Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama’s proposed gas pipeline could strengthen the country’s role in global energy transport, but the priority is protecting the Canal’s water supply and operations. The strongest case is for a route outside the Canal corridor, in western Panama.
China detained an unusually high number of Panama-flagged ships in March, drawing attention from the global shipping industry. The spike also raised questions about enforcement patterns and the standing of Panama’s major vessel registry.
Casco Antiguo in Panama City is seeing stronger sales as thousands of worshippers and visitors arrive for Semana Santa Internacional 2026. The Holy Week celebrations are giving the historic district a seasonal economic lift.
Rising fuel prices in Panama are prompting drivers to rethink travel habits and look for ways to cut costs. Experts are recommending practical steps to reduce fuel use and ease the pressure on household budgets.
Panama’s new fuel price increase could affect 90% of productive activities, according to an economist, with transport and commerce likely to feel the pressure first. The rise may also ripple into consumer prices and business costs nationwide.
Panamanian consumers are worried that higher fuel prices will soon raise the cost of rice and other staple foods. The concern reflects growing pressure on household budgets as transport costs feed into grocery prices.
Panama’s maximum fuel prices will rise again on April 3, with gasoline and diesel all seeing increases. Diesel will post the biggest jump at 15 cents per liter.
An audit of the mining project in Donoso found exposed sulfide material and raised a possible acid drainage concern. The fifth SGS Panama report reviewed 147 environmental commitments tied to the project.
Tocumen International Airport expects 78,332 passengers during Holy Week 2026, reflecting one of the busiest travel periods of the year in Panama. The holiday surge underscores the airport’s role as the country’s main aviation hub.
Panama will expand its temporary fuel subsidy to public transport, cargo, agriculture and artisanal fishing, with price caps set for 91-octane gasoline and low-sulfur diesel. Authorities say the plan aims to prevent fare increases while a digital platform is built to manage the benefit.
Panama’s coffee regions are drawing renewed attention as the country strengthens its reputation in the specialty coffee market. Growers continue to benefit from demand for high-quality, traceable beans from the country’s mountain areas.
A decade after the Panama Papers leak, legal consequences are still reaching figures tied to Mossack Fonseca, including former partner Christoph Zollinger. The case keeps Panama’s offshore legacy in the global spotlight.
Panama’s government and transport leaders agreed on a 15-day deadline to launch a platform for a temporary fuel subsidy. The measure will cover 91-octane gasoline and diesel for multiple transport sectors.
Panama is seeing higher fuel prices after global oil pushed above $100, with new increases approved for gasoline and diesel. The government has also imposed temporary spending and travel controls to limit the fiscal impact.
Panama’s MIDA and IDIAP have launched a project to recover marañón production in the Arco Seco after fungal damage affected crops. The initiative aims to support farmers and restore yields in a key agricultural region.
Panama’s transport sector says bus fares will stay unchanged while authorities work on measures to respond to rising fuel costs. CANATRA has given 15 days for the plan to be implemented.
An alliance is promoting solar power installations in hard-to-reach areas of Panama while training 22 students over eight months in solar energy installation. The effort combines renewable energy access with workforce development.
Fuel prices in Panama will rise again this Friday, with diesel moving above $5.00. The new rates will remain in effect until the next scheduled update on April 17.
Panama lawmakers welcomed the government’s temporary fuel price cap for transport operators, which sets limits of 90 cents for diesel and 88 cents for 91-octane gasoline. The measure is aimed at easing pressure from rising fuel costs in the transport sector.
Naturgy will carry out electric grid maintenance in Panama from April 6 to 12, 2026, as part of a $630 million four-year investment plan. The work is aimed at improving reliability, expanding circuits, and upgrading substations.