Starting April 26, the US Postal Service (USPS) will implement its first-ever 8% fuel surcharge on packages, a move that reflects rising US fuel prices amid the US-Israeli aggression on Iran. The surcharge is temporary and will only apply to packages, not letter mail.

Fuel prices have surged significantly over the past month, with gasoline averaging $3.98 per gallon and diesel reaching $5.37, adding pressure on shipping costs. While carriers like UPS and FedEx already adjust rates automatically when fuel costs rise, USPS has historically relied on flat-rate pricing.

The surcharge also comes amid broader economic pressures, as approximately 30% of the world’s raw materials for fertilizer pass through the Strait of Hormuz — which Iran has limited access to in response to the US-Israeli aggression — contributing to higher food costs. Consumers and businesses should be prepared for rising package shipping costs in the coming weeks, as Washington's war continues to impact regular Americans.