New fees, fewer flights: Higher fuel prices pinch consumer budgets beyond the gas pump

In this article UAL LYFT DASH UBER FDX UPS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT USPS and United Airlines. Joe Raedle | Grace Hie Yoon | Anadolu | Getty Images As the U.S.-Iran war enters its fifth week, consumers are facing economic consequences that impact everything from travel planning to mail delivery. Companies and other organizations are increasingly preparing for an environment in which the conflict — and subsequent jolt to crude prices — evolves from an unexpected shock into a long-term challenge. As corporate policies change, Americans will feel it on their pocket books beyond just as the gas pump . Many companies tie these adjustments to surging oil prices with the blockage of the key Strait of Hormuz passageway depressing supply. Prices on the May contract for Brent — a global benchmark for oil prices — have surged more than 55% in March, on track for their biggest monthly gain on record going back to 1998. U.S. oil prices are up slightly less, logging a 49% increase month to date. Brent's May contract in 2026 The U.S. Postal Service said Wednesday that it was looking to slap a temporary 8% fuel surcharge on deliveries of packages and express mail. The tax, which needs regulatory approval, would begin in late April and last into early 2027, the USPS said. "This temporary price adjustment will provide needed flexibility for the Postal Service by helping to ensure that the actual costs of doing business are covered, as required by Congress," the Postal Service said in its announcement. The Postal Service said its charge was lower than those issued by competitors. FedEx and UPS upped their added fuel fees following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, CNBC previously reported. United Airlines said it would cut back on running some lower-profit flights in the coming quarters as fuel costs jump, according to a memo from CEO Scott Kirby. Routes that take place midweek, Saturday and overnight are among those targeted. The Chicago-based air carrier is pla...