PRAYAGRAJ, June 12 -- The continuous rise in automobile fuel prices, along with inflation, has probably started to impact the automobile market in the district. According to data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), vehicle sales dropped sharply in May 2026 compared to the same month last year. However, at the national level, retail vehicle sales increased, with a noticeable rise in demand for electric vehicles (EVs). In May 2026, only 7,098 vehicles were registered at the RTO. This included 4,968 bikes, 1,049 cars, and 267 e-rickshaws. In comparison, 15,740 vehicles were registered in May 2025, including 12,501 bikes, 1,437 cars, and 464 e-rickshaws. This shows decline of more than 50 per cent in total vehicle sales over year. The slowdown has been seen across all segments. Registration of goods vehicles also dropped from 218 in May 2025 to 146 in May 2026. Traders say that rising fuel prices have reduced people's purchasing power and their willingness to buy new vehicles. Harshit Agarwal of Kanha Motors, a two-wheeler sales outlet in the city said that the increase in petrol and diesel prices has directly affected vehicle sales. He added that there is hope for some recovery during the upcoming wedding season, when demand usually rises. Likewise, Pankaj Srivastava, general manager at a Renault showroom, said that the increasing cost of living has certainly affected automobile sales. At the same time, the electric vehicle segment has shown positive growth. Fazal Fakhri, manager at Tata Motors EV, said that interest in electric vehicles is steadily increasing. He noted that rising petrol and diesel prices have encouraged more people to consider EVs, and the company has seen strong growth in its EV sales. As per ARTO (administration) Vijay Singh, sale of fuel driven vehicles have dropped in the past over a year while the sales of electric vehicles segment has registered a rise in the same period, probably due to rise in fuel prices. htc...