# The world’s largest retailer said comparable sales in U.S. stores, excluding fuel, rose 4.1% in the latest quarter.

*business · news · 2026-05-22 · Hartford Courant*

## Key points

- Walmart warned that rising fuel costs are significantly squeezing profit margins and may drive price increases.
- Walmart absorbed nearly all recent fuel cost increases, prioritizing low prices over short-term earnings.
- U.S. e-commerce sales at Walmart rose 26% last quarter, with 60% of population eligible for 30-minute delivery.
- Walmart saw its highest general merchandise share gains in five years, largely driven by fashion and related categories.
- April sales slowed post-Easter, and the consumer benefit from higher 2024 tax refunds is fading.

**Companies:** Walmart Inc., Target Corp., Home Depot Inc., Kraft Heinz Co., McDonald’s Corp., Kroger Co., Albertsons Cos.
**Countries:** United States, Iran

[Read the full story on Hartford Courant](https://www.courant.com/2026/05/22/walmart-flags-higher-fuel-costs-eroding-retailers-earnings-3/)

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