Differences Between Fuel Types in UAE: Which Is Better?

Welcome to the definitive guide on understanding fuel types in the UAE. If you're a car enthusiast, a daily commuter, or a new driver in the Emirates, one of the most frequent decisions you'll make is at the petrol pump. The choice between Special 95 and Super 98 might seem trivial, but it has a tangible impact on your car's performance, its long-term health, and your wallet.

Here in the GCC, our cars are more than just transport; they're a part of our lifestyle. From the rugged dependability of a Nissan PatrolUAE Nissan PatrolBahrain Nissan PatrolKSA Nissan PatrolKuwait Nissan PatrolOman Nissan PatrolQatar Nissan PatrolEgypt Nissan Patrol exploring the Liwa desert to the sophisticated power of a BMWUAE BMWBahrain BMWKSA BMWOman BMWQatar BMWEgypt BMWKuwait BMW M5 cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, the right fuel is the lifeblood that allows these machines to perform as their engineers intended.

This article will demystify the numbers on the pump, break down the technical differences in a way that makes sense, and provide you with the expert advice you need to make the best choice for your specific vehicle. We'll cover everything from octane ratings to engine knock and even tell you which fuel stations offer the best all-around service. Let's get started.

What are the fuel types available in UAE?

Unlike many countries with a dizzying array of ethanol blends and special formulas, the UAE fuel market is refreshingly straightforward. Since the deregulation of fuel prices in 2015, the market has been standardized, with prices adjusted monthly by the UAE Fuel Price Committee. The main players—ADNOC, ENOC, and Emarat—all offer a consistent range of products.

The primary differentiator between the petrol types available is the Research Octane Number (RON), commonly known as the octane rating. In simple terms, octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand more compression before detonating, which is crucial for high-performance engines.

Let's break down the common fuels you'll find at the pump across the UAE.

A Deeper Look at Each Fuel Type

E-Plus 91

Primarily offered by ADNOC Distribution, E-Plus 91 is the most budget-friendly petrol option. Its lower octane rating makes it suitable for engines with a low compression ratio. These are typically found in older car models or modern, highly efficient, small-displacement engines designed for economy above all else. Many commercial fleets in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates rely on E-Plus 91 to manage operational costs effectively. For the average consumer, unless your car's manufacturer explicitly states that 91 RON is acceptable (check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the fuel filler door), it's generally best to stick with 95. Using 91 in a car designed for 95 could lead to engine knocking under load, resulting in reduced performance and potential long-term damage.

Special 95

This is the workhorse of the UAE's fuel market. Special 95 hits the sweet spot for the overwhelming majority of vehicles sold in the region. Think of the most popular cars you see every day: the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Kia Sportage, and even robust SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol V8. Their engines are engineered to run optimally on 95 RON fuel. It provides a perfect balance of performance, engine protection, and cost-effectiveness for these vehicles. For about 90% of drivers in the UAE, Special 95 is the correct and most logical choice. It delivers the performance the manufacturer intended without the extra cost of a higher octane rating the engine cannot utilize.

Super 98

This is the premium stuff, the top-shelf choice for engines that demand the best. Super 98 is not just "better fuel"—it's a necessary fuel for a specific class of vehicles. Engines that are turbocharged, supercharged, or have a very high natural compression ratio require 98 RON to prevent premature detonation (engine knock). When you're behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG C63, a BMW M4, or even a modern turbocharged V6 Nissan Patrol, the engine's ECU (Engine Control Unit) is tuned to take full advantage of the higher octane. It advances the ignition timing and maximizes turbo boost to extract every bit of horsepower. Using a lower octane fuel in these cars forces the ECU's knock sensors to retard the timing, drastically cutting power and efficiency to protect the engine. So, if you drive a performance car, think of Super 98 not as a luxury, but as a requirement for its health and performance.

Diesel

While not as common for passenger cars in the UAE as it is in Europe, diesel is the undisputed king of the commercial world. Its high energy density and the torque-rich nature of diesel engines make it essential for heavy trucks, buses, and construction equipment. You will also find some passenger SUVs, particularly from brands like Land Rover or Jeep, that offer diesel variants known for their incredible low-end torque (perfect for serious off-roading) and impressive fuel economy on long highway journeys. Diesel fuel is rated by its Cetane number, which measures the quality of its ignition, opposite to how octane measures resistance to ignition.

Difference Between Super 98 and Special 95

This is the most common point of confusion for drivers at the pump. Is Super 98 worth the extra 15-20 fils per litre? The answer is a resounding "it depends entirely on your car." The difference isn't about one being "cleaner" or "more powerful" in an absolute sense; it's about chemical stability under pressure.

To truly understand this, we need to talk about what happens inside your engine.

The Science of Combustion and Engine Knock

Your car's engine works by compressing a mixture of air and fuel in a cylinder and then igniting it with a spark plug. This creates a controlled explosion that pushes the piston down, turning the crankshaft and ultimately, your wheels.

• The Key: This explosion must happen at the exact right moment, timed precisely by the spark plug.

• Engine Knock (or Detonation): This occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites on its own due to heat and pressure, before the spark plug fires. This creates a chaotic, uncontrolled explosion. Instead of a smooth push, the piston gets a violent, sharp shock. It often sounds like a metallic "pinging" or "knocking" sound, especially when the engine is under load (e.g., accelerating up a hill).

This knocking is incredibly harmful to your engine's internal components, potentially damaging pistons, connecting rods, and bearings over time.

How Octane Rating Solves This Problem

The octane rating (95 or 98) is a direct measure of the fuel's resistance to this self-ignition.

• Special 95 (95 RON): Has a good level of resistance suitable for most standard engines. These engines have a moderate compression ratio, meaning they don't squeeze the air-fuel mixture as tightly.

• Super 98 (98 RON): Has a higher resistance to self-ignition. It's designed for engines that create immense pressure in the cylinder before the spark.

So, Who Actually Needs Super 98?

You need Super 98 if your car's engine is designed with any of the following characteristics, which are common in performance-oriented vehicles:

1. Forced Induction (Turbochargers or Superchargers): This is the biggest factor. A turbo or supercharger works by forcing more air into the engine's cylinders. More air means a bigger explosion and more power, but it also dramatically increases the pressure and heat inside the cylinder, making it highly susceptible to knock. Almost every turbocharged or supercharged performance car—from a Volkswagen Golf R to a Range Rover Sport SVR to the mighty Mercedes-AMG G63—requires 98 RON fuel to produce its advertised horsepower safely.

2. High Compression Ratios: Even without a turbo, some naturally aspirated engines are tuned for high performance by using a high compression ratio. Think of the V8 in a Lexus LC 500 or the flat-six in a Porsche 911 GT3. They squeeze the air-fuel mixture very tightly to extract maximum energy. These engines need the stability of Super 98.

3. Aggressive ECU Tuning: The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the brain of your car. In performance cars, it's programmed with aggressive ignition timing maps. It's designed to ignite the spark as early as possible to create the most effective power stroke. This relies on the fuel remaining stable until that spark. Using 95 in such a car will cause the knock sensors to immediately signal the ECU to "pull timing" (delay the spark), resulting in a noticeable loss of power and responsiveness.

Common Scenarios: Using the Wrong Fuel

• Scenario A: Using Special 95 in a car that requires Super 98

  • What happens? The car will likely feel sluggish and less powerful, especially under hard acceleration. Fuel economy will decrease because the engine is running less efficiently. You are not getting the performance you paid for when you bought the car.

  • Is it dangerous? For a short time or accidental fill-up, modern engines will protect themselves by reducing performance. However, consistently using lower-than-recommended octane can put extra stress on engine components and is not advised.

  • Example: You fill your new BMW M340i with 95 RON. The car's computer will detect the lower-quality fuel and limit turbo boost and retard ignition timing to prevent knock. You'll be driving a "detuned" version of your car until you fill up with the correct 98 RON.

• Scenario B: Using Super 98 in a car that only needs Special 95

  • What happens? In most cases, absolutely nothing. You are simply wasting money.

  • Is it dangerous? No, it's not harmful. The engine of your Toyota Camry or Nissan Kicks is tuned for 95 RON. It doesn't have the high compression or aggressive ECU mapping to take advantage of the 98 octane's extra stability. The ECU won't advance the timing beyond its pre-set limits, so there's no performance gain.

  • The Verdict: You're paying a premium for a benefit your car cannot use. It's like buying high-performance running shoes for a casual walk in the mall. While some drivers claim their car "feels smoother," this is often a placebo effect or due to minor differences in the additive packages between the fuel grades, not the octane itself. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendation and save your Dirhams.

What Fuel Do Your Car Need?

Now for the most important question: how do you know for sure which fuel is right for your car? Guessing is not a strategy. Thankfully, manufacturers make this information very easy to find. You don't need to be a mechanic; you just need to know where to look.

Here are the three definitive ways to determine the correct fuel for your vehicle, from easiest to most thorough.

Method 1: The Fuel Filler Door (The 10-Second Check)

This is the quickest and most convenient method. The next time you're at an ADNOC or ENOC station, simply open your car's fuel filler door. Most modern vehicles have a sticker on the inside of the door or on the fuel cap itself that clearly states the required fuel.

You'll likely see one of the following:

• "Unleaded Fuel Only - 95 RON": This is clear. Your car is designed for Special 95.

• "95 RON MIN": This means the absolute minimum octane your car should run on is 95. Using 98 is acceptable but likely won't provide any benefit.

• "98 RON Recommended" or "Use Super Unleaded Only": This is a strong recommendation. The car will run on 95 (as it's likely the minimum), but for optimal performance, power, and efficiency, you should use Super 98. This is common on many German luxury cars like a standard Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5-Series.

• "98 RON ONLY": This is an instruction, not a suggestion. This is typical for high-performance AMG, M, or RS models. Using anything less can lead to performance loss and potential engine issues.

Method 2: The Owner's Manual (The Definitive Source)

Your car's owner's manual is the ultimate authority. It contains the precise specifications and recommendations directly from the people who built your car. If the fuel door sticker is missing or unclear, this is your next stop.

Look in the index for "Fuel," "Fuel Requirements," or "Technical Specifications." In this section, the manual will explicitly state the required Research Octane Number (RON). It will leave no room for doubt. This is especially important for owners of vehicles popular across the GCC, such as the best SUVs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser. For instance, the latest generation Nissan Patrol with the V6 Turbo engine has different fuel requirements than the older, legendary V8. The manual is the only place to find this official information.

Keep your owner's manual in your glove box. It's an invaluable resource for more than just fuel; it's a key part of your car maintenance tips UAE toolkit.

Method 3: Consult the Experts (The Final Confirmation)

If you've lost your manual and the sticker is gone, don't worry. You have two more excellent options:

4. Manufacturer's Website: Visit the official Middle East website for your car brand (e.g., toyota.ae, bmw-dubai.com). You can often find digital owner's manuals or specification sheets for your model.

5. Call Your Dealership's Service Center: This is a foolproof method. Call the service department of your local dealer (e.g., Al-Futtaim for Toyota/Lexus, AGMC for BMW, Gargash for Mercedes-Benz). Give them your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can tell you with 100% certainty what fuel your car requires. They have the most accurate and up-to-date information for GCC-spec vehicles.

Real-World Examples for UAE Drivers

• Your Daily Commuter (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra): Almost certainly requires Special 95. Using 98 is a waste of money.

• Your Family SUV (Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol V8): These rugged machines are built to run reliably on Special 95.

• Your Modern Turbocharged SUV (New Nissan Patrol V6 Turbo, Ford Explorer EcoBoost): Check the manual carefully. It will likely recommend Super 98 for peak performance and may list 95 as an acceptable minimum. To get the power you're paying for, 98 is the way to go.

• Your European Luxury Sedan (Mercedes C200, BMW 320i): These often have small turbocharged engines. They will run fine on Special 95, but the manual may recommend 98 for optimal responsiveness. This is a user-preference choice.

• Your High-Performance Car (Porsche Cayman, Mercedes-AMG A45, Audi RS3): This is non-negotiable. These cars requireSuper 98. Using 95 is starving the engine of what it needs to perform safely at its limit.

• Your Modified Car (Tuned Patrol, Golf R with an ECU flash): If your car has been electronically tuned for more power, you must use the fuel grade specified by your tuner. A high-performance tune will almost always require Super 98. Using a lower grade can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Popular Fuel Stations in UAE

In the UAE, you are primarily served by three major, government-owned fuel retailers. While they all offer government-regulated fuel of a high standard, they differentiate themselves through their locations, convenience store offerings, loyalty programs, and additional automotive services.

1. ADNOC Distribution

• Primary Reach: The dominant force in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah). They have a growing presence in Dubai as well.

• Fuel Offered: E-Plus 91, Special 95, Super 98, and Diesel. They are the main provider of E-Plus 91.

• Notable Features:

  • ADNOC Oasis: These are their well-stocked convenience stores, offering everything from coffee and snacks to groceries.

  • Car Services: Many larger stations feature car wash facilities, oil changes (lube services), and tire inflation stations.

  • ADNOC Rewards: A popular loyalty program where you earn points on fuel and non-fuel purchases. These points can be redeemed for discounts, free items at the Oasis store, or even a free car wash.

  • Smart Services: ADNOC has pioneered smart payment solutions, including app-based payment and RFID tags (ADNOC Plus) that allow for seamless, automated payment without leaving your car.

2. ENOC/EPPCO

• Primary Reach: The leading retailer in Dubai, with a significant presence in the Northern Emirates. ENOC and EPPCO are part of the same group.

• Fuel Offered: Special 95, Super 98, and Diesel. They generally do not offer 91 octane petrol.

• Notable Features:

  • ZOOM: Their award-winning convenience store brand is ubiquitous in Dubai, known for its wide selection of fresh food, coffee, and everyday essentials.

  • AutoPro: This is a major differentiator. Many ENOC stations host AutoPro service centers, which are fully-fledged mechanical workshops offering everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs. It's a one-stop-shop for many car owners.

  • Tasjeel: ENOC operates the Tasjeel vehicle testing and registration centers in partnership with the RTA in Dubai and police authorities in other Emirates. This makes renewing your car's registration incredibly convenient.

  • "Yes" Rewards Program: ENOC's loyalty app allows you to earn points and rewards on your spending across their network, including fuel, ZOOM, and AutoPro.

3. Emarat

• Primary Reach: A long-standing and respected brand with a strong network of stations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

• Fuel Offered: Special 95, Super 98, and Diesel.

• Notable Features:

  • Quality and Service: Emarat has built a reputation for excellent customer service and clean, well-maintained facilities.

  • Bakeria & Freshly: Their in-house brands for fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee are very popular with commuters.

  • Lube Express: Like their competitors, they offer quick oil change and vehicle check-up services at many locations.

  • Car Wash: Emarat stations are also equipped with modern automatic and manual car wash services.

Choosing a station often comes down to location convenience and which loyalty program or ancillary service (like AutoPro or Tasjeel) best fits your needs as a car owner in the UAE.

The Final Word: Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Drive

Navigating the world of fuel types in the UAE doesn't have to be complicated. By now, you should have a clear understanding that the choice between E-Plus 91, Special 95, and Super 98 isn't about good, better, and best—it's about right and wrong for your specific engine.

Let's boil it down to the three golden rules:

6. Always Follow the Manufacturer's Recommendation: Your car's owner's manual and the sticker inside the fuel filler door are your most trusted sources. They tell you exactly what your engine was designed, tested, and certified to run on.

7. Using Higher Octane in a Standard Car is a Waste: Putting Super 98 in your Toyota Camry or Honda CR-V will not give you more power or better mileage. The engine isn't built to take advantage of it. You're simply paying a premium for no tangible benefit. Save your money and stick with Special 95.

8. Using Lower Octane in a Performance Car is a Mistake: Feeding Special 95 to a car that requires Super 98 (like a turbocharged BMW or a Porsche) is robbing it of its performance and efficiency. Your car's advanced engine management system will detune the engine to protect it, meaning you lose the very horsepower and responsiveness you paid for.

Think of fuel as a critical part of your car's diet. You wouldn't feed a thoroughbred racehorse the same food as a gentle pony. In the same way, feeding your high-tech engine the correct fuel is the most fundamental aspect of its care. It ensures you get the performance you expect, the efficiency you need, and the long-term reliability you deserve from your vehicle on the brilliant roads of the UAE. Drive smart, and choose wisely.