In a first, US Postal Service to add fuel surcharge amid soaring energy prices

This will be the first time in its 55-year history that the organisation will impose such a fee on its customers, signifying the rising cost of the ongoing war on US businesses.

People in the United States will have to shell out more for their packages as the US Postal Service will impose an eight per cent surcharge to cover the rising cost of fuel amid the war in West Asia.

According to a report in The Guardian, the surcharge will take effect on April 26 and remain in place until January 17, 2027. The report added that packages under Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select will become costlier after the surcharge.

This will be the first time in its 55-year history that the organisation will impose such a fee on its customers, signifying the rising cost of the ongoing war on US businesses.

In a statement, the US Postal Service defended its decision, blaming the hike on rising transport costs. "Our competitors have reacted with a number of surcharges. This charge is less than one-third of what our competitors charge for fuel. Even with this change, the Postal Service continues to offer great value in shipping with some of the lowest rates in the industrialised world," it said.

The organisation, which is an independent agency of the executive branch of the US government, added that the change in prices will support its ability to continue providing a "nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week."

The price hike attracted criticism from Democrats, who blamed US President Donald Trump for the rising cost of living as the war with Iran enters its fifth week.