Fueling Tips for Renters in the UAE
Renting a car in the UAE makes it easy to explore the Emirates at your own pace. Fueling your rental is straightforward, but it helps to know the local fuel types, prices, and rental company policies to avoid surprises. This guide explains everything from finding gas stations to choosing the right fuel grade, understanding current pump prices, and how rental companies handle fuel. We’ll also share smart tips for saving money and avoiding extra refueling charges.
UAE Fuel Types and What They Mean
In the UAE you’ll mainly find Super 98, Special 95, E-Plus 91 (all petrol) and Diesel at public stations. These are the only pump fuels available nationwide. In simple terms:
Super 98 (ممتاز): Highest-octane petrol for powerful, high-compression engines (e.g. sports cars, luxury models). It’s the “cleanest” petrol for hot climates. Only use this if your car’s manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Special 95 (خصوصي): Standard mid-grade petrol used by most sedans and smaller cars. This is the common choice for everyday rental cars.
E-Plus 91 (إي-بلس): A low-octane petrol sold at a slightly cheaper price. It’s meant for older or very fuel-efficient engines with low compression. Most rental companies rarely provide vehicles that require E-Plus 91, so you’ll mainly use 95 or 98.
Diesel (ديزل): Clean low-sulfur diesel for trucks and many SUVs. Diesel is usually priced lower (currently Dhs2.45/L in June 2025), and is more efficient for heavy or diesel-engine vehicles. If your rental is a diesel model, be sure to use only the diesel pump (often marked with a green handle).
Tip: Always check your rental’s fuel cap or dashboard label for the correct octane. Using 98-octane in a car designed for 95-octane generally yields no benefit and just costs more per liter. Conversely, using a lower octane than required can harm performance. In short, use Super 98 only for high-performance/luxury cars, and Special 95 for most regular cars. And never mix diesel and petrol!
Understanding Fuel Prices
UAE fuel prices are government-regulated and adjusted monthly based on global oil markets. Since 2015 the UAE Fuel Price Committee (from the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure) sets prices at the end of each month according to international price averages. This means pump prices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and all Emirates change together.
Latest prices (June 2025) – As announced in late May: Super 98 – Dhs2.58/L; Special 95 – Dhs2.47/L; E-Plus 91 – Dhs2.39/L; Diesel – Dhs2.45/L. These include 5% VAT. (By the way, E-Plus 91 and Special 95 often differ by only a few fils, so compare if your car allows 91.)
Price history: After spikes in 2022–24, prices have eased. For example, Super 98 was Dhs3.34 in May 2024 versus Dhs2.58 now. Diesel is about a dirham cheaper than premium petrol. You can check the official price committee announcements each month (often reported by media) to know current rates.
Because prices can change, it’s smart to check local news or apps for the latest rates before fueling. Sites like the UAE press or even the ADNOC app show current pump prices. Remember: all Emirates use the same prices, so fill up wherever convenient.
“Since UAE deregulated petrol prices in 2015 … the rates are revised at the end of every month.”
Finding Gas Stations
Fuel stations are easy to find across the UAE. Major networks include ADNOC Distribution (the largest in the country), ENOC/Eppco (in Dubai), Emarat, and regional brands. Stations are plentiful in cities and along highways, most are open 24/7, and they accept major credit cards. You can use navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) or fuel station locators to find nearby pumps.
Station Locators: For example, ADNOC Distribution’s website and mobile app let you “find your nearest ADNOC Distribution station – the UAE’s largest network, delivering energy to keep you moving.”. ENOC, Emarat, etc. have similar tools.
Convenience: Many stations have convenience stores and restrooms. There’s usually no need to use cash (card or contactless payment is fine).
Safety: Always turn off the engine when pumping. Fuel pump handles often have distinct colors (black for petrol, green for diesel) and labels in English/Arabic.
Tip: Fuel up when your gauge is around one-quarter full to avoid last-minute rush. If you’re on a long road trip (e.g. through the desert or to Hatta/Oman), don’t let the tank get too low – stations can be sparse on remote highways.
Rental Car Fuel Policies
Most UAE rental companies (Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, Budget, Sixt, etc.) use a full-to-full fuel policy by default. This means you pick up the car with a full tank and are expected to return it full. If you fail to refuel before returning, the company will top up the tank for you and charge you extra – usually at a premium rate plus a service fee. Here’s how the major companies work:
Hertz(and Thrifty/Dollar): Standard policy is full-to-full. The car comes full; you must bring it back full or pay a refueling fee. Hertz offers an Advance Fuel Purchase (prepaid fuel) option: you can pay up-front for a full tank and then return empty with no further fuel charges. (However, unused fuel is not refundable.)
Budget: Requires returning the vehicle with the same fuel level as at pickup (usually full). If you don’t return it full (and can’t show a refuel receipt), Budget will refill it and charge you. They offer a “Fuel Up Front” prepay option (basically the same idea as Hertz’s prepay), which lets you avoid refueling – just note that prepayments have no refund for leftover fuel.
Sixt: Also full-to-full. “All vehicles must be refueled to the same level that you received at pick up.” They offer a prepaid fuel package (buy a tank at local pump price) so you can return empty. If you neither refuel nor prepay, Sixt will fill your tank at drop-off with a service fee (often higher than pump price).
Other rental agencies generally follow the same logic: you pay for what you use (full-to-full) or optionally prepay. Always double-check your rental agreement or ask at pick-up. In any case, keeping the tank full is the easiest way to avoid extra charges.
Fuel Charge Example: If you pick up with a full tank and return 3/4 full without refueling, the rental will charge you roughly 1/4 tank at a marked-up rate. In contrast, refueling yourself at a station typically costs only the base pump price.
Smart Fueling Tips
Refuel yourself before return: To save money, it’s best to fill up at a nearby station on your own before dropping off the car. Rental refueling fees can be much higher (often double the normal price per liter). Keep the receipt in case the company disputes the fuel level.
Watch out for prepaid options: Pre-paying for a full tank is only worth it if you are sure you’ll use it all. Tourists often drive a lot, but if you return early or with fuel left, there’s no refund. Generally, calculate whether your trip mileage will need a full tank; otherwise, fill up normally.
Fuel efficiently: Drive smoothly—avoid rapid acceleration or excessive idling—to maximize mileage. Lower your A/C use when possible; high speeds and hills increase fuel consumption.
Use loyalty or payment apps (optional): If you refuel often, consider joining ADNOC Rewards or ENOC SolarOne programs to earn points. ADNOC’s mobile app even lets you pay at the pump via phone to save time. (Just be sure your credit card is registered and works abroad.)
Check station locations: Some airports have stations inside or just outside the airport grounds. If returning at night, note that most 24/7 stations are well-lit and safe. However, avoid fueling at unmarked places – stick to official stations only.
Plan for emergencies: If you run extremely low, many rental companies offer roadside assistance that can bring fuel (for a fee). It’s better to avoid this cost by refueling in time.
Electric vehicles (EVs): If your rental is electric, seek out public chargers. ADNOC Distribution and others are expanding EV charging (e.g. see ADNOC EV chargers news). Plan charging stops in advance, as EV charging takes longer than refueling.
Sources and Links
For up-to-date fuel prices and policies, check official or reputable sources:
UAE Fuel Price Announcements: Media outlets and government pages report monthly prices. For example, Emirates24|7 notes June 2025 prices as: Diesel Dhs2.45, Super 98 Dhs2.58, Special 95 Dhs2.47, E-Plus 91 Dhs2.39. Khaleej Times and The National also cover these updates.
Fuel Station Operators: ADNOC Distribution’s website describes fuel types and network. For instance, their site explains Super 98 vs. Super 95 and shows pump prices.
Government Info: The UAE Ministry of Energy issues the final say via the Fuel Price Committee. You can look for announcements on official channels or news articles citing the Ministry (often the news mentions “approved by the Ministry of Energy” each month).
By knowing the local fuel grades, current prices, and your rental’s fuel policy, you can fill up confidently and avoid extra fees. Enjoy your drive in the UAE—and happy motoring!