March 20, 2026

Transport operators in Panama Oeste will raise fares by 20–50 centavos from March 23, citing higher fuel costs. The change may increase daily expenses for commuters.

At China’s two sessions, NPC spokesperson Lou Qinjian referenced the grassroots Suchao (Su Super League) as part of a broader push to boost domestic consumption, suggesting policymakers may lean on cultural and sports events to drive spending.

The government ordered public offices to close next Thursday, April 2, beginning at 12:00 p.m. due to Semana Santa. Citizens should plan ahead for limited public services after midday.

The Panama Canal is operating at full capacity after a rise in LNG vessel transits tied to the war involving Iran, the canal’s chief said, increasing pressure on scheduling and operations.

Minsa and CSS said international applicants for temporary health roles must meet a set of requirements to ensure suitability and professional preparation, TVN 2 reported.

Acodeco is investigating Panamanian gas stations for allegedly denying gasoline without justification, a practice labeled “juega vivo.” Stations could face fines up to $25,000.

The Panama Canal is operating at top capacity as increased LNG vessel traffic, linked to the conflict involving Iran, puts pressure on transit scheduling and operations, U.S. News reports.

Reuters reports the Panama Canal is operating at top capacity as increased LNG vessel traffic — linked to the Iran war — places new pressure on the vital waterway, the canal chief said.

A shortage of bottled cooking gas linked to the Iran war has forced textile workers in India to return home after days without LPG, disrupting factories and exposing supply vulnerabilities.

Telemetro reports MiBus spends over B/.1 million monthly on diesel and has implemented measures in response; details on the actions and any fare effects were not disclosed.

A school in Colón was temporarily closed over suspected whooping cough, prompting parents to demand fumigation while health authorities said there is no community outbreak.

Al Jazeera reports the US has moved military assets to the Middle East that could support ground operations, a sign the Trump administration may be preparing for possible escalation with Iran.

Officials warned a 120-year-old Hawaiian dam could fail after last week’s heavy storm triggered catastrophic flooding; thousands have been ordered to evacuate downstream areas.

Palestinian citizens of Israel are calling for stronger protection after missile attacks linked to the war with Iran have killed at least 15 people in Israel since late last month.

Mario Bárcena is returning to competition in the TCR Panamá category at the Gran Premio de Panamá after overcoming recent setbacks, TVN reports. Details on his team and race objectives have not been disclosed.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a Nowruz audio message declaring the “enemy” defeated, a symbolic statement with political and regional implications.

Panama’s National Assembly commission inspected the Pacora river basin after residents reported contamination, conducting a field tour to identify pollution points and press for action.

Costa Rica has targeted former Supreme Court justice Celso Gamboa in what has been described as the country’s first extradition to the U.S., after U.S. accusations he used government ties to traffic cocaine.

COSCO has stopped calling at Panama’s Port of Balboa, EIN Presswire reports, marking a new escalation in an ongoing port dispute that could affect regional shipping and Panama’s maritime economy.

The ATTT said it will not raise public transport fares despite higher fuel costs and is evaluating various mechanisms to mitigate economic impacts on the transport sector.