Saudi Arabia will introduce 98-octane gasoline to its domestic market in January 2026, following guidance from the Ministry of Energy regarding domestic market needs.
Saudi Aramco announced the launch as part of efforts to expand consumer fuel options and diversify its product portfolio without affecting existing products in the market.
The product will be made available in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Dammam metropolitan area during an initial phase, as well as along connecting highways, given that most vehicles requiring this fuel type are concentrated in these locations.
The company said any expansion of availability will be assessed following a review of demand levels.
Saudi Aramco confirmed that the product meets the needs of sports vehicle users and engines that require a higher octane rating.
The company indicated that the price of 98-octane gasoline will be published on its website under the retail fuel sales section at the time of its launch in the domestic market this month.
The price will be reviewed periodically in accordance with the governance procedures for adjusting energy and water product prices.
What is 98-Octane Gasoline? Saudi Arabia launches new fuel grade in 2026
According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, Saudi Fuel has provided information about the product, its differences from current gasoline grades, and the vehicles intended to use it.
Gasoline 98 is a fuel with an octane rating of 98, and shares the same chemical components as other gasoline types, but differs in the proportions of these components, which gives it greater resistance to combustion when under pressure.
The product is intended for engines operating under conditions of compression, whether through their design or through the use of systems that boost pressure.
Octane is a measurement indicating how well fuel resists ignition before the intended moment inside an engine’s combustion chamber.
A higher octane rating supports engine performance by minimising knocking, vibrations, and irregularities in combustion that may happen under pressure.
The number 98 refers to the fuel’s Research Octane Number (RON), indicating how well the gasoline resists igniting itself when under pressure during combustion.
Saudi Arabia uses the RON system for classifying gasoline, as do most countries.
Other countries use different measurement systems, which may show octane numbers appearing four to five points lower than those on the RON scale.
Which vehicles need high-Octane fuel?
Saudi Fuel stated that Gasoline 98 is not suitable for all engines. The fuel is advised for vehicles built to function at elevated compression levels, either due to their engineering or the incorporation of turbocharging or comparable systems.
Selecting a fuel with an octane rating exceeding what is required does not automatically enhance performance in standard engines.
Drivers are advised to check their vehicle owner’s manual or speak with the authorised dealer to identify the appropriate fuel type.
Saudi Fuel highlighted that no gasoline product is universally superior.
Each grade is developed to suit particular engine specifications, taking into account performance, efficiency, and operating costs.
For drivers uncertain about fuel selection, the advice is straightforward: adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications rather than selecting fuel based only on octane number.
