Saudi Aramco Launches 98-Octane Gasoline: Price, Availability, Details

Saudi Aramco has officially announced the launch of 98-octane gasoline in the domestic market, with rollout set for early 2026. The new premium fuel, branded as Gasoline 98, is specifically engineered for sports cars and high-performance engines that demand higher octane ratings.

This marks a significant expansion of Aramco's fuel portfolio, directly responding to the Kingdom's growing appetite for specialized automotive products. Here's everything you need to know about the new fuel that's about to hit Saudi pumps.

What Is 98-Octane Gasoline and Why Does It Matter?

Octane rating measures a fuel's resistance to knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels allow advanced engines with higher compression ratios to operate efficiently without pre-ignition.

For high-performance vehicles—think supercars, luxury sports sedans, and tuned engines—this means optimized power delivery and better protection against engine damage. The introduction of 98-octane finally gives Saudi owners of these vehicles the exact fuel specification their engines were designed for.

Previously, drivers had to settle for 95-octane as the highest available option. While sufficient for many modern engines, it wasn't ideal for the most demanding performance applications. This move brings Saudi Arabia in line with global markets where 98-octane (and even higher ratings) are standard offerings.

Pricing: How Much Does Aramco's New Premium Fuel Cost?

Aramco has set the retail price for Gasoline 98 at SR 2.88 per litre. This positions it as a premium option above the existing fuel grades.

Here's how the pricing stacks up against current fuels:

• 91-octane: Approximately SR 2.18 per litre
• 95-octane: Approximately SR 2.33 per litre
• New 98-octane: SR 2.88 per litre

The 55 fils premium over 95-octane reflects the specialized nature and higher production costs of the fuel. Pricing will be subject to periodic review under Saudi Arabia's governance framework for energy products, with official prices announced through Aramco's retail fuel sales website.

Availability: Where Can You Find 98-Octane in Saudi Arabia?

Initial rollout will be strategically focused on metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of suitable vehicles. Starting early 2026, 98-octane will be available at select stations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, including key connecting roadways between these major hubs.

This phased approach allows Aramco to gauge demand and optimize distribution before considering nationwide expansion. The company has indicated that expansion to other regions will depend on market uptake and customer demand patterns.

For now, drivers outside these three metropolitan areas will need to plan accordingly if they require the higher-octane fuel. Aramco emphasizes that the launch of Gasoline 98 will not affect the availability or pricing of existing 91 and 95-octane fuels.

The GCC Context: Fueling Saudi Arabia's Supercar Boom

Saudi Arabia represents the largest automotive market in the GCC, and its appetite for high-performance vehicles has been growing steadily. The introduction of 98-octane arrives at a perfect time to support this expanding segment.

The Kingdom has seen a surge in supercar and luxury performance vehicle ownership in recent years. From European exotics to American muscle cars, these vehicles often come with manufacturer recommendations for 98-octane or higher fuel.

Until now, owners had to compromise or use octane boosters—neither ideal for long-term engine health or performance. The new fuel option eliminates this compromise and supports the broader automotive ecosystem, including tuning shops and performance specialists.

This development aligns with Ministry of Energy guidance to enhance vehicle performance and efficiency through specialized fuels. It also supports broader economic activity by catering to a growing consumer segment with specific needs.

Technical Benefits: What Does 98-Octane Actually Do?

Higher octane fuel isn't about adding more power to ordinary engines. Its primary benefit is preventing knocking in high-compression engines, which can cause significant damage over time.

For vehicles designed for 98-octane, using the correct fuel means:

• Optimal combustion timing for maximum power output
• Reduced engine knock and associated wear
• Better fuel efficiency under hard acceleration
• Lower emissions during high-load operation
• Improved throttle response in performance driving situations

Modern engine management systems can adapt to different fuel grades, but they deliver their best performance when fed the octane rating they were calibrated for. This is particularly true for forced-induction engines (turbocharged and supercharged) common in today's performance vehicles.

Market Impact and Consumer Response

The automotive community in Saudi Arabia has long advocated for higher-octane fuel options. Social media forums and car club discussions frequently highlighted the gap between available fuels and manufacturer recommendations for imported performance vehicles.

With 98-octane arriving, we can expect several immediate effects: increased confidence among supercar buyers, better resale values for performance vehicles, and potentially more aggressive tuning and modification as enthusiasts no longer face fuel limitations.

Dealerships selling high-performance brands may also see a boost, as they can now assure customers that proper fuel is readily available. This removes a significant barrier to ownership that previously existed in the market.

Comparison with Regional Fuel Standards

Across the GCC, fuel specifications vary by country and provider. The introduction of 98-octane in Saudi Arabia brings the Kingdom to parity with offerings in some other Gulf markets, though availability and pricing differ.

What makes Saudi Arabia's case unique is the scale of implementation. As the region's largest economy and automotive market, Aramco's move could influence fuel standards across neighboring countries. Other GCC fuel providers may consider similar premium offerings if Saudi Arabia's rollout proves successful.

The timing is also noteworthy—coming alongside broader energy sector developments and Saudi Arabia's continued diversification efforts under Vision 2030. Specialized fuels represent a value-added product that supports both consumer needs and economic objectives.

What's Next for Premium Fuels in the Region?

Aramco has indicated that expansion beyond the initial three cities will depend on demand. If uptake is strong in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, we can expect wider availability across the Kingdom by late 2026 or early 2027.

Looking further ahead, the success of 98-octane could pave the way for even more specialized automotive fuels. This might include higher-octane racing fuels for track use, or alternative formulations for specific vehicle types.

The move also signals Aramco's responsiveness to evolving consumer demands within the energy sector. As Saudi Arabia's automotive landscape becomes more sophisticated, fuel offerings must keep pace with vehicle technology and owner expectations.

For now, the message is clear: Saudi Arabia's performance vehicle owners finally have a fuel that matches their machines. Early 2026 can't come soon enough for those waiting to fill their tanks with 98-octane premium gasoline.