Amazon adds 5% ‘fuel and inflation surcharge’ to third-party seller fees

Amazon is taking a step to offset its rising costs, announcing it will add a 5% fuel and inflation surcharge to fees it charges third-party sellers who use the e-commerce giant’s fulfillment services.

The Seattle-based company said on its website that the added fees, which take effect April 28, are subject to change and will apply to both apparel and non-apparel items.

Amazon didn’t immediately respond to a request for further details on the move. But in a notice sent to sellers Wednesday, the company said its costs had gone up since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to increases in hourly wages, the hiring of workers and construction of more warehouses.