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Diesel is no longer as attractive as it once was. What used to be the go-to option for drivers looking for fuel efficiency and long-distance driving is now in decline in the car market. And forecasts suggest the situation will worsen further, with fuel prices rising due to the conflict in Iran, adding to the sharp decline in demand seen across the Region of Murcia, where sales are down by around 40%.
Prospective buyers are increasingly wary of stricter environmental rules for diesel vehicles, the difficult anti-pollution systems such as particle filters and AdBlue, which often lead to costly repairs, especially when driving around towns and cities. On top of this, manufacturers are gradually phasing diesel engines out in favour of hybrid and electric models.
At the end of April, just 231 diesel cars were registered in the Region this year, representing a minimal market share of 3.52%. This marks a year-on-year drop of 38.4% compared with the same period in 2025. In April alone, only 52 diesel vehicles were sold, a fall of 41.57% compared with the same month last year, according to the latest monthly registrations report compiled by Faconauto using data from the DGT.
Petrol vehicles are also losing ground, although at a slower pace than diesel. So far this year, 1,345 petrol cars have been registered, a fall of almost 15% compared with January-April 2025, giving them a 20.5% market share. In April, 347 petrol vehicles were registered, down 12.59% on the same month last year.
Electric vehicles, hybrids and gas-powered models are benefiting most from this shift. Nearly eight out of every ten cars sold in the Region of Murcia now fall into these categories.
Of the 1,672 vehicles registered in April alone, 1,273 were alternative-fuel models. This was an increase of 18.25% compared with the same month last year. These include mild hybrids, which are basically petrol cars with electric assistance that allows them to qualify for the ECO environmental label.
However, the biggest growth in recent months has come from electric vehicles, which continue to rise in popularity and look set to stay.
Many drivers were previously put off by concerns over charging points and limited range, but that is now changing. Some electric vehicles can now travel between 500 and 600 kilometres on a single charge, making them a more practical option for everyday use. And although they contain a lot of technology and software, they are mechanically simpler, require less maintenance, and do not cause significant breakdowns.
There are also lots of public incentives too, meaning buyers can get money off the price of the car, usually around €4,000 to €4,500. They can also receive tax reductions of around €3,000 when they file their tax return. In some cases, there is additional regional support of up to €7,000, depending on where you live and the type of vehicle.
All in all, the car market was up in the first four months of the year, with a total of 6,554 passenger cars registered in the Region of Murcia, an increase of 14.34% compared with the same period in 2025.
Images: Archive
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