Gas prices were up to nearly $7 per gallon in New York City on March 30. Retail sales rose 1.7%, mostly boosted by higher gas prices due to the war in Iran. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
April 21 (UPI) -- Retail sales rose by 1.7% in March mostly due to high gas prices from the ongoing conflict with Iran, the Commerce Department announced Tuesday.
It was the fastest monthly change in three years, according to a release.
In February, sales rose 0.7%.
Retail sales are seasonally adjusted but not for inflation. In March inflation rose by 0.9%, which was three times the February rate, according to the latest Consumer Price Index.
