Low oil prices had an impact on retail sales at gas stations in February, with the sector seeing a 10.5 per cent increase in revenue, year-on-year.

This jump has been attributed to an 11.4 per cent increase in the volume of fuel sold.

Overall, retail sales totalled $84.9 million, a rise of 7.2 per cent compared with the same period in 2015. After being adjusted for inflation, the volume of sales was up 5.8 per cent.

In all seven retail stores sectors, as defined in the Retail Sales Index, sales were up by value and volume. The figures were released by the Department of Statistics.

The largest gain was registered by motor vehicle retailers, with sales receipts up 23.2 per cent, while the smallest rise was among apparel stores, which saw sales increase 1.6 per cent.

Residents declared overseas purchases valued at $3.2 million, which was 6.7 per cent higher than February 2015.

The total combined local and overseas spending was $88.1 million. There were 25 shopping days in February, one more than the year before.

Food sales were up 5.7 per cent in terms of value, and 2.8 per cent in terms of volume.

In the “all other stores” category, sales revenue were up 4.7 per cent.

“Gross receipts for marine and boat suppliers increased 9.3 per cent. Furniture, appliances and electronics sales rose 6.7 per cent due to increased sales of high-end items and large appliances,” stated the RSI commentary.

At the start of this year the Retail Sales Index figures’ base year was switched from 2006 to 2015. The RSI release, which includes data going back to February 2015, shows retail sales have increased in terms of value and volume for 13 consecutive months.

The annual retail sales rate of inflation for February was 1.3 per cent.