Word on the street is that Chevron will increase marketer lubricant prices by 5 to 9% effective March 20, 2008. Although the details of the increase have not been made available, such marquee products as quart and gallon containers of Havoline, Delo and Ursa are said to be excluded from the increase. In addition, it's our understanding CJ-4 will not be included in this round of increases.

For those that might have missed it, a massive fire broke out at ANA Laboratories in Bellmawr, New Jersey on January 30. Firefighters from more than half a dozen companies were on the scene and by most accounts the damage to the facility was very significant.

Although still under investigation, an employee of the company reported the fire started as a result of something igniting a solvent (heptane) used in the laboratory.

ANA-Laboratories provides testing and analysis of engine oil, fuel, grease and coolant. According to company's website, the Bellmawr facility will be unavailable for testing services until mid-March.