What makes Bank of Queensland's announcement that it is increasing variable mortgage rates unusual is not that the bank is doing it, but that it is bothering to inform the market.BOQ's standard variable rate is going up 12 basis points, after being increased by 18 bps in November.Comparison site Mozo reports that Aussie, Mortgage House, Newcastle Permanent, P&N Bank, Qudos Bank, QPCU and State Custodians all increased variable rates in March.While most of the increases were between five and 15 bps, Newcastle Permanent's investor rate went up 20 bps.Mozo reports that Australian Unity, Auswide Bank, Bankwest, Big Sky, Credit Union SA and CUA all increased variable rates in February.And in January, Bank of Sydney, ING Direct and National Australia Bank increased variable rates.