From July 1 the UAE lowered its fuel rates, sparking relief among drivers who have been coping with higher costs for nearly three months. Super 98 now costs Dh3.40 per litre, down from Dh3.95, while diesel drops to Dh3.60 from Dh4.33. The new figures also see Special 95 at Dh3.29 and E‑Plus 91 at Dh3.21 per litre.
What the new fuel rates mean for drivers
The price cuts affect the three main gasoline grades and diesel, giving a clear reduction of between Dh0.55 and Dh0.73 per litre depending on the grade. For a typical family car that fills up eight times a month, the lower price translates into a tangible drop in the monthly fuel bill. Analysts note that the savings, while not life‑changing, provide a welcome cushion after months of rising prices.
Motorists have already begun adjusting their routines. Some have combined errands to limit trips, while others have left a second family car at home and switched to the Metro for part of their commute. The shift reflects a broader effort to stretch every dirham as fuel costs climb.
How motorists are planning to use the savings
Sulaiman Sheikh, a resident of Al Nahda in Sharjah, drives a Kia Cerato and fills up about eight times a month. He estimates the new rates could save him around Dh235 each month. "It's not a huge amount, but every dirham counts. There were days when taking the Metro for part of the journey made more sense. With prices coming down, I hope in coming months, I won't have to think twice before driving," he said.
"It's not a huge amount, but every dirham counts. There were days when taking the Metro for part of the journey made more sense. With prices coming down, I hope in coming months, I won't have to think twice before driving,"
— Sulaiman Sheikh, Resident, Al Nahda, Sharjah
Fazil Hussain, who lives in Al Garhoud and drives a Range Rover, spent roughly Dh900 on fuel in the previous month. He expects to pocket about Dh125 in savings with the new rates. "We also started using just one car whenever possible. The savings aren't massive, but every dirham counts. It could go towards buying new clothes or other expenses before our holiday," he explained.
"We also started using just one car whenever possible. The savings aren't massive, but every dirham counts. It could go towards buying new clothes or other expenses before our holiday,"
— Fazil Hussain, Resident, Al Garhoud
Real‑world examples of expected savings
Firaz Abu Hamdan, a JLT resident working in real estate, drives a Toyota Avalon and travels 100‑150 km on about 15 days each month. He fills his vehicle roughly five times a month and estimates a monthly saving of around Dh240. "One of our cars would usually stay parked while the other was used for most trips. We will probably continue being careful, but the savings can now go towards shopping before our summer vacation," he noted.
Across the Emirates, motorists say the reduction will not dramatically reshape their budgets, but it does make daily driving a little easier. Many plan to redirect the extra cash toward summer holidays, shopping, or simply lowering household expenses. The collective sentiment is that every dirham saved adds up, especially as families look ahead to the warm season.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new petrol prices in the UAE effective July 1?
From July 1 the UAE set Super 98 at Dh3.40 per litre (down from Dh3.95), Special 95 at Dh3.29, E‑Plus 91 at Dh3.21, and diesel at Dh3.60 per litre (down from Dh4.33).
How much can a typical driver save each month with the price cut?
A driver who fills up about eight times a month can expect a drop of roughly Dh0.55‑Dh0.73 per litre, translating to around Dh200‑Dh250 in monthly savings, as illustrated by Sharjah resident Sulaiman Sheikh who estimates Dh235 saved.
Which fuel grade received the biggest price reduction?
Diesel saw the largest cut, falling from Dh4.33 to Dh3.60 per litre – a reduction of Dh0.73 per litre, which is higher than the cuts for the gasoline grades.
How are motorists changing their habits after the fuel price drop?
Motorists are combining errands, leaving a second family car at home, and using the Metro more often; some plan to drive more freely now that the price reduction eases cost pressure.
What monthly fuel expense did a Range Rover driver spend before the price cut and how much will he save?
Fazil Hussain, who drives a Range Rover, spent roughly Dh900 on fuel in the previous month and expects to save about Dh125 per month with the new rates.
