Cost of Living

Retail sales fall as war-driven fuel prices hit consumer spending

New Zealand retail sales volumes dropped 0.5% in the June quarter amid surging fuel costs linked to the US-Iran conflict.

Skinny McBuntu

Retail sales volumes fell 0.5% in the June quarter as New Zealand consumers cut spending in response to rising fuel prices. The surge in petrol costs, triggered by the US-Iran war, has prompted households to stay home and save money rather than shop. The retail sector has been under sustained pressure since the conflict began.

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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

What outlets are saying

NZ Herald

US-Iran war wounds NZ consumer spending

Retail sales volumes fell 0.5% in the June quarter as fuel purchases slumped.

Read the full story at NZ Herald

Newstalk ZB

Jane Turner: ASB Senior Economist on retail spending contracting in Q2 as petrol prices surged

Retail's been taking a hit since the Iran war began, with people staying home to save money and fuel.

Read the full story at Newstalk ZB