UK retail sales experienced their sharpest decline in nearly a year in April, according to official data, as soaring petrol and diesel prices dampened fuel purchases and clothing demand weakened.
Sharp Monthly Fall
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the total volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity of goods bought, dropped by 1.3% in April. This marks the largest monthly fall since May 2025 and was significantly worse than the 0.6% decline forecast by economists. The decline contrasts with a revised 0.6% rise in March.
Fuel Sales Drive Decline
The ONS attributed the downturn primarily to a sharp reduction in motor fuel sales, which plummeted by 10.2% in April—the steepest drop since November 2020. Retailers indicated that motorists are making fewer journeys and delaying refuelling due to elevated prices. This followed a spike in March when drivers stocked up amid the outbreak of the Middle East conflict.
Earlier this week, petrol prices reached their highest level since the conflict began, at 158.52 pence per litre. Since the war triggered a surge in crude oil prices, petrol has risen by 19.3%, while diesel has climbed 30.6%.
Quarterly Performance
Despite the monthly slump, sales volumes over the three months to April still showed a 0.5% increase. Grant Fitzner, ONS chief economist, commented: “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.”
