A surcharge is an additional fee added to the original price of a product or service. It is often used to cover extra costs that a business incurs, such as increased shipping fees or special handling charges. For example, a restaurant might add a surcharge to a bill during busy holiday seasons to manage higher demand. Surcharges can also apply in various industries, including travel and utilities. For instance, airlines may impose a fuel surcharge when fuel prices rise. Customers should always check for any surcharges before making a purchase to understand the total cost involved.