Will UAE petrol prices rise again in September as oil stays high?

The UAE is set to announce its petrol and diesel prices for September 2026 next week, with fuel rates potentially seeing a slight increase as global oil prices remain elevated amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The official fuel prices are expected to be announced on Monday, with global crude prices and supply disruptions likely to influence the new rates.

Global Oil Prices Remain Elevated

Brent crude averaged around $87.70 per barrel in August, compared with $83.46 per barrel in July.

Oil prices remained elevated during much of August as tensions surrounding the Middle East and disruptions involving energy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz kept Brent prices largely within the $80–$90 range.

On Tuesday morning, Brent crude was trading at $91.18 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $84.13.

UAE Fuel Prices Increased in August

The UAE raised petrol prices by around Dh0.20 per litre for August 2026 as global crude prices increased in July.

The August retail rates were:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre
The September rates will depend largely on the movement of international oil prices during August.

Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Keep Oil Markets on Edge

Naeem Aslam, Chief Investment Officer at Zaye Capital Markets, said the key factor supporting oil prices is currently physical supply uncertainty rather than weakness in demand.

He noted that tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, leaving the market sensitive to developments affecting Iranian oil exports, regional shipping routes and refinery access.

According to Aslam, oil prices could remain above $90 a barrel if tougher sanctions further reduce Iranian exports or create additional shipping restrictions.
However, an improvement in diplomatic conditions and a return to normal tanker movements could cause some of the recent price premium to disappear.

US Sanctions Add to Supply Concerns

US President Donald Trump has announced new sanctions against Iran and threatened further economic measures against countries and entities continuing to work with Tehran.

Stricter sanctions could potentially limit Iranian oil exports and place additional pressure on global crude supplies.

The developments are being closely monitored by oil markets as traders assess the potential impact on supply from the region.

Some Tanker Traffic Provides Short-Term Relief

Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, said around 40 tankers travelled through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night, carrying nearly 16 million barrels of oil.

The movement provided some short-term relief to supply concerns.

However, Valecha said overall flows remain significantly below normal levels. Rising tensions around the Strait and tougher US sanctions on Iran and its trading partners, including major oil buyers such as China, continue to keep supply risks elevated.

Could UAE Fuel Prices Rise in September?

With international oil prices remaining higher than the previous month, UAE motorists could see a small upward adjustment in September petrol and diesel prices.
However, the final rates cannot be confirmed until the UAE's official fuel price committee announces the new prices.

The September 2026 petrol and diesel prices are expected to be announced on Monday, giving motorists clarity on what they will pay at UAE fuel stations next month.