UK retail sales rise on fuel dash

Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the threat of rising prices at the pump drove a 'fuel dash' across the UK last month.

Motorists filled their tanks more frequently as the war in Iran caused global oil prices to escalate rapidly.

While the overall retail volume increased, economists warn that the spike is driven by anxiety rather than genuine economic growth.

The Bank of England has also noted that the conflict has eroded consumer confidence, with many households bracing for further inflation in energy and food costs.