Drivers in Panama Norte say subsidized fuel will only last them about three days, and they are urging authorities to rethink the measure. They say rising fuel costs have forced them to work longer hours to keep earnings afloat.
Panama’s Security Ministry is reinforcing high-crime areas after Frank Ábrego linked recent violence to gang disputes over narcotics control. The plan aims to curb crime and restore public safety.
The White House budget chief declined to say how much the U.S. has spent on the Iran war, deepening scrutiny over the conflict’s cost and transparency. The issue could have ripple effects for energy prices and global markets, including in Latin America.
Panama’s National Chamber of Transportation is waiting for a solution to the fuel subsidy cap issue, which is affecting sector operations. The dispute underscores the pressure fuel policy can place on transport services and commuters.
Hospital Santo Tomás has renewed its emergency room as patient visits continue to climb, with more than 54,000 cases registered in 2025. The upgrade comes as the public hospital faces sustained pressure from rising demand.
President José Raúl Mulino urged Panama’s Public Ministry and Comptroller General’s Office to resolve their differences after speaking with both leaders. He also addressed the upcoming Electoral Tribunal appointment and vetoes tied to unfunded legislation.
Heavy rains in northern Veraguas caused rivers to swell and damaged several homes in Calovébora. The incident underscores the flooding risk faced by river-adjacent communities during intense rainfall.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance says the Cepanim registration platform is in final testing and should go live in the coming days. Authorities plan to print certificates in May and begin deliveries in June.
Police detained 225 people with active warrants at Panama Metro stations in the first half of April after checking more than 57,000 passengers. The arrests continue a broader pattern of preventive operations across Lines 1 and 2.
Two cruise voyages linked to Panama departures saw multiple passengers fall ill in separate outbreaks. The incidents highlight ongoing health concerns on ships sailing from Panama City.
Panama’s National Assembly is preparing to vote on a new magistrate for the Electoral Tribunal after finalizing the official candidate list. The appointment is significant because the tribunal plays a key role in overseeing the country’s elections.
Panama’s Budget Committee approved $30 million for a fuel subsidy aimed at transport operators, with the government potentially spending up to $100 million. The measure seeks to partially stabilize prices for 91- and 95-octane gasoline and low-sulfur diesel.
Panamanian authorities rescued 16 passengers aboard a sailboat that drifted near Ustupu after mechanical failures during a trip from Colombia to Panama. Senafront towed the vessel to safety in Guna Yala.
A police officer killed during an operation in El Chorrillo was honored in Herrera, where Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego stressed the sacrifice tied to police work. The ceremony highlighted the risks faced by Panama’s security forces.
Panama paid funeral honors to posthumous second sergeant Albis Espinoza, who died after being shot during a National Police operation in El Chorrillo. The tribute recognized his service and sacrifice in the line of duty.
A ship reportedly paid $4 million to move ahead of a Panama Canal backlog, highlighting how costly delays can be on a vital global trade route. The case underscores the canal’s continued importance to shipping and Panama’s economy.
Panamanian National Police detained six people and seized a firearm during an operation in Arraiján. The case underscores ongoing security efforts in one of Panamá Oeste’s fastest-growing districts.
A ship paid $4 million to bypass a Panama Canal backlog as delays reached about a day and a half. The case highlights how valuable priority passage can be when congestion tightens global shipping schedules.
Violence-related medical cases have risen at Santo Tomás Hospital in Panama City, highlighting pressure on emergency services and concerns about street violence. The trend underscores the link between public safety and the workload of Panama’s main public hospitals.
President José Raúl Mulino said the Executive Branch is not interfering in National Assembly appointments, including the new Ombudsman and a magistrate of the Electoral Tribunal. He framed the decisions as the legislature’s responsibility and stressed the need for institutional cooperation.