Tuesday, December 30, 2025 | DELHI | Posted Time: 10:15 pm LAST UPDATE: DEC 30 05:00 pm
uae fuel prices for January 2026 are the talk of the town as the year comes to an end. Every month, the UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews the global oil market to decide the rates for Super 98, Special 95, and Diesel. As we approach the first month of 2026, motorists are curious to know if they will pay more at the pump. According to reports from major news outlets like Gulf News and Khaleej Times, global oil benchmarks like Brent Crude have shown a slight upward trend in late December. Consequently, this volatility in the international market is expected to play a major role in the local pricing for the upcoming month.
UPDATE 1: The UAE has announced fuel prices for January. To know the new rates… READMORE
Current Rates in December 2025
Before we look into the January predictions, it is important to note the current uae fuel prices. After an increase in December, the current rates at the petrol stations are as follows:
- Super 98: AED 2.70 per liter
- Special 95: AED 2.58 per liter
- E-Plus 91: AED 2.51 per liter
These prices followed the global trend where oil became more expensive during the mid-year and stabilized towards the end of December. However, even a small change in global supply can nudge these numbers up or down.
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Global Oil Trends Affecting the UAE
The international oil market ended 2025 with a slight jump. Both Brent Crude and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained more than 4.5% during the final trading days of the year. This rise was driven by stronger demand signals from the United States and renewed geopolitical tensions. Additionally, supply risks in Venezuela have added pressure to the market. Enforcement actions by the US have delayed Venezuelan oil exports, forcing crude to sit offshore in tankers. Since Venezuelan heavy crude is vital for making diesel and jet fuel, these disruptions often lead to higher costs for consumers.
Market Concerns and Expert Opinions
While supply issues exist, there is also a possibility of uae fuel prices remaining stable. Industry analysts, as quoted in Bloomberg, suggest that global inventories are expected to grow throughout 2026. This means there might be more oil available in the market than needed, which prevents a permanent price jump. Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, mentioned that while demand might cool down in 2026, supply chain challenges remain a concern. Furthermore, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that a lack of investment in new oil fields could lead to long-term supply shortages by 2030.
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What Should Motorists Expect in January?
For the month of January 2026, most experts believe that uae fuel prices will stay close to December levels. If crude oil gains continue to be modest, petrol and diesel rates are expected to remain broadly unchanged. However, a small increase is still possible if geopolitical risks intensify or if Venezuelan supply issues worsen. On the other hand, a slight reduction might happen if stockpile data shows a larger-than-expected increase in oil reserves. Motorists should keep a close eye on the official announcement, which usually happens on the last day of the month.
uae fuel prices: Key Factors for January 2026
- Global Benchmarks: Brent Crude rose by 4.5% recently, which could lead to a slight price hike.
- Geopolitical Risks: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to restrict global supply expectations.
- Venezuelan Crisis: Delays in heavy crude exports are putting upward pressure on diesel prices.
- US Crude Stocks: An increase in US oil inventories might offset the price rise, keeping rates stable.
- Expert Forecast: Saxo Bank and IEA predict a mix of short-term stability and long-term supply challenges.
- Announcement Timing: The official rates will be confirmed by the UAE Fuel Price Committee on December 31.
- Holiday Demand: A cooling of demand after the winter holidays might lead to lower prices later in the month.
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