Filling up in the UAE is about to get more expensive, with petrol and diesel prices rising across all categories from October 1.

UAE motorists are set to feel another pinch at the pump this month after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel rates for October 2026.

The increase means drivers will pay more per litre across every petrol category, while diesel prices have also moved higher.

Fuel prices for October

The new rates will take effect from Thursday, October 1. Here’s what motorists will pay:

Super 98: Dh4.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh4.28 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh4.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh4.80 per litre

That means Super 98 rises by 60 fils per litre, while Special 95 and E-Plus 91 increase by 59 and 60 fils respectively. Diesel is up by 50 fils per litre.

How much more will a full tank cost?

For motorists, the increase could quickly add up over the course of a month.

For example, filling a 50-litre tank with Super 98 will cost Dh220 in October, compared with Dh190 in September, a difference of Dh30 per fill-up.

A 50-litre tank of Special 95 will cost Dh214, compared with Dh184.50 previously.

For E-Plus 91, the same tank will cost Dh210.50, up from Dh180.50.

Diesel drivers filling 50 litres will pay Dh240, compared with Dh215 in September.

Why are fuel prices changing?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel rates at the end of each month, with prices linked to movements in global energy markets.

UAE fuel prices have experienced notable fluctuations this year. Rates fell in July after several consecutive monthly increases, before moving higher again in August and September.

The latest increase comes amid continued volatility in global and regional energy markets.

What does this increase mean for household budgets?

For people who drive every day, higher fuel prices can have an effect beyond the cost of a single trip to the petrol station.

Commuters, families and businesses that rely heavily on road travel may see their monthly transport expenses rise, particularly if they fill up frequently.

Even a relatively small increase per litre can become more noticeable when multiplied across several refuelling trips over the month.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai aboard Etihad Rail on Monday, ahead of the launch of the UAE’s national passenger rail service.

The journey came as Etihad Rail prepared to inaugurate its Dubai Station, marking another step towards the start of regular passenger operations across the national railway network.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of Etihad Rail, inaugurated the Dubai station.

Passenger services connecting Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah are scheduled to begin on September 30.

When the Dubai service launches, Etihad Rail will operate 10 daily journeys between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering passengers multiple travel options throughout the day.

Passengers will also be able to travel directly between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station in Jumeirah Golf Estates becoming part of the network. Six daily services will operate between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

The journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take around one hour and four minutes, while the direct Dubai-Fujairah trip will take approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

“We have designed the timetable around the reality of how people travel, with services throughout the day, making rail a practical option for everyday journeys,” said Ameera Alkhlaifi, Director of Strategy & Growth at Etihad Rail.

The expansion follows the introductory Abu Dhabi-Fujairah passenger services, which have carried more than 150,000 passengers. Etihad Rail said repeat journeys have been increasing, with customers typically booking around 10 days ahead.

The operator said feedback and passenger behaviour during the introductory phase are being used to shape the experience as more destinations are added to the network.

“Every new destination added to the network brings the benefits of passenger rail within reach of more people and communities across the UAE,” said Adhraa Almansoori, Executive Director of Commercial at Etihad Rail Mobility.

More Etihad Rail stations to open

The September 30 launch forms part of a phased expansion of the UAE’s passenger rail network.

Madinat Zayed and Liwa are scheduled to join the network on November 30, followed by additional stations in Al Dhafra on December 30.

In Sharjah, University City station is scheduled to open on March 30, 2027.

Etihad Rail’s longer-term plans also extend beyond the UAE through Hafeet Rail, the planned railway connection between the UAE and Oman. The project is expected to create new cross-border links for both passengers and freight, supporting wider regional connectivity.

 Former India international and World Cup winner Robin Uthappa has been appointed Team Director of Yas Lions, the newest franchise to join the Abu Dhabi T10, as the Jeetu Kataria-owned team prepares for its debut in the tournament.

Uthappa will oversee the franchise’s cricketing strategy, player development, recruitment and squad culture, working alongside the coaching staff as Yas Lions build their identity ahead of the new Abu Dhabi T10 season.

The franchise has also confirmed West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder as its Icon player, while Andries Gous and David Willey have been unveiled as its Platinum signings.

Yas Lions will make their Abu Dhabi T10 debut at Zayed Cricket Stadium from November 7 to 20, joining an expanding 2026 line-up that includes Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, UAE Bulls, United Tigers and Royal Desert Champions.

Uthappa, who was part of India’s 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, brings extensive experience from international and franchise cricket to his new leadership role. Since ending his playing career in 2022, he has developed a second career spanning entrepreneurship, broadcasting and high-performance coaching.

As Team Director, Uthappa will work closely with the franchise’s management and coaching team on player recruitment, mentoring and building the culture of the new side.

The former India international has long advocated for cricket to reach new audiences and sees the fast-paced T10 format as an opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider global fan base.

Robin Uthappa, Team Director of Yas Lions, said:“There is a lot to like about starting a franchise from scratch, because you get to build its identity around clarity, process and performance from the very first conversation. T10 cricket rewards players who can function under pressure rather than avoid it, and that is exactly the mindset we want running through this squad.

“Our Direct Signings include match winners with plenty of experience, class and versatility. I have long believed T10 can be a gateway for new fans into the sport. I am looking forward to working with this group and building something we can be proud of — a team that competes hard and helps grow the game.”

Jason Holder leads Yas Lions’ playing core

Former West Indies captain and T20 World Cup winner Jason Holder has been signed as the Yas Lions’ Icon player.

An experienced international all-rounder, Holder brings a combination of power hitting and seam bowling to the side. Renowned for his lower-middle-order batting and ability to generate bounce with his bowling, he will be one of the key figures in Yas Lions’ first Abu Dhabi T10 campaign.

The franchise has also secured two Platinum signings in Andries Gous and David Willey.

Gous, a wicketkeeper-batsman, has scored centuries across all three formats and boasts an average of almost 40. The aggressive right-hander is known for his boundary-hitting approach and adds further firepower to the Yas Lions batting line-up, alongside his skills behind the stumps.

Willey, the former England international, brings experience from the highest level of white-ball cricket. The left-arm bowler and batsman was part of England’s squad that won the 2022 T20 World Cup, adding further international pedigree to the new franchise.

Building a franchise for the long term

Yas Lions is owned by entrepreneur and investor Jeetu Kataria, who brings almost two decades of experience across institutional capital markets, investment banking, asset management and financial technology.

Kataria’s vision is to build more than a cricket team, with the franchise aiming to establish a strong identity based on governance, player development, performance and long-term partnerships.

Jeetu Kataria, Owner of Yas Lions, said:
“Building Yas Lions is about applying the core principles I stand by — meticulous planning and a long-term vision. The Abu Dhabi T10 gives us an outstanding platform to build a franchise with a real identity, one grounded in process, governance and respect for players and partners.

“Having Robin lead our cricketing operation gives us a rare combination of championship experience and modern high-performance thinking. Together with Jason, Andries and David, we have the foundations of a squad built to compete from the first season itself.

“Our ambition is clear: build a contender, build a brand, and help take cricket to new audiences around the world.”

Matt Boucher, CEO of the Abu Dhabi T10 and Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub (ADCSH), said the arrival of Yas Lions adds further momentum to the tournament’s international ambitions.

Matt Boucher said:
“Welcoming Yas Lions is another important step in our ambition to build the Abu Dhabi T10 into a truly global sporting property. With strong international investment, experienced leadership and world-class playing talent, franchises such as Yas Lions are integral to our strategy of expanding the tournament’s international reach, attracting new audiences and creating long-term value for the sport.

“Our vision extends well beyond the tournament itself. We want to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading international destination for cricket and major sporting events, bringing together global talent, commercial partnerships and passionate fans. Yas Lions share that ambition, and their arrival adds further momentum to an exciting new era for Abu Dhabi T10.”

Further squad announcements are expected ahead of the Official Player Draft in Abu Dhabi on September 30, as Yas Lions continue to build their squad for their inaugural Abu Dhabi T10 campaign.

Over the next three to five years, the franchise aims to establish itself as a consistent contender while developing into a recognisable global T10 brand, with a focus on talent development, fan engagement, sustainable partnerships and connecting with cricket communities across the UAE and wider diaspora.