Saudi Aramco has announced plans to introduce a new 98-octane gasoline grade in the Saudi market starting in January 2026. The move will add a higher-performance fuel option for drivers of sports cars and vehicles with advanced engines.
According to official reports, this higher-octane fuel grade is being added as part of Aramco’s efforts to diversify available fuel products and address evolving consumer needs without affecting the availability of existing gasoline types already on the market.
The new 98-octane gasoline is designed to meet the requirements of engines that operate at higher compression levels, such as those found in sports cars, luxury models, and performance-oriented vehicles. Higher octane ratings help reduce engine knocking and support smoother combustion under stress, making the fuel suited for advanced engine designs.
Aramco plans a phased rollout, initially making the product available at service stations in major metropolitan areas where demand is expected to be highest. These include Riyadh, Jeddah and the Dammam metropolitan area, as well as selected connecting highways. These regions are known to have a larger concentration of vehicles that benefit from high-octane fuel.
The company has said it will monitor demand and consumption before considering a wider expansion of availability across the Kingdom. This approach aims to ensure that infrastructure and supply chains are aligned with actual usage patterns and market needs.
Pricing for the 98-octane gasoline will be published on Saudi Aramco’s official website under its retail fuel sales section closer to the launch date. The price will be subject to periodic review according to the Kingdom’s established energy pricing governance framework.
The introduction of this new fuel grade is seen by industry observers as part of broader efforts to enhance the local fuel landscape and support the automotive sector’s evolution in Saudi Arabia. The availability of 98-octane gasoline aligns with trends in global markets where higher-octane fuels are provided to meet the performance demands of modern engines.
Local analysts say the move may also encourage more premium and performance vehicles to enter and operate efficiently within the Saudi market, as drivers of such vehicles often seek higher-octane fuels to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Aramco’s announcement comes as part of a series of initiatives in the energy sector aimed at enhancing consumer choice while maintaining stability in fuel supply and pricing. As the Kingdom continues to evolve its energy offerings, the introduction of gasoline with an octane rating of 98 marks a notable addition to the available options for motorists across the country.
