It was the smallest gain in retail trade since February last year, as sales slowed significantly for automotive fuel by 9.7%, and for non-food products by 10%, particularly computers, peripheral units, software and telecommunications equipment (6.1%).

Also, retail sales via mail order houses or via internet moderated sharply, by 5%.

On a monthly basis, retail sales fell 0.8%, compared to a downwardly revised 1.9% rise in the previous month.