00:02Retail sales have risen after a surge in fuel buying linked to rising prices. Official figures
00:08show the volume of sales increased by 0.7%, that's stronger than expected. Much of the rise came from
00:14motorists filling up as petrol and diesel costs climbed sharply following conflict in the Middle
00:18East. Fuel sales volumes jumped more than 6%, reaching their highest level in three years.
00:25The amount spent rose even faster. Excluding fuel, overall sales saw only modest growth,
00:31though clothing and department stores reported small increases, helped by brighter weather.
00:37Analysts say it highlights how rising fuel costs are shaping everyday spending decisions.
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