By RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY

PDT Staff Writer

The United States Post Office announced in February they would raise the price of a standard First-Class Mail stamp to 44 cents — a 2-cent increase — effective May 11.

Customers can continue to mail letters at today’s prices by purchasing the Forever Stamp before May 11. Forever Stamps were developed to help consumers ease the transition during price changes. Forever Stamps do not have a denomination and will be honored whenever they are used with no need for additional postage for a one-ounce letter mailing. On May 11 the price of the Forever Stamp will be 44 cents.

Rising operational costs make the price adjustments necessary. The increase tracks the 2008 rate of inflation.

Mark Bradbury, supervisor with the Portsmouth Post Office, told the Times in February that the increase would help cover cost of living pay increases for the service’s many workers. He credits the increase in stamp prices partially to a decrease in overall mail volume.

“The Postal Service is not immune to rising costs which are affecting homes and businesses across America today,” said Postmaster General John Potter. “Even with the increases, the Postal Service continues to offer some of the lowest postage prices in the world.”

For the average household, the First-Class Mail stamp price change will represent an additional $3 over the course of the year. When compared to annual increases in other household expenses, such as groceries, healthcare and utilities, the Postal Service continues to be an economical choice for shipping and mailing during tough economic times.

Other rate increases taking effect May 11 include the postcard stamp, which increases 1 cent to 28 cents. The first ounce of a large envelope increases 5 cents to 88 cents. The first ounce of a parcel increases 5 cents to $1.22. New international postcard and letter prices are, for one ounce, 75 cents to Canada, 79 cents to Mexico and 98 cents elsewhere. Most Postal Service shipping services prices were adjusted in January and will not change in May.

Prices for mailing services are reviewed annually and adjusted each May.

The new prices are available at usps.com/prices.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or e-mail pdtwriter@ryanscottottney.com.