Amazon will add a 3.5% fuel and logistics-related surcharge to fulfillment fees it charges third-party merchants, as the war in the Middle East, which began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran at the end of February, continues to drive up fuel costs.

The fee will be applied to third-party sellers across Fulfillment by Amazonin the US and Canada beginning April 17,  Amazon said in a note to sellers on Thursday. 

«Elevated costs in fulfillment and logistics have increased the cost of operating across the industry,» Amazon wrote in its announcement. «We have absorbed these increased costs so far. However, similar to other major carriers, when costs remain elevated, we implement temporary surcharges on our fulfillment fees to recover a portion of the actual cost increases we are experiencing.»  

Amazon said the new surcharge is «meaningfully lower» than what is charged by other major carriers. Its surcharge will average about 17 cents per unit in the US, but the cost will vary based on the item’s size, Amazon said.

Amazon’s announcement comes amid surging gas prices across much of the globe as the war escalates. The national average price for a gallon of gas exceeded $4 per gallon at the end of March for the first time since August 2022, an increase of more than $1 per gallon in one month.

Amazon’s new fee follows a similar surcharge proposed last month by the US Postal Service. The USPS said it will implement a temporary 8% surcharge beginning in April «to better align its costs of transportation with the market.» The proposed increase, which requires the approval of the Postal Regulatory Commission, will affect Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select.

Shipping competitors, such as FedEx and United Parcel Service, have had fuel surcharges in place for years. Due to the ongoing oil crisis and rise in gas prices, they have increased these fees in recent weeks.

YouTube has big plans for Coachella 2026, when the popular music festival returns for its two-weekend run. Yes, the Google-owned streamer will once again provide livestreaming of the performances for fans unable to make the show this month — but now, there’ll be music video-themed FAST channels, known as Stations. 

FAST TV stands for «free, ad-supported television,» a popular category of streaming services that offer content without a paid subscription. Stations, much like popular linear TV services like Tubi and The Roku Channel — or even FAST channel offerings on Prime Video — offer viewers an old-school, stress-free and passive viewing experience. 

During Coachella, these Stations, according to The Verge, will operate as «24-7 linear streams preprogrammed with videos from artists performing at the festival.» Instead of endlessly searching for something to click to play, «Coachella TV» on YouTube will feature a mix of iconic archival performances, artist interviews, documentaries and 2026 festival highlights, with Stations curated by the artists and creators.

Google didn’t immediately respond to our request for comment.

YouTube has already begun rolling out the new feature with a handful of musicians, including Grammy-winning artist Bruno Mars, who has used his YouTube Station to promote his new album, The Romantic.

YouTube’s senior product management director, Kurt Wilms, told The Verge that they have yet to set a date for when Stations will be available to all creators. But there is a plan in place to make this feature available to all. 

«Anyone will be able to go in, make a playlist and click ‘Start a Station,'» he said. «That’s what we want to get to, ultimately.»

Many American families are taking a closer look at their household budget this year. One report notes that consumer confidence in 2025 was at its lowest point since the inflation rout of 2022. Add in soaring gas prices, and no one can blame you for feeling a bit anxious about your expenses lately.

In an uncertain economic climate, consumers gravitate toward predictable costs. Your phone plan seems like a good place to find that, but some wireless bills are packed with expiring promotions and surprise fees.

Wireless plans from T-Mobile give you predictable costs over the course of years, not months. It’s not about one-time device discounts, but rather the year-over-year savings that can add up to thousands of dollars in the long run.

Here’s how the math plays out on T-Mobile’s best wireless plans.

How much could I save on T-Mobile’s wireless plans?

From 2021 through 2025, families with three or more lines saved in total over $3,700 on T-Mobile compared to other major carriers, according to billing snapshots from HarrisX, a consumer analytics firm.

These savings come not from one-off discounts or phone promotions, but from lower monthly rates on your bill itself. It starts from a lower base rate for your plan compared to other major carriers and adds up with other features like streaming services and satellite coverage you have to pay extra for with other carriers.

The math: how you save with T-Mobile vs. other major carriers

How do customers save by switching to T-Mobile?

T-Mobile’s plans include a 5-year guarantee on what you pay every month for talk, text and 5G data, ensuring your wireless budget holds through 2030.

Most wireless carriers offer free phones, but those deals often mask the long-term cost of the monthly bill. T-Mobile skips the gimmicks and offers value that keeps adding up every month. You still get T-Mobile’s best coverage, which includes the nation’s only 5G Advanced wireless service. 

What perks come with T-Mobile plans?

T-Mobile plans can include a variety of extensive perks like streaming services and satellite coverage that cost extra with other major carriers. Here are a few notable perks available on different T-Mobile plans:

• Steaming Services: T-Mobile plans can include Netflix and Hulu at no additional cost and Apple TV for just $3 per month. With all three, you save up to $30 per month with T-Mobile compared to the other major carriers.
• T-Satellite: T-Mobile’s T-Satellite, which covers you when you’re off the mobile grid, is included in your plan. Other major carriers offer T-Mobile’s service, which means you’ll have to pay an extra $30 per month on their plans.
• DoorDash DashPass: Your T-Mobile plan includes a year of DoorDash DashPass for free, which gets you $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible restaurant, grocery and retail orders, along with exclusive member deals and discounts.

How do I switch to T-Mobile and get my phone paid off?

T-Mobile’s «Family Freedom» initiative removes the usual obstacles to switching wireless carriers, offering support to pay off your old phones and an app that makes the whole process easy.

If you’ve seen the math and you’re convinced that you could save a bunch of money by switching, here’s how T-Mobile will make it simple:

The $800 payoff

Customers who switch to T-Mobile can receive up to $800 per line, for up to four lines, to help cover the cost of paying off their old phones.

The 15-minute easy switch

Using the T-Life app, you can manage the entire switch process digitally in about 15 minutes. This includes activating your new eSIM for immediate service, and even the option for same-day phone delivery.

Take advantage of long-term savings with T-Mobile today

Every carrier has free phone deals. But with T-Mobile, you can get value that keeps adding up every month, every year. If you switch now, you can get up to $800 per line to pay off your old phones while securing your price for five years.

Explore T-Mobile’s best unlimited cell phone plans by clicking here.