? Although many residents aren?t happy about an upcoming rise in stamp prices, they may like other changes the U.S. Postal Service has in the works. The post office says rising gas prices have made it more expensive to gas up mail trucks. Postal officials say gas prices, along with other factors, have pushed the price of stamps up to 41 cents. However, the postal officials say they have a plan to keep pace with competitors and keep customers coming back.One example the U.S. Postal Service touts is pricing mail by shape, which means residents will be able to stuff more into a business envelope and won't be charged for the weight.Another new item is the ?Forever Stamp,? which has actually been available since April. Once purchased, its price to use never increases, according to Lisa Landone, the head of customer relations.?Even if the price of the first-class stamp went up to two dollars, and you bought a forever stamp at 41 cents today, you'd still be able to use it.?Meanwhile, the post office will continue to offer a variety of first-class stamps at rising prices for people who want them, such as collectors, or people who enjoy festive stamps for the holidays.