UK retail sales slide in April
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Friday 22 May 2026
(Sharecast News) - UK retail sales fell more than expected in April, with drivers conserving fuel amid rising prices, according to figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
Retail sales volumes declined by 1.3% following a revised 0.6% increase the month before. This was the worst monthly drop since May 2025, when sales were down 1.4%, and much steeper than expectations for a 0.6% fall.
Automotive fuel sales slumped 10.2% - the largest monthly fall since November 2020. The ONS said retailers suggested that motorists were making fewer journeys and were delaying filling their fuel tanks while prices rose.
This followed a spike in March, when motorists had stocked up after the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: "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 retail total retail sales in April."
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. Other categories, such as health & beauty, had a strong month due to sustained high demand.
"Discretionary spend is likely to drop further as the cost of living squeeze worsens. To protect consumers and support economic growth in the months ahead, Government should avoid further inflationary pressures through domestic policy costs. It can start by cutting non-commodity energy charges, which include the taxes and levies that account for two thirds of retailers' energy bills, and addressing the triple packaging tax that affects all retailers and their supply chains."
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