Saudi Aramco will launch 98-octane gasoline in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam from January 2026/Image: X
Saudi Aramco is preparing to introduce a new fuel, 98-octane gasoline, in Saudi Arabia, expanding fuel choices for drivers of high-performance vehicles. The product will be supplied from January 2026, following guidance from the Ministry of Energy, and will be rolled out in phases based on demand.
Why Aramco is introducing 98-Octane Gasoline
The launch of Gasoline (98) is part of Saudi Aramco’s efforts to respond to changing domestic market needs while diversifying its fuel portfolio. The decision is based on guidance from the Ministry of Energy, which identified demand for a higher-octane fuel option.Aramco highlighted that the new gasoline grade will be added without affecting any existing fuel products in the market. Instead, it will provide consumers with an additional choice, particularly for vehicles that require higher octane ratings to operate efficiently.
The company confirmed that Gasoline (98) is designed specifically for sports cars and high-performance engines. These engines rely on higher-octane fuel to deliver optimal performance and efficiency, making the new product a targeted solution rather than a replacement for current fuels.
Availability
In the initial phase, 98-octane gasoline will be available in the major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Dammam metropolitan area, including the main highways that connect these cities. Saudi Aramco explained that this focus reflects the areas where vehicles requiring higher-octane fuel are most concentrated. By concentrating supply in these regions, the company aims to match availability with actual demand from the start.Expansion to other regions will be considered at a later stage. The company noted that any broader rollout will depend on the results of a market review, demand levels, and consumption patterns following the initial supply phase.
Boosting vehicle performance
The introduction of Gasoline (98) is expected to support the automotive and energy sectors. The fuel is intended to help improve vehicle performance and fuel efficiency for advanced engines that are built to operate with higher octane ratings.The move also aligns with broader efforts to support economic activity linked to modern automotive technologies, as demand for specialized fuels continues to grow. Saudi Aramco confirmed that the retail price of 98-octane gasoline will be announced on its official website under the retail fuel sales section at the time of launch in the domestic market.The company added that pricing will be reviewed periodically. Any adjustments will follow the approved governance framework for energy and water product pricing, ensuring consistency with national policies and regulatory procedures.
