Pakistan Auto Update: Petrol Sales Down 9%, Electric Sales Up 61% This Month

 

The Pakistani automotive sector exhibited contrasting trends in March 2026, characterized by a contraction in traditional combustion vehicle sales alongside a significant surge in electric vehicle demand.

According to recent sectoral figures, combined sales of passenger cars, LCVs, vans, and SUVs fell by 9 percent month-over-month, totaling 15,531 units compared to February's 17,121 units. Despite this monthly dip, the market showed a 40 percent improvement over March of the previous year, when volumes were recorded at 11,113 units.

Cumulatively, automotive sales for this category hit 144,029 units during the initial nine months of FY26, marking a 43 percent year-on-year rise from the 100,736 units sold during the equivalent timeframe last year.

The monthly downturn was primarily triggered by a cooling in the passenger car segment, which retracted 12 percent to 11,702 units in March. Within this group, 1000cc models experienced the most significant slump, tumbling 36 percent to 294 units.

Volume for vehicles under 1000cc also decreased by 18 percent to 4,961 units, while the 1300cc and larger category saw a more moderate 6 percent decline, settling at 6,447 units.