The conflict in Iran has significantly impacted global oil markets, resulting in a notable increase in gas prices in the U.S. In response to rising transportation expenses, Amazon has introduced a 3.5% fuel surcharge for sellers utilizing its distribution network. This new charge could impose additional financial burdens on numerous merchants who depend on the e-commerce platform to sell their goods.
An Amazon representative informed TechCrunch that the surcharge will be maintained indefinitely, though the company will regularly review potential policy changes in response to shifts in market conditions. Bloomberg initially reported the news.
“Rising fuel and logistics costs have increased industry-wide operational expenses,” the spokesperson stated. “We have absorbed these costs thus far, but like other major carriers, we apply temporary surcharges when costs stay elevated to partially offset these expenses.” The spokesperson also noted the surcharge is “significantly lower than those imposed by other major carriers.”
The new surcharge will commence on April 17, affecting sellers who use Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service, according to Bloomberg. FBA enables companies to send products to Amazon’s warehouses for packing and shipping to customers. Although Amazon does not disclose how many merchants use FBA, the service supports the majority of third-party transactions on its platform.
Amazon first applied this type of surcharge in 2022, coinciding with crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. At that time, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted energy markets. Currently, the war in Iran—triggered by actions from the Trump administration and the Israeli government’s assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader—has similarly destabilized markets.
Iran, situated on the northern edge of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply, has attempted to block shipping lanes there. This action has significantly influenced global energy prices.