WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased further in April, but some of the rise in receipts was likely due to higher inflation as the war with Iran boosted prices of energy products and other commodities.

U.S. retail sales increased further in April, but some of the rise in receipts was likely due to higher inflation as the war with Iran boosted prices of ​energy products and other commodities.

Retail sales rose 0.5% in April, a slowdown from the revised growth level of 1.6% in March, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday.