Petrol falls to 41 per cent of car sales as hybrids, CNG and EVs reach 41 per cent

Petrol accounted for 41 per cent of passenger vehicle sales in September 2026, down from 47 per cent a year earlier. CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles together also reached 41 per cent, up from 35 per cent, as per FADA data.

The shift in sales

The move away from pure petrol is now clear in the numbers. Six points of share left petrol in a year, and the alternatives gained six points over the same period. Carmakers are responding with more powertrain choice.

What carmakers are planning

Stellantis has outlined a plan for India of seven all-new models and five upgrades across ICE, hybrids and all-electric vehicles, beginning in the second quarter of 2027. Renault wants its vehicle and powertrain portfolio to reach close to 80 per cent of the local market over the next two years. Kwid, Kiger and Triber addressed about 30 per cent a year ago. Hyundai's new Pune plant is capable of producing both ICE and hybrid cars.

Models already in the picture

Toyota has sold more than three lakh hybrid vehicles in India. Mahindra recently entered the factory-fitted CNG segment with the XUV 3XO ZNG. The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV and the Kia Sorento are also part of the conversation on new powertrains.

What it means for buyers

If petrol is no longer the default for four in ten buyers, expect more hybrid, CNG and plug-in options across price points over the next two years. The first of the Stellantis models is not due before the second quarter of 2027.