Rising fuel prices are reshaping consumer spending priorities, putting pressure on dining-out expectations and shifting budgets toward daily necessities. This month’s China Consumer Sentiment Study shares April 2026 performance data and highlights how consumers are adjusting their behavior in response to climbing fuel costs.

Highlights: 

• Household spending priorities are shifting toward essentials amid fuel price hikes.

• Dining out is among the first discretionary categories consumers cut back on.

• 36% of consumers would cut daily spending amid rising fuel prices.

• May Day had a limited effect on driving consumers' intentions to dine out.