Mumbai, July 6, 2026 (BFN Bureau): Higher pump prices for automotive fuels kept truck rentals elevated in June, even as underlying freight demand remained subdued. Truck rentals across key trunk routes recorded moderate month-on-month increases.
On a month-on-month basis, trends remained mixed. Rentals increased on key routes such as Delhi–Kolkata–Delhi by around 1.7%, Mumbai–Kolkata–Mumbai by about 2%, and Delhi–Bengaluru–Delhi by roughly 1.8%. Other routes, including Delhi–Mumbai–Delhi, Delhi–Hyderabad–Delhi, and Delhi–Chennai–Delhi, also recorded modest increases. However, the Bengaluru–Kolkata–Bengaluru and Bengaluru–Mumbai–Bengaluru routes remained flat, reflecting softer demand in certain southern corridors. Year-on-year, trucking activity remained resilient across major routes, led by Delhi–Kolkata–Delhi at around 15%, followed by Bengaluru–Mumbai–Bengaluru at approximately 11%.
Vehicle Sales Trends
Vehicle sales trends in June showed mixed results, with strength in select commercial and agricultural segments. Bus sales rose by around 24% month-on-month, while agricultural tractor sales increased by approximately 18%. However, motor car sales contracted by about 2%, and e-rickshaw sales dipped by 3%. Year-on-year, goods carrier sales increased by around 21%, and three-wheeler goods vehicles rose by about 42%.
Electric vehicle trends remained strong in June, with e-two-wheeler sales growing by around 13% month-on-month and e-three-wheeler sales rising by approximately 10%. Year-on-year, e-two-wheelers and e-three-wheelers rose by around 91% and 103%, respectively.
Commenting on the trends, Sudarshan Holla, Joint Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Vehicles, Shriram Finance, said, “Truck rentals remained elevated driven by higher fuel prices. However, freight demand continues to be subdued, resulting in lower fleet utilisation levels across the industry. With monsoon activity gathering pace; later than expected, trucking activity is likely to remain range-bound through July.”
Key Takeaways
- Truck rentals increased in June due to higher fuel prices.
- Freight demand remained subdued, impacting fleet utilization.
- Electric vehicle sales continued to grow significantly.
- July is expected to see reduced logistics activity due to monsoon rains.
