Romania’s retail turnover, except trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles, grew by 4.5 percent in April this year compared to the same month in 2013, according to the latest data provided by the National Statistics Institute (INS).

The increase was mainly caused by food, beverages and tobacco which went up by 10.6 percent. This is mainly due to the Easter holiday, when Romanians usually spend more on food. Sales of non-food products grew by 5.9 percent compared to April 2013.

Car fuel trade in specialized stores however was down by 6.1 percent in April, due to the new petrol and diesel excise of 7 eurocents per liter which was introduced at April 1. Many Romanians rushed to fill their tanks before that date, which was visible in March sales figures which were 17.4 percent higher than March 2013.

In the first four months of the year, the retail trade turnover was up 7.9 percent. Sales of non-food products grew the most, by 11.1 percent, followed by food (+7.3 percent) and fuel sales (+3.2 percent). These are all gross figures, which are not seasonally adjusted.

editor@romania-insider.com