Fuel Prices in
Saudi Arabia 2026
Official petrol, diesel, kerosene & LPG prices as announced by Saudi Aramco and GASCO. Prices apply uniformly across all regions of the Kingdom.
| Fuel Type | SAR / Litre | USD / Litre | vs 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gasoline 91 (Regular)Octane 91 — most common grade
|
2.18 | ≈ $0.58 | → Unchanged | Capped since July 2021 |
|
Gasoline 95 (Premium)Octane 95 — mid-grade premium
|
2.33 | ≈ $0.62 | → Unchanged | Capped since July 2021 |
|
Gasoline 98 (Super Premium)Octane 98 — high performance
|
2.94 | ≈ $0.78 | ↑ +2.1% | For performance & luxury vehicles |
|
DieselCommercial & industrial use
|
1.79 | ≈ $0.48 | ↑ +7.8% (Jan 2026) | Annual review — last revised Jan 2026 |
|
KeroseneAviation & heating use
|
1.59 | ≈ $0.42 | → Unchanged | Domestic & industrial kerosene |
| Cylinder Size | Price (SAR) | Approx. USD | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
11 kg Cylinder |
SAR 26.23 | ≈ $7.00 | Standard household cooking gas |
5 kg Cylinder |
SAR 11.93 | ≈ $3.18 | Small households, flats, camping |
| Year | Diesel (SAR/litre) | Change (SAR) | Change (%) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-2015 | 0.25 | — | — | Fixed for decades |
| 2015–2017 | 0.45 | +0.20 | +80% | Vision 2030 subsidy reform |
| 2018 | 0.47 | +0.02 | +5% | VAT introduction (5%) |
| 2020 | 0.52 | +0.05 | +10% | VAT raised to 15% |
| 2022 | 0.63 | +0.11 | +21% | Annual review mechanism launched |
| 2023 | 0.75 | +0.12 | +19% | 2nd annual review |
| 2024 | 1.15 | +0.40 | +53% | 3rd annual review — sharp rise |
| 2025 | 1.66 | +0.51 | +44% | 4th annual review |
| 2026 ✦ | 1.79 | +0.13 | +7.8% | 5th annual review — rate of increase slowing |
Saudi Arabia Fuel Prices — Complete Guide for Expats (2026)
Fuel prices in Saudi Arabia are among the most discussed topics for the Kingdom's large expatriate community. Whether you drive daily in Riyadh, commute in Jeddah, or manage a fleet in the Eastern Province, understanding how fuel is priced — and what to expect going forward — is essential for budgeting.
How are petrol prices set in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Aramco reviews and announces retail petrol prices on the 10th of every month, with new prices effective from the 11th. The pricing mechanism was introduced as part of Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 economic reforms, which aim to gradually align domestic fuel prices with international market rates while remaining affordable for consumers.
Since July 2021, the government has placed a price cap on Gasoline 91 (SAR 2.18/litre) and Gasoline 95 (SAR 2.33/litre). The government absorbs any cost that exceeds the cap, effectively shielding drivers from international price spikes. This is why petrol prices have remained unchanged for nearly five years.
Why does diesel keep increasing while petrol stays the same?
Petrol and diesel follow different pricing policies in Saudi Arabia:
- Petrol (Gasoline 91/95): Government-capped at current levels since July 2021. The state subsidy covers the difference above cap price. Monthly reviews rarely result in changes.
- Diesel: Follows an annual cost-reflective pricing model introduced in 2022. Prices are reviewed every January and have risen consistently — from SAR 0.63 in 2022 to SAR 1.79 in 2026. This is designed to curb overconsumption in the commercial and industrial sectors.
- Gasoline 98: A premium super-grade introduced for high-performance vehicles. Not subject to the same cap and priced at a premium (SAR 2.94/litre as of March 2026).
What petrol grade should expats use?
The choice of fuel grade depends on your vehicle's engine requirements:
- Gasoline 91: Suitable for most standard passenger vehicles. The most widely used and cheapest grade. Check your vehicle's fuel cap or owner's manual.
- Gasoline 95: Recommended for newer or European-spec vehicles that specify 95 RON or higher. Also common for SUVs and crossovers.
- Gasoline 98: Premium grade for high-performance, sports, and luxury vehicles requiring 98 RON. More expensive but offers better engine protection for compatible engines.
- Diesel: For diesel-engine vehicles, trucks, heavy equipment, and generators. Note that diesel has increased significantly and will continue rising under Aramco's annual review.
Impact of fuel price changes on expat households
For expat families in Saudi Arabia, the stable petrol prices are welcome news. The price cap ensures that everyday commuting costs remain predictable. However, expats who rely on delivery services, taxis, or companies with large fleets may indirectly feel the impact of rising diesel costs, as transportation and logistics businesses pass on higher costs.
Expats managing household budgets should also be aware that the LPG cooking gas cylinder prices are now standardised nationwide from 2026, meaning whether you live in a major city or a smaller town, you pay the same rate for your cooking gas cylinder.
Are fuel prices the same across all Saudi cities?
Yes. Fuel prices are uniform across the Kingdom. Whether you fill up in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, Abha, or Tabuk — the price per litre is identical. This applies to petrol, diesel, kerosene, and from January 2026, LPG cylinders as well.
Will fuel prices go up in 2026?
Based on current policy, petrol (91 and 95) is expected to remain stable through 2026, protected by the government price cap. Diesel, however, has risen again in January 2026 (+7.8%), continuing Aramco's annual cost-adjustment pattern — though the rate of increase appears to be moderating compared to the steep hikes seen in 2024 (+53%) and 2025 (+44%).
Sources: Saudi Aramco — Retail Fuels · GASCO (Saudi National Gas and Industrialization Company) · Saudi Gazette · Arab News · GlobalPetrolPrices.com