Road users across the United Kingdom are reducing their petrol and diesel purchases at the highest rate in six years, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Retail sales fell by 1.3% in April compared to the previous month, marking the largest decline since May last year and worse than the forecasted 0.6% drop.
Fuel Purchases Plummet
Fuel purchases alone decreased by more than 10% month on month. Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, 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 total retail sales in April."
Impact of Global Conflict
Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, commented: "April 2026 will be remembered as the first month that the impact of the Middle East conflict first hit British consumers. We already saw consumer sentiment fall at its fastest rate for four years, and we now have evidence that this translated into shoppers buying less in stores. The question will be whether the downward momentum continues, or whether May’s better weather and the – perhaps temporarily – lower inflation can encourage consumers back into stores as spring turns to summer."
Fuel Duty Extension
The news comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the cancellation of the planned 5p fuel duty increase. The cut will be extended for the rest of the year, saving the average driver £120 since 2025. This ensures fuel duty on petrol and diesel remains at its lowest rate for over 16 years.
