UK retail sales returned to growth in March as a surge in fuel demand offset weaker spending elsewhere, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics said total retail sales volumes rose by 0.7 per cent over the month, rebounding from a revised 0.6 per cent fall in February and beating expectations of a slight decline.
The increase was driven largely by a sharp rise in fuel sales, with volumes jumping 6.1 per cent — the strongest monthly gain since April 2021.
Statisticians said the spike was concentrated over a short period, as motorists rushed to fill up amid rapidly rising prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The value of fuel sales rose even faster, climbing 11.6 per cent as petrol and diesel prices surged. Data from the RAC shows petrol prices have climbed to 157.34p per litre, while diesel has risen to 189.88p.
Outside fuel, the picture was more mixed. Clothing retailers recorded a 1.2 per cent rise in sales volumes, helped by improved weather conditions, while technology stores also benefited from new product launches.
However, food sales fell by 0.8 per cent over the month, underlining continued pressure on household budgets.
Overall, retail sales volumes rose by 1.6 per cent over the first quarter of 2026, supported by stronger activity in January and the March rebound.
The figures suggest consumer spending remains resilient in the face of rising costs, though much of March’s growth appears to have been driven by short-term factors rather than a broad-based improvement in demand.
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: “Retail sales rose in the three months to March, with commercial art galleries doing well earlier in the quarter and sales in beauty products stores rising as retailers reported launching new collections.
“Motor fuel sales were up on the quarter, with retailers commenting that many motorists had been filling up their tanks in March following the start of conflict in the Middle East.”
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