Postage stamp prices have increased with what an Post says is in line with European prices.
In a statement the Irish postal service cited a sharp rise in inflation across transport, fuel and energy as the reason for higher operational costs.
From Tuesday March 1st, The standard national letter stamp will increase to €1.25 (currently €1.10) while the standard international stamp will be €2.20 (currently €2.00).
There will be a price freeze on 10-stamp Consumer booklets and increased discounts on SME ‘Advantage’ stamp packs. While Covid community supports will be permanently available to older and isolated customers who need them. More here.
An Post says these levels are "well below the current average European tariffs for high quality, letter delivery services."
Postage stamp prices in the rest of Europe
The average price of a comparable national stamp across the principal EU countries, and the UK, is €1.58, while the comparable worldwide tariff is €2.27. An Post says its service is consistently rated amongst the best in Europe, "delivering top quality of service nationally and internationally compared to European carriers. Unlike many postal companies who suspended services during the pandemic, An Post maintained services throughout, supporting both personal and business customers."
The statement went on to say that the new stamp prices reflect sharp transport, fuel and energy cost inflation and the true cost of maintaining a nationwide postal service with steadily falling traditional letter volumes. International air freight prices have increased by up to 360% in the Pandemic; transport cost inflation is running at 18% and electricity, gas and fuel costs are up 27% year on year (CSO-Dec 2021).
David McRedmond, CEO of An Post said “While these increases are essential to cover rising costs, and ensure service continuity on a par with the very best in Europe, we will mitigate the impact on SMEs by increasing discounts available to them, while freezing the price of ten-stamp booklet for consumers and offering regular price promotions."
All existing stamps with ‘N’ (National) and ‘W’ (Worldwide) denominations remain valid and fully useable after the new prices come into effect on Tuesday 1st March 2022.
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