The UAE’s Fuel Price Committee confirmed the retail pump rates that will apply across all seven emirates from 00:01 on 1 August 2026. Super 98 petrol will rise to AED 3.60 a litre (up 20 fils), Special 95 moves to AED 3.49 (up 20 fils), E-Plus 91 climbs to AED 3.41 (up 20 fils) and diesel increases to AED 3.80 (up 20 fils). Although the 5–6 per-cent jump is modest in absolute terms, it reverses July’s surprise dip and resumes the upward trajectory that had seen UAE pump prices surge more than 60 per cent between March and June in the aftermath of February’s regional conflict that briefly shut the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted Gulf refinery output. With the UAE linking domestic fuel rates to global benchmarks in 2015, any sustained rally in Brent crude immediately filters into local transport costs. For global-mobility managers the change has two direct consequences. First, car allowances and mileage reimbursement tables that many multinationals peg to the UAE Ministry of Energy’s monthly price list will automatically edge higher from August pay-runs, raising assignment and business-travel budgets. Secondly, vendors that provide relocation, serviced-apartment shuttle or long-term car-lease packages are expected to pass on the additional cost within days, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where transport providers operate on razor-thin margins. Supply-chain planners are also warning of a ripple effect on last-mile logistics. According to Dubai-based courier Aramex, each 10-fils increase in diesel adds roughly AED 0.07 to the cost of moving a one-kilogram parcel within the emirate. Corporates with high intra-GCC shipment volumes should therefore anticipate mid-quarter surcharge reviews. Looking ahead, analysts at Emirates NBD say Brent’s current US $92–95 trading range suggests UAE pump prices could breach the psychologically important AED 4.00-per-litre mark by October unless diplomatic efforts ease regional supply fears. Mobility and travel managers are advised to review cost-of-living indices, re-run assignment cost projections for Q4 2026 and remind travelling staff to keep fuel receipts for accurate expense claims.
Source: Khaleej Times
