Price increases: Price watchdog puts brakes on Post Office

Starting Monday, mail will no longer be collected in the evening from 700 of the country's approximately 14,000 yellow boxes. Postal workers will have to rely on picking up items during their morning rounds. In addition, starting in 2026, "Economy parcels will cost 0.50 cents more. For example, an Economy parcel weighing up to 2 kg will now cost 9 francs instead of 8.50 francs," Swiss Post announced on Thursday.

On the other hand, contrary to what the Yellow Giant had hoped, "individual A and B mail items, PO boxes, and the distribution of free newspapers will be spared from the price increases," Berne rejoices in a separately released press release. Indeed, initially, the increases sought by the Swiss Post were much greater. But the Price Monitor intervened.

While he acknowledges that Swiss Post must cope with a decrease in mail, Mr. Prix "has nevertheless come to the conclusion, in view of the good results recorded in 2024, that no measures to increase revenue are necessary in 2026," the Confederation continues. "Intense negotiations" were then conducted to arrive at this more moderate increase, which will also affect "bulk mail items of B mail, unaddressed mail, as well as Small Goods International and Press International mail items," Berne explains.

In total, these measures are still expected to bring in around 20 million francs to Swiss Post (50 million less than originally planned). In return, customers will be rewarded for using online services. For example, in 2026, "private customers will be able to have their online parcels (Priority and Economy) franked free of charge at home. In addition, if they frank at least one parcel (Priority or Economy) with the Post-App or online between December 2025 and February 2026, they will receive a credit of 5 francs, which can be used online for any postal offer by the end of 2026," Swiss Post emphasizes.