Retail sales climbed 6.8pc according to unadjusted data, boosted by the Easter holiday.

Adjusted food sales increased 3.7pc, non-food sales rose 4.0pc and vehicle fuel sales were up 2.4pc.

Retail sales rose 2.0pc in a month-on-month comparison, adjusted for seasonal and calendar year effects.

In absolute terms, retail sales came to HUF 1,703bn in April. Food sales accounted for 50pc of the total, non-food sales for 35pc and sales at petrol stations for 15pc.

For the period January-April, retail sales rose an adjusted 3.4pc and an unadjusted 2.7pc from the same period a year earlier. Food sales increased an adjusted 3.3pc, non-food sales 5.1pc and motor fuel sales 1.2pc.

In a statement after the release of the data, the National Economy Ministry acknowledged the "dynamic increase" in retail sales and affirmed the government's commitment to taking steps against "unjustified price increases".

The ministry said a 10pc markups cap on a range of basic foods had cut prices of those products by 19.5pc, on average, while a 15pc markups cap on a number of household products had reduced their prices by 26.6pc.

Talks with pharmaceutical companies on voluntary price restrictions are underway, it added.

The ministry noted that pensioners would each get a HUF 30,000 food voucher that could contribute to the further increase in retail sales.

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

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