I run a small retail business and relied on India Post for affordable parcel delivery. My products, while lightweight, require proper packaging to ensure they reach my customers safely. However, when India Post implemented volumetric pricing for parcels under 1 kg, the cost of shipping increased to a point where it surpassed my profit margin. This change rendered online orders unviable, and without any affordable private courier options available in my area, I had no choice but to halt my online sales. This isn’t just about my business—it’s about my livelihood.

This shift by India Post has repercussions beyond my small business. Many small businesses, home sellers, and rural traders across India, who rely heavily on India Post due to the lack of affordable or available private courier services, are facing similar challenges. The new pricing model has made it extremely difficult for these businesses to continue operating online, directly affecting their revenue and ability to sustain themselves.

For instance, a lightweight product that sells for a modest profit now incurs shipping costs that exceed earnings, and this imbalance is not sustainable. This issue is detrimental to entrepreneurs who are trying to build their ventures, support their families, and contribute to the economy by generating business in various local communities across India.

The practice of using volumetric weight for parcels under 1 kg is inequitable and should be removed. Given the circumstances, we propose that India Post either eliminate the volumetric pricing for parcels below 1 kg or implement a fixed, affordable slab rate that reflects the true operational costs but does not burden small and rural businesses disproportionally.

By doing so, India Post can continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of small enterprises across the country, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy. This policy change is essential not only for business owners but also for the communities and economies they support.

I urge India Post and the relevant authorities to consider the impact of these pricing changes and take corrective steps that support small businesses and the diverse economic landscape of India. By signing this petition, we can collectively call for a fairer, more supportive pricing policy for parcel deliveries, ensuring that entrepreneurship and innovation in India do not falter due to prohibitive shipping costs. Let us rally together to make this change happen. Please sign this petition and lend your support.