The Cost of War: Expensive Travel & Rising Prices

As the US-Iran war continuing on gas prices have started to rise again. This war is affecting all forms of transportation from traveling to mail delivery. This is hitting consumers and businesses in so many different ways and has led to companies looking at raising prices. 

One such instance is the U.S. Postal service looking at adding a temporary 8% fuel charge. This is all pending on what legislation determines and if it goes through it will be set in place as early as April and last till early 2027. By adding this fee, they will be able to get back to making enough to cover actual costs which is required by Congress. Other companies have already increased their prices, and the US Post office is expected to still be lower than their competitors.

Another instance would be low margin/ less profitable flights will be cut. Specifically, airlines are looking at cutting back on mid-week, Saturday, and overnight flights. Airlines are preparing for the increase in oil prices, and some are estimating spending $11 billion more than they expected which is more than double what some airlines make in profit all year.

A final instance mentioned in the article is the effect it will have on gig workers who work for companies like DoorDash and Lyft. These companies have had to start rolling out relief programs for their workers that includes expanding their rewards programs at gas stations. High gas prices have severally impacted people who work by driving long distances.

Overall, it is clear to see that the cost of gas affects the average person in so many ways than just when they are pumping gas for their car. This increase in the cost of gas is affecting the economy in so many ways and with high expected inflation it seems like it will not be getting better anytime soon if something doesn't change.

Higher fuel prices pinch budgets beyond the gas pump during Iran war