By JAMES TAPSFIELD, UK POLITICAL EDITOR
Published: 03:07 EDT, 24 April 2026 | Updated: 03:09 EDT, 24 April 2026
Panicking motorists handed huge sums to fuel retailers last month as the Middle East crisis sparked stockpiling.
Brits filling their tanks more often was largely responsible for a 0.7 per cent surge in retail sales in March.
Excluding products such as petrol and diesel, retail volumes were only up 0.2 per cent - a marginal bounceback from a 0.6 per cent fall in February.
The amount of fuel bought was up 6.1 per cent month-on-month to the highest level since April 2021.
Spending on fuel was up 11.6 per cent amid the jump in prices.
Brits filling their tanks more often was largely responsible for a 0.7 per cent surge in retail sales in March
Excluding products such as petrol and diesel, retail volumes were only up 0.2 per cent - a marginal bounceback from a 0.6 per cent fall in February
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: 'Retail sales rose in the three months to March, with commercial art galleries doing well earlier in the quarter and sales in beauty products stores rising as retailers reported launching new collections. Online shops also saw strong sales across the period.
'Motor fuel sales were up on the quarter, with retailers commenting that many motorists had been filling up their tanks in March following the start of conflict in the Middle East.'
Oil prices were up over $100 a barrel again overnight as markets lose confidence of a quick end to the Iran standoff.
Economists also warned that the modest boost in other retail sales could be shortlived.
The amount of fuel bought was up 6.1 per cent month-on-month to the highest level since April 2021
Phil Monkhouse of global financial services firm Ebury said: 'Excluding fuel sales, March's retail sales figures show a modest lift in activity, with the Easter holidays and better weather giving spending a short-term boost – however, it looks like this mild rebound may be short lived.
'Inflation is ticking up again and with some economists now pricing in Bank of England rate hikes, consumers are tightening their belts.
'Higher borrowing costs and rising bills are eating into disposable income, while UK consumer confidence has been knocked by the Middle East, clouding the outlook for consumer spending and future sales growth.'
