The UK GfK Consumer Confidence Index fell to -21 in March 2026 from -19 in February, marking its lowest level in nearly a year as concerns over the Middle East conflict’s impact on inflation and growth weighed on sentiment. The largest decline came in households’ assessment of the general economic outlook for the next 12 months, which dropped 6 points, while views of personal finances remained steady. The report also showed a 4-point fall in willingness to make major purchases and a 6-point rise in the savings rate. British consumers faced surging energy costs, with petrol prices up roughly 50% since the Iran war began, while government support for households reliant on heating oil remained limited. Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, said: “People simply do not feel the economy is robust enough to ride out the knock-on effects from the Middle East conflict.”
