US Postal Service raises rates as Iran war pushes up fuel costs

2026-03-25 - 23:20

Many delivery trucks run on diesel, whose price has climbed by 43% in the US. (EPA Images pic) WASHINGTON: The US Postal Service announced Wednesday an 8% rate increase for some retail and commercial products, with the “transportation-related” move coming as global oil prices spiral due to the war on Iran. The price increase will affect Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select services, the government-run agency said. The rate increase, which must be approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, would be implemented April 26 and remain in place until Jan 17, 2027. “Transportation costs have been increasing, and our competitors have reacted with a number of surcharges,” USPS said in a statement. Delivery giant UPS imposed a fuel surcharge in the US on March 2, and Fedex also frequently updates its fuel surcharge based on US gasoline prices. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the US has jumped 33.6% since the start of the war on Feb 28, according to data from motor club AAA. Many delivery trucks run on diesel, whose price has climbed by 43%, according to the data, and jet fuel prices have also surged since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran in late February.