UK retail sales rise in March as motorists stock up on fuel
UK retail sales volumes rose in March and were higher in the first quarter of 2026, official data showed on Friday.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the volume of retail sales rose by 0.7% in March, following a revised 0.6% fall in February and a revised 1.8% rise in January.
Fuel sales jumped sharply on the month, as motorists stocked up on fuel as prices climbed.
Total retail sales, excluding automotive fuel, rose by 0.2% on-month, in line with FXStreet-cited expectations.
Sales volumes, including automotive fuel, rose by 1.7% over the year to March 2026. This was below the market consensus of a 2% rise.
Clothing store sales volumes rose, due to improved weather. Computer and telecoms stores, and non-store retailers, also saw a rise in sales volumes.
Retail sales rose by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. Non-food stores’ sales volumes rose, alongside a strong quarter for cosmetic and toiletries stores.
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