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Business · September 7, 2026

Alternative-Fuel Cars Outsell Petrol Models in India as Buyer Preferences Shift

CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles together have overtaken petrol-only passenger-vehicle sales, reflecting cost concerns and changing consumer priorities.

A major shift in demand

Sales of alternative-fuel passenger vehicles, including CNG, hybrid and electric models, have moved ahead of petrol-only vehicles in India, according to industry data cited by Reuters.

Why buyers are changing

Fuel costs, wider model availability and concerns around running costs are reshaping purchase decisions. CNG remains popular where refuelling infrastructure is strong, hybrids offer lower fuel use without full charging dependence, and EVs continue to expand from a smaller base.

What it means for automakers

Manufacturers may increasingly treat multi-fuel portfolios as mainstream rather than niche, with ownership cost, infrastructure and policy deciding the long-term winners.

Sources & verification

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