Panic at the pumps fuels sales boost, according to ONS

The volume of fuel bought rose 6.1 per cent in March. Without this, retail sales were only 0.2 per cent higher, having slumped 0.6 per cent in February.

 

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By CITY & FINANCE REPORTER

Updated: 05:29 EDT, 25 April 2026

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Motorists have been stockpiling fuel as war in the Middle East pushes up prices at the pumps and sparks fears of shortages.

Drivers filling up more often fuelled a 0.7 per cent surge in retail sales in March, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The volume of fuel bought rose 6.1 per cent. Without this, retail sales were only 0.2 per cent higher, having slumped 0.6 per cent in February.

Many retailers said the war had triggered the rush for fuel.

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