Economists had expected a 2.5% decline. Sales of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, orthopedic equipment decreased 13.5% yearly in February and those of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels declined 14.8%.

Sales of food, beverages and tobacco products, and others decreased 5.2% and 16.6%, respectively. On a monthly basis, retail trades grew 3.5%.

At current prices, retail sales declined 2.7% annually in February and rose 4% monthly.