use UAE Super 98. Using a lower octane fuel than specified causes engine knock, which the engine management system partially compensates for by retarding ignition timing, reducing power and fuel economy. European high-performance vehicles including BMW M series, Mercedes-Benz AMG, and Audi RS models registered in the UAE typically require Super 98.
Can I Use 91 Petrol in My UAE Car?
E-Plus 91 is the cheapest UAE petrol grade and is suitable for older vehicles or vehicles with low compression ratios that specify RON 91. Using RON 91 in a vehicle specified for RON 95 or RON 98 causes engine knock and reduces engine performance. In UAE summer heat, engine knock risk increases with lower-octane fuel because high ambient temperatures raise the effective compression ratio inside the cylinder. Use the specified fuel grade, not the cheapest available.
Petrol Prices in UAE 2026
UAE petrol prices are set monthly by the UAE Fuel Price Committee and change on the first day of each month. ADNOC, EPPCO, and ENOC all sell at the same regulated price. Check the current UAE petrol price at ADNOC service stations or the UAE Ministry of Energy website for the latest monthly rate. GarageBuddy UAE helps you find garages for engine knock, fuel system cleaning, and fuel injector service if your vehicle has been running on an incorrect fuel grade.