WASHINGTON (AP)  The post office wants to increase the price of a stamp by 2 cents, to 46 cents, starting in January. The agency has been battered by losses and declining mail volume.

Postal officials announced a series of proposed price increases Tuesday, averaging about 5 percent, and covering first class, advertising mail, periodicals, packages and other services.

The request now goes to the independent Postal Regulatory Commission, which has 90 days to respond. If approved, the increase would take effect Jan. 2.

“The Postal Service faces a serious risk of financial insolvency,” a postal vice president, Stephen M. Kearney, said.