Westpac: Hospo does it tough as consumers divert spending to fuel…

14th April 2026 By Staff Reporter | news@propertyticker.co.nz | @propertyticker

Consumers are cutting their spending on hospitality to help cope with surging fuel costs, according to Westpac’s latest card transactions data.

The bank’s Retail Spending Pulse for March 2026, authored by senior economist Satish Ranchhod, showed per person card spending on fuel jumped 14.9% in March 2026 compared to February.

Westpac also saw a 2.1% drop in Westpac card spend on takeaways and in restaurants, although spending on clothing fell the most, down 3.9%.

“Dining out is often the first area where households cut back their spending when fuel or other living costs rise, and it could be a tough few months for the hospitality sector,” said the bank.

Westpac’s Retail Spending Pulse for March 2026 can be read here.