U.S. retail sales rose during May

U.S. retail sales rose during May, posting the third increase in five months, but much of the gain was due to gasoline station receipts given a boost by higher prices.

The 0.5% increase in retail sales reported Thursday by the Commerce Department was smaller than expected. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires forecast a 0.6% increase.

Several categories of retailers tumbled last month. The increases tended to be among sellers of essential items, such as food and clothes.

Filling station sales rose 3.6%. Excluding gasoline sales, other retailers’ sales increased 0.2%. Gas prices have gone up about 28% in the past six weeks, driving station receipts.

Overall retail sales in April were revised higher, decreasing 0.2% instead of 0.4% as previously reported. March sales fell 1.2% instead of 1.3%.