Market regulator ACM announced that PostNL may increase the price of mail by nearly 13%, marking the steepest allowable price hike in three years.
If the postal service uses the full regulatory room, the cost of a standard stamp would rise from €1.40 to €1.58.
The universal service covers personal post such as birthday and holiday cards, accounting for roughly 15% of all mail pieces and around 200 million items this year.
Financial pressure and delivery times
The regulator based its price ceiling on falling mail volumes, inflation, and the ongoing costs PostNL faces to maintain the delivery network.
The price room comes after PostNL transitioned to standard two-day delivery on 14 July, a measure aimed at operating with 18% fewer postal staff.
PostNL reported a €35 million loss on regular mail deliveries last year, with chief executive Pim Berendsen expecting that loss to reach €38 million this year.
Legal disputes and delivery rules
The approved tariff ceiling would bring in an estimated €36 million in extra revenue for PostNL, nearly covering its reported operating deficit.
PostNL determines its own exact pricing adjustments and will announce the final stamp costs later this year.
The company has initiated legal action against the Dutch state over postal service conditions after previously losing a summary injunction.
The ACM previously fined PostNL €7 million for missing delivery timeliness targets in 2023, while the company continues to push for regulatory changes allowing delivery within three working days.
![Top [count] Travel Blogs to Follow - OnToplist.com](https://www.ontoplist.com/images/ontoplist31.png?id=6a8dcf108f478)