The price of diesel – which is used heavily in construction and industry – will be lower in the UAE from September 1, although motorists will pay more for petrol, the Ministry of Energy said on Sunday.

Diesel will cost Dh1.72 a litre, down from Dh1.76 this month, the ministry said on its website.

All grades of petrol will however be 2 fils more expensive, with Super 98 priced at Dh1.75 a litre, Special 95 at Dh1.64, and E Plus 91 at Dh1.57.

The government cut its costly subsidies on fuel last year, with officials setting prices monthly, tracking the open market more closely than when the subsidies were in place.