Bahrain has introduced a new monthly mechanism for setting fuel prices in line with global market movements, with revised rates taking effect today.
Under the approved rates, petrol prices per litre will be as follows – Super 98 will cost 265 fils, Premium 95 will be priced at 235 fils, Regular 91 at 220 fils and diesel at 200 fils.
The subsidised diesel price for Bahraini fishermen will remain unchanged in recognition of their role and livelihood needs.
Natural gas prices for companies and factories will be gradually adjusted from 2026.
The decisions were revealed during a Press conference yesterday, with Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Daina and Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa outlining the objectives behind the key reforms.
Dr Bin Daina said a special permanent committee made up of government entities and state-owned companies has been formed to determine and monitor fuel prices in the local market on a monthly basis.
“The aim of this initiative is to price fuel locally in a way that reflects changes in global oil prices, while achieving economic efficiency and long-term financial sustainability,” he said.
“The committee met today and fuel prices will change accordingly,” he added, stressing that the new mechanism would enhance transparency and predictability in fuel pricing.
Turning to natural gas, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the government has completed a comprehensive review of gas pricing decisions dating back to 2015, alongside current local and global market conditions.
Based on the review, the Cabinet approved a gradual correction of natural gas prices for companies and industrial facilities to better reflect the actual cost of consumption.
“The adjustment will begin in January 2026, with an annual increase of 50 US cents per unit, applied over a period of four years,” Shaikh Salman said.
He stressed that the decision is not revenue-driven, but designed to improve efficiency and sustainability.
“The objective of correcting gas prices is to encourage higher energy efficiency in factories and facilities, preserve Bahrain’s limited natural gas resources, and narrow the gap between domestic and global gas prices,” Shaikh Salman said.
He added that the measure will also incentivise industrial firms to invest in renewable energy and cleaner technologies, supporting Bahrain’s long-term sustainability goals.
The ministers stressed that the reforms form part of a broader package aimed at strengthening public finances while maintaining Bahrain’s competitiveness as an industrial and investment destination.
“These measures are carefully phased and predictable,” Shaikh Salman said. “They give companies time to adapt, improve efficiency and plan investments, while ensuring responsible use of national resources.”
Petrol prices were earlier increased in January 2018 with the price of premium Mumtaz (95 octane) fuel rising from 160 fils to 200 fils per litre, and cheaper Jayyid (91 octane) costing 140 fils per litre from 125 fils. This was the second fuel price hike in 35 years, the first being in January 2016 when Mumtaz went up from 100 fils to 160 fils per litre and Jayyid from 80 fils to 125 fils per litre.
Nine ministers took part in the Press conference yesterday, which was moderated by Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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