Mobile Internet Restrictions Deepen Business Losses in Russia’s Largest Cities

Businesses across Russia suffered heavier losses during the May holidays than in previous years, despite a smaller number of public holidays in 2026. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the situation worsened further as restrictions on mobile internet services disrupted commercial activity and slowed recovery. Mobile Internet Restrictions Added Pressure on Businesses The first stretch of May holidays caused a relatively moderate decline in business turnover. Total revenues dropped by 6.4% compared to a standard week in April. However, the second holiday period delivered a much steeper падение after the additional public holiday on Monday, May 11. During that week, business turnover fell by 15.3%. Moscow and St. Petersburg recorded the sharpest losses. Business revenues in the two largest Russian cities declined by 17.2%, while other regions posted a smaller drop of 14.0%.