Muscat: Global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) rose for a second consecutive month in April 2026, as persistently high petrol prices continued to steer buyers away from fuel-powered cars, data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence showed. Registrations of new battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids increased 6 percent in April 2026 from a year earlier to 1.6 million, a key indicator of sales. However, registrations fell 9 percent from the record monthly high set in March.

According to Oman News Agency, "Demand remains supported by high petrol prices and the growing presence of Chinese original equipment manufacturers," the consultancy said in a statement. Governments have continued to take measures to curb fuel prices after the Middle East war disrupted one of the main shipping routes for oil.