In the UAE, for most daily-driven petrol cars, using Super 98 is typically not more economical than Special 95 over the long term. The price premium often outweighs the marginal fuel efficiency gains. For example, the average price difference in 2023 was around AED 0.25 per litre. Let's calculate the 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a common UAE car like a 2022 Toyota Camry with a 10 km/l fuel economy, driving 20,000 km per year in mixed Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway and city traffic.
| Fuel Type | Avg. Price (2023) | Fuel Economy | Annual Fuel Cost (20,000 km) |
|---|
| Special 95 | AED 3.10 / litre | 10.0 km/l | AED 6,200 |
| Super 98 | AED 3.35 / litre | 10.3 km/l (est. 3% gain) | AED 6,504 |
- Annual extra cost for Super 98: ~AED 304
- 5-year extra fuel cost: ~AED 1,520
- Net additional cost over 5 years: ~AED 475 (after accounting for ~AED 1,045 saved from 3% less fuel used)
While some high-compression or turbocharged GCC-spec engines may perform optimally with Super 98, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Central Bank of the UAE fuel price data show the consistent premium. For a typical owner, the money saved using Special 95 is better allocated to regular maintenance, which has a greater impact on long-term vehicle health and resale value in the UAE's hot climate. The core question of economy depends not on fuel grade alone but on the vehicle's manufacturer specification and your actual driving pattern on roads like Sheikh Zayed Road.
