Guernsey Post said the rises were "regrettable"

Spokesman Hugo Towers said that for some destinations it was now cheaper to post items to Jersey first and to have them forwarded from there.

He has called on the States and the island's Office of Utility Regulation (OUR) to do more to address the situation.

Guernsey Post said it believed its prices were competitive overall.

Rises 'enormous'

Mr Towers has called for more action to be taken to curb the recent rises, which came into effect on 1 June.

He said: "Mail order companies have had price rises ranging from 48% up, which is enormous if you consider it.

"Smaller businesses have virtually had their costs doubled.

"The OUR and the politicians can stop this dead, because it is doing damage. But they have to face up to the fact this is causing a major problem."

The OUR said when it was informed of Guernsey Post's proposed tariff changes that some were needed to ensure that it could meet its costs and continue to provide a sustainable long-term postal service to the island.

Guernsey Post said it was regrettable that it had to seek an increase in some tariffs but that the company and the OUR determined that they were necessary.