Chevron Corp, the second largest US energy company, boosted profits in the first quarter by 4 per cent to 6.5 billion dollars, the company said Friday. Soaring petrol prices at the pump helped to more than compensate for sinking production. Chevron\'s shareholders will receive an 11 per cent boost in dividends. Chevron chief John Watson, in his announcement from headquarters in San Ramon, California, said first quarter performance was strong. Revenues increased by less than 1 per cent in the quarter, to 58.9 billion dollars.