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German regulator sets stamp price guidelines, shrugging off DHL protest
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DUESSELDORF (Reuters) – Germany’s network regulator confirmed its guidelines for the pricing of postage stamps on Monday, refusing to go beyond its proposed ranges despite protest by the national operator
DUESSELDORF (Reuters) – Germany’s network regulator confirmed its guidelines for the pricing of postage stamps on Monday, refusing to go beyond its proposed ranges despite protest by the national operator Deutsche Post, owned by logistics group DHL.
“I cannot understand Post’s demand for an even greater increase. The costs that Post has presented to us do not allow for this. If we were to follow the demands, consumers and companies would be doubly burdened,” regulator president Klaus Mueller said in a statement.
Under the guidelines, which are to apply from the start of 2025 until the end of 2026, stamp prices for private customers and business mail are to rise by an average of 10.48%, while private customers sending parcels would see a 7.21% increase, the regulator said.
DHL has criticised the regulator, which first proposed the pricing guidelines in September, for not giving the postal system enough leeway to respond to rising inflation and falling letter volumes.
(Reporting by Matthias Inverardi, Writing by Rachel More, Editing by Miranda Murray)
A postage stamp is a small piece of paper issued by postal authorities, used to pay for the delivery of mail. It is affixed to an envelope or package as proof of payment.
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power. It is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A regulatory framework consists of the laws, regulations, and guidelines that govern the operations of businesses and organizations within a specific sector, ensuring compliance and protecting public interest.
Deutsche Post is the German postal service company, which is part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group. It provides postal and logistics services in Germany and internationally.
Pricing guidelines are recommendations set by regulatory authorities that outline acceptable price ranges for goods or services, aimed at ensuring fair competition and protecting consumers.
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