THE number of people wanting to buy a diesel car has risen by 28 per cent since the summer, according to a used car database.

Cardata.co.uk claim the increase is due to rising oil prices and speculation they will continue to go up.

Car buyers are considering more economic models as the price at the pump hits an average of 87.09 per litre for petrol.

The cost of fuel has risen by more than 11 per cent since October 2003.

According to Cardata, diesel models account for 18 per cent of all privately advertised vehicles on the market.

SMMT figures show that new diesel sales have increased in the past five years from 13.8 per cent in 1999 to a record high of 37.2 per cent in October.

Andrew Sobell, spokesman for Cardata, said: “Motorists are considering the cost of running their cars more than ever before. Inherent to this is the belief that a diesel will be more economical than petrol to run.

“The sudden upward shift highlights how people see the cost of fuel immediately hitting their pocket, before considering other costs such as depreciation, insurance or servicing.”