Retail sales in the U.S. rose by less than expected in the month of November, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Thursday, with a sharp drop in sales by gas stations partly offsetting strength in other sectors. The report showed that retail sales increased by 0.3 percent in November following a 0.3 percent decrease in October. Economists had been expecting retail sales to increase by about 0.6 percent. Excluding an increase in sales by motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales were unchanged for the second consecutive month, matching economist estimates.