Amazon Introduces 3.5% Fuel Surcharge for Sellers Amid Rising Logistics Costs
Taslima Jamal
Amazon has announced a new 3.5 per cent “fuel and logistics-related surcharge” that will impact sellers across the United States and Canada, citing sustained increases in fuel and transportation expenses.
In a statement, the company explained that it had previously absorbed rising operational costs but is now implementing the surcharge as part of a broader effort to manage ongoing financial pressure. “We have absorbed these increases so far, but similar to other major carriers, when costs remain elevated we implement temporary surcharges to partially recover these costs,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
The surcharge will come into effect on April 17 and will apply specifically to fulfillment fees under Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) in both the U.S. and Canada. It will also extend to Remote Fulfillment services from the U.S. into Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
Amazon emphasized that the surcharge will not be directly added to product sale prices. Instead, it will be applied to fulfillment costs, which the company estimates will average around $0.17 per unit for U.S. sellers, though the exact amount may vary depending on the size and dimensions of items.
Further expansion of the surcharge is scheduled for May 2, 2026, when it will also apply to Buy with Prime services in the U.S. and Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF) operations in both the U.S. and Canada.
Despite the additional charge, Amazon noted that its surcharge remains lower than those imposed by other major carriers. The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining competitive pricing and supporting its seller ecosystem.
The move comes at a time when global fuel and oil prices are experiencing significant volatility, partly driven by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Rising diesel costs have placed increased pressure on logistics networks worldwide.
Amazon’s service guidelines indicate that its fuel surcharge model is tied to fluctuations in diesel prices. For example, if the U.S. average diesel price rises to $5.10 per gallon, the fuel surcharge could reach as high as 19 per cent. The surcharge adjusts incrementally, increasing by 0.25 per cent for every $0.12 rise in fuel prices.
The introduction of this surcharge reflects broader challenges within the global supply chain, as companies continue to navigate inflationary pressures and uncertain energy markets. For sellers relying on Amazon’s fulfillment network, the added costs may require adjustments in pricing strategies and operational planning in the months ahead.
