It seems like only days ago (because it was), JobbersWorld reported, now that several of the leading independent lubricant marketers announced price increases, what will the majors do?

Well we now know what at least one will do. Because today, Shell (Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker State) advised its marketers it will institute a general price increase for finished lubricants on average of 6%, effective September 15, 2009.

And just like the old days of price increase announcements, Shell reportedly limits its explanation/justification of the increase by saying, this increase is due to the costs of raw materials used in the production and distribution of its products.

Shell's price INCREASE on lubricants is the first among the majors to reverse what was close to a six month trend where lubricant prices were decreasing.

Citgo advised it marketers the price of its MileMaster brand will increase effective August 15, 2009.

According to marketers, MileMaster prices will increase from $0.24 t0 $0.40 a gallon. The say 5W-20 and 5W-30 will go up $0.40 a gallon, and HDEO will increase by $0.36 a gallon. ATF, THF and hydraulic fluid will reportedly increase by $0.24 a gallon.

For those unfamiliar with MileMaster, it's the CITGO brand many in the industry refer to as Citgo's "fighting grade."

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