In April 2026, the volume of retail trade was 1.7% higher according to raw data, or 3.6% higher in calendar (and Easter effects) adjusted terms, than in the same month of the previous year, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) reports.
Adjusted food sales increased 3.4%, non-food sales rose 2.6% and turnover at petrol stations climbed 9.1%. Online and mail-order sales volume, which accounted for 8.6% of retail turnover, increased 2.7%.
In a month-on-month comparison, retail sales slipped 1.2%, adjusted for seasonal and calendar year effects. In absolute terms, retail sales came to HUF 1,742 billion in April. Food sales accounted for 48% of the total, non-food sales for 36% and sales at petrol stations for 16%.
In January-April, retail sales rose an adjusted and unadjusted 4.8% from the same period a year earlier. Food sales increased an adjusted 2.4%, non-food sales rose 5.2% and motor fuel sales were up 10.6%.
MTI quoted the expert opinion of three analysts.
In a comment on the fresh data, Tamás Kozák, the chief secretary of the National Commerce Association (OKSZ), said growth had returned to a modest path after a sharp rise in March, on the back of pre-election income transfers.
ING Bank chief analyst Péter Virovácz said the fresh data were a "negative surprise", a "correction" following the pickup in March, but "no reason for serious concern".
Erste Bank senior analyst Orsolya Nyeste noted a 5.5% drop in sales of motor fuel in April compared to March, when drivers topped up their tanks with the rollout of caps on petrol and diesel prices.
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