The drop was smaller than the expected 0.4% decline, while EU retail sales fell 0.3% and Germany recorded a sharp 2.1% monthly fall.
Automotive fuel sales dropped 1.6% and food, drinks and tobacco slipped 0.3%, partly offset by a 0.6% rise in non-food products excluding fuel.
Slovenia, Luxembourg and Belgium posted the strongest gains, but higher energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty and earlier February weakness underscored fragile consumer demand across the region.
The Iran war triggered an oil shock larger than the 1970s. Is the world economy resilient enough to survive?
Can Europe's green energy boom prevent an economic collapse as the Iran war chokes global oil supply?
With the Strait of Hormuz blockaded, what diplomatic deal can avert a global recession fueled by record energy prices?