Volume of retail sales up 0.2% in March 2026: CSO
On an annual basis, retail volumes were 1.6% higher than in March 2025
Print30 April 2026
The volume of retail sales increased by 0.2% in March 2026 when compared with February 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis, the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show.
On an annual basis, retail volumes were 1.6% higher than in March 2025.
When Motor Trades are excluded, the volume of Retail Sales rose by 0.1% in the month and by 1.3% in the year when compared with March 2025, the research shows.
The data indicated that the value of retail sales for all businesses rose by 0.5% in the month and increased by 3.8% in the 12 months to March 2026.
The value of retail sales for Fuel increased by 7.7% in the month and by 10.5% in the year when compared with March 2025.
Sectors showing the highest monthly volume increases were electrical goods which increased by 3.3%, Hardware, Paints & Glass by 3%, and other retail sales rose by 2.4%.
The largest monthly volume decrease was recorded in Books, Newspapers & Stationery which fell by fell 4.2%.
Flash estimates
The latest flash estimate of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), compiled by the CSO, indicates that prices for consumer goods and services in Ireland are estimated to have risen by 3.6% in the past year.
Looking at the components of the flash HICP in Ireland for April 2026, energy prices are estimated to have increased by 2.6% in the month and risen by 15.5% since April 2025.
Anthony Dawson, statistician in the Prices Division, CSO, speculated: “These increases in energy prices may have been influenced by recent events in the Middle East.
The collection of prices for April 2026 took place between 13-23 April which means that some fuel prices would have been collected before the extra Government measures on fuel costs were introduced.
“The HICP excluding energy and unprocessed food prices, is estimated to have risen by 2.3% since April 2025.
Steady first quarter
Commenting on the recently published Retail Sales Index and Flash Estimate for the Harmonised Index of consumer prices Colette Devey, EY Ireland Consumer Products and Retail Lead, said that the data releases from the CSO point to a steady first quarter for the consumer spending, with retail sales volumes edging higher on both a monthly and annual basis and values continuing to rise.
“Excluding motor trades, underlying demand remains broadly stable, suggesting households are maintaining everyday spending despite ongoing cost pressures which is a positive signal,” she noted.
“Beneath the headline numbers, however, higher energy prices are playing an increasingly important role which can be seen in the HICP figures.
“The divergence between value and volume in fuel and energy costs is particularly noticeable, highlighting how price inflation rather than increased consumption is driving recent movements.”
© 2026 by ShelfLife reporter
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