Global Fuel CalculatorFuel consumption and cost calculator for the UAE
The UAE uses kilometres and litres, with petrol sold in Special 95, Super 98 and E-Plus 91 grades plus diesel. Prices are set monthly by the fuel price committee, which makes the rate field on this calculator worth updating at the start of each month rather than leaving on a default.
Both km/L and L/100km are in common use here, partly because the driving population is so international. The calculator shows both from a single input.
Enter the kilometres from your trip meter, the litres you filled, and the price you paid per litre. You get your consumption, your cost per kilometre in dirhams, and an optional estimate for a planned drive — which is worth running before a Dubai to Abu Dhabi commute or a weekend trip across the emirates.
Work out your numbers
Indicative starting price only, last reviewed 2026-01. Enter your own pump price for an accurate result.
How fuel economy is measured here
United Arab Emirates works in kilometres for distance and litres for fuel, with economy normally quoted as km/L. The calculator above is set that way by default, and the unit selectors let you switch if you need a different basis.
| Unit | Typical local figure |
|---|---|
| L/100km | 9.09 |
| km/L | 11.00 |
| MPG (US) | 25.87 |
| MPG (imperial) | 31.07 |
Local context
Long, fast, well-surfaced highways between the emirates mean a lot of steady-speed driving, which is kind to fuel economy. Working against that is the climate: air-conditioning running hard for much of the year adds a measurable load, and summer parking habits mean a lot of idling with the engine on.
Fuel remains inexpensive by European standards, so cost per kilometre here is driven more by vehicle choice than by pump price — the gap between a compact sedan and a large SUV is far more significant than any monthly price revision.
Common questions
How often do UAE petrol prices change?
Monthly. A committee announces the rates for Special 95, Super 98, E-Plus 91 and diesel near the end of each month, effective from the first. Update the price field at the start of the month for an accurate cost per kilometre.
Does air-conditioning really increase fuel consumption?
Yes, and in Gulf summer conditions the effect is significant. The compressor draws engine power continuously, and the load is highest when the cabin is being cooled down from a car that has been parked in direct sun. Parking in shade and venting the cabin before setting off reduces the peak load.
Should I use 95 or 98 octane?
Use whatever the manufacturer specifies. Higher octane resists pre-ignition but does not contain more energy, so in an engine tuned for 95 it delivers no extra kilometres for the additional cost. Engines that specifically require 98 are a different case.
Is km/L or L/100km more common in the UAE?
Both appear. Vehicle specifications often quote L/100km following European convention, while drivers frequently talk in km/L. This calculator displays the two together so you can use whichever your audience expects.
How do I estimate the fuel cost of a drive to another emirate?
Establish your real consumption from a recent tank, enter the current price per litre, then add the route distance in the trip field. Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back is a common case where the estimate is accurate because it is nearly all steady highway running.
Why does a large SUV cost so much more per kilometre?
Weight and frontal area both work against you. A heavy vehicle needs more energy to accelerate and a tall, wide one pushes more air aside at speed. Even with relatively cheap fuel, the difference in cost per kilometre against a compact car is substantial over a year.