Gasoline Vehicle Sales Drop Below 50 Percent Globally
Global gasoline-powered vehicle sales fell to 49 percent in early 2026 as Middle East conflicts drove oil prices to 100 dollars per barrel.
Global sales of gasoline-powered vehicles fell below 50 percent for the first time between January and June 2026, dropping to a 49 percent share of total automotive sales. This shift followed a fuel price shock triggered by conflict in the Middle East and supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed oil prices to 100 dollars per barrel and drove gasoline prices to record highs.
While China previously surpassed the 50 percent threshold for hybrids and electric vehicles, the current crisis accelerated adoption across Europe, South America, and Asia Pacific. In Germany, gasoline prices reached 2.31 euros per liter, contributing to a 75 percent year-over-year surge in battery electric vehicle sales for August. Across Europe, battery electric vehicle sales rose 52.2 percent in August.
Mobility Global provided the data confirming the decline in gasoline car market share. The International Energy Agency reported that electric vehicle sales rose 35 percent in the second quarter compared to the first, reaching record levels in 50 countries, including Brazil, India, Australia, and Vietnam. Analysis from Wood Mackenzie suggests that this acceleration in adoption will remain a trend and may exceed previous expectations.
