Although gasoline prices drove much of the increase, there was improved spending on furniture and general merchandise.

Retail sales rose by 1.7% in March mostly due to high gas prices from the ongoing conflict with Iran. Gas station sales were boosted by the war.

Americans spent more last month, with spending lifted by a sharp rise in gasoline prices. Retail sales, or the monthly estimate of all consumer spending, rose 1.7% month-over-month in March, the Census Bureau said.

U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in March as the war with Iran boosted gasoline prices and led to a record surge in receipts at service stations, while tax refunds underpinned spending elsewhere.

A record spike in gas prices drove US retail sales higher in March, rising by the fastest monthly pace in more than three years, new Commerce Department data showed Tuesday.

In March, sales at U.S. retailers posted the biggest gain in three years, but the increase was driven by higher gasoline prices and rising inflation, both of which could sap the economy if they don’t ease soon.

Retail sales, or the monthly estimate of all consumer spending, rose 1.7% month over month in March, the Census Bureau reported on Tuesday. Compared to a year ago, retail sales we

Retail spending rose by 1.7% from February to March. Experts said people are spending their tax refunds and increasingly turning to credit — even for groceries.