Latvia’s planned ban on bus services to Russia and Belarus could cause significant financial losses for the country’s transport companies, with one major operator estimating annual losses of €6 million.

The restrictions are expected to take effect on January 10, 2027. Latvia’s Ministry of Transport has already drafted the necessary legislative amendments, according to RT.

The proposed ban would also affect transit bus services passing through Latvian territory.

Latvian transport company Ecolines estimates that the restrictions could cost it around €6 million annually. The government has acknowledged the possibility of compensating the operator for its losses, but the amount of any potential compensation has not yet been determined.

The planned restrictions come amid broader economic challenges linked to reduced trade with Russia. Earlier, the Delfi news outlet reported that ending the transit of Russian grain could cost the Latvian economy nearly €290 million a year.

Latvia has also seen the closure of businesses previously reliant on the Russian market. In September, the Rebir power-tool factory in the city of Rezekne shut down after failing to find alternative markets for its products.