UK retail sales tumbled at their fastest rate for almost a year in April, as soaring petrol and diesel prices hit fuel sales and demand for clothing waned, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the total volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity of goods bought, fell by 1.3 per cent during the month.
This marked the largest drop since May 2025 and represented a heavier fall than anticipated by economists, who had forecast a 0.6 per cent decline. It also compared with a 0.6 per cent rise in March, which was revised slightly lower.
Statisticians indicated that the decline in overall volumes was particularly linked to a sharp drop in sales of motor fuel, which slid by 10.2 per cent in April – the largest fall for this category since November 2020.
Retailers suggested the drop was due to motorists making fewer journeys and delaying filling up their vehicles in the face of high prices.
This followed a spike in volumes during March, when drivers had stocked up after the breakout of the conflict in the Middle East.
Earlier this week, the price of petrol lifted to its highest level since the conflict began, at 158.52p per litre.
Retail sales were 0.5% up in February to April 2026 on the previous three months.
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 22, 2026
The increase was boosted by non-food stores and non-store retailers.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/wJbx7UWZx4 pic.twitter.com/CLWG9PGUDH
Petrol is up 19.3 per cent since the war sparked a rise in crude oil prices, while diesel is 30.6 per cent higher.
Retail sales volumes were however still weaker excluding fuel, with 0.4 per cent fall for the month.
Weaker sales from clothing retailers were also a drag on the performance during April.
Clothing firms saw a 2.4 per cent decline as they reported “variable weather conditions during the month”, lower demand and consumer sensitivity towards prices.
Non-store retailers, which is predominantly online retail platforms, also saw a decline for the month driven by weaker demand.
The ONS said sales volumes were still higher for the quarter, up 0.5 per cent over the three months to April, despite the latest monthly decline.
Grant Fitzner, ONS chief economist, said: “Retail sales increased in the three months to April with strong and sustained sales for beauty product stores as well as computer and tech shops.
“After strong growth last month, motor fuel sales fell in April, with evidence suggesting motorists were conserving fuel after stocking up in March.
“These subdued fuel purchases contributed to a sizeable monthly fall for total retail sales in April.”
Commenting on today’s retail sales figures, ONS Economist Grant Fitzner said ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MIBnfcwyiA
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 22, 2026
Harvir Dhillon, economist at the British Retail Consortium, said: “We are starting to see signs that concerns over the Middle East conflict and its impact on living costs are leading shoppers to rein in their spending in many areas.
“Last month, fashion sales, particularly for large retailers, performed poorly, partly owing to the poor weather.
“Consumers also conserved their fuel consumption following the spike in petrol and diesel prices.”
Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK, said: “Consumers pulled back on spending in April as the Iran war continued to drag on sentiment.
“The main glimmer of hope was health and beauty, with shoppers indulging in small, feel-good luxuries to get them through current uncertainty and the tough economic outlook.”
