Automotive retailers are set to face increased demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles because of escalating petrol prices, new research suggests. Independent monitor CarPriceCheck says sales of liquefied petroleum gas vehicles have risen by 31 per cent since the beginning of March.

Only Vauxhall, Ford, Volvo and Daewoo make a small number of LPG powered vehicles. But Ford is planning to bring 'green' fuel technology in volume to Mondeo and Focus. With the average litre of LPG costing just 37.9p, drivers can make significant reduction on their fuel bills by switching to green fuels.

But it's not just LPG that is sparking interest among consumers. Buying activity for diesel-powered cars has risen by 38 per cent since the start of the year while interest in petrol-electric hybrid cars like Toyota Prius has also increased.

“Buyers are increasingly sensitive to the economies of owning and running a car,” says Steve Evans, chief executive of CarPriceCheck. “LPG car sales may be small but there's increased willingness to consider alternatives to petrol.”