India services output growth slows to 9.8% in May as retail-linked activity cools

Estimated output across 19 services sectors grew 9.8% year on year in May, down from 20.8% in April. Retail trade, road transport, IT and support services softened, while accommodation and food services remained the fastest-growing segment.

— Filed Wed, 29 Jul, 2026, 21:26 IST · Source Financial Express · BrandWagon · Updated

India’s services output growth slowed in May, partly due to weaker retail trade, road transport, IT and support services. Accommodation and food remained the fastest-growing category, while economists said broader services momentum should remain resilient through Q1 2026-27.

Why this matters

The slowdown follows a May signal that retail trade grew 13.3% as services momentum broadened and comes as MoSPI sharpens GST-based retail-sales tracking through new surveys.

Footfall is steady, with 516 signals recorded over the past 90 days.