UAE petrol prices rose by more than 16% for October, prompting some residents to rethink how they travel to work. Several motorists are considering public transport, remote work and fewer unnecessary journeys to control their monthly spending.
The new rates took effect on October 1. Super 98 is priced at AED 4.40 a litre, up from AED 3.80 in September. Special 95 rose to AED 4.28 from AED 3.69. E-Plus 91 increased to AED 4.21 from AED 3.61. For Al Qusais resident Alwin Pinto, the increase changed his daily commute plan. He spends around AED 700 to AED 800 each month on petrol while travelling to JLT.
Pinto is now considering the Dubai Metro for his office journey. A regular all-zone Nol pass costs AED 350 for 30 days. He said the Metro takes about an hour, compared with 45 to 50 minutes by car.
“The Metro station is right near my house, and my office is about a 10-minute walk from the station,” Pinto said.
Other residents are considering changes to their weekly routines. Shabbir Ahmed, who travels from Ajman to Deira, spends more than AED 1,200 a month on petrol. He expects the cost could cross AED 1,500 if he continues travelling to the office five days a week. Ahmed plans to discuss working from home for part of the week with his employer. However, the arrangement is not yet approved.
Sales executive Hameed S, who lives in Sharjah, also expects higher costs. He visits clients four days a week and estimates he may need to spend an additional AED 170 to AED 250 from his own pocket each month. He plans to group client appointments by location. For offices near Metro stations, he is considering using public transport on those days.
Car-lift users are also seeing higher costs. Amna, who travels from Al Nahda in Sharjah to Business Bay, said her monthly fare will rise from AED 350 to AED 380. The changes show how the October fuel increase is prompting residents to review daily travel plans and look for ways to reduce driving costs.
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