UK retail sales suffer sharpest fall for almost a year
UK retail sales tumbled at their fastest rate for almost a year as soaring petrol and diesel prices hit fuel sales and demand for clothing waned, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the total volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity bought, fell by 1.3% in April.
This marked the largest drop since May 2025 and was a heavier fall than expected by economists, who had forecast a 0.6% decline.
It also compared with a 0.6% rise in March, which was revised slightly lower.
Retail sales were 0.5% up in February to April 2026 on the previous three months.
The increase was boosted by non-food stores and non-store retailers.
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— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 22, 2026
Statisticians said the drop in volumes was particularly linked to a sharp drop in sales volumes of motor fuel, which slid by 10.2% in April – the largest fall since November 2020.
Commenting on today’s ONS retail sales figures, Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, Head of Retail at Deloitte, said: "Consumers cutting back on fuel, paired with unseasonably cold weather, saw April’s monthly retail sales fall more than expected.
"This will be disappointing for retailers following the sales growth in March, albeit this was boosted by the earlier timing of Easter. A sharp rise in fuel prices during April, coupled with a weakening labour market, has intensified the pressure on household budgets.
"While headline inflation has fallen, this appears to be a temporary reprieve rather than a positive shift for consumer purchasing power. In the short-term, optimism among retailers feels unlikely, with inflation expected to increase, the housing market slowing and consumer confidence in flux. However, the longer days, warmer weather and major sporting events over the summer could provide a welcome boost to the retail sector."
