Mubasher: Spain plans to introduce a ban on sales of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars from 2040, joining a chorus of countries clamping down on polluting vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a news report.

The proposal was included in a draft document for a law on climate change which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government looked to present before the parliament by the end of the year, Thomson Reuters reported citing government sources.

“Some of the most important necessary changes affect transport,” the document said, stating that “from 2040, the registration and sale in Spain of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that directly emit carbon dioxide will not be permitted.”

Once finalised, the law would require approval by the parliament, in which Prime Minister Sanchez holds less than a quarter of the seats.

Reflecting his green ambitions, Sanchez merged ministries environment and energy, and the new ministry passed measures with the aim to reduce electricity prices and promoting renewable energy.

Sanchez’s proposal came at the time when the UK and France have already vowed to ban petrol and diesel vehicles from 2040, heralding major changes for global car industry and weighing on oil producers’ profits.