Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
An investor has filed a $140 million ICSID arbitration claim against Panama after authorities cancelled a power-plant licence, EIN Presswire reported on March 19, 2026.
The Panama Canal is advancing design work for a Río Indio reservoir, aiming for a 35% conceptual design and a tender by late 2026 or early 2027; preparatory studies and a compensation framework for 500–550 families are underway.
Telemetro reports a significant increase in gasoline prices across Panama effective Friday, March 20, 2026. The report names the effective date but does not specify the amount; consumers and businesses should watch for detailed price notices and possible policy responses.
Chiquita has begun limited banana production trials in Panama to rebuild supply after a prolonged 2025 labor strike, signaling early steps toward operational recovery.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat announced fuel price increases effective March 20, 2026, raising 95 and 91 octane gasoline and diesel across multiple regions until April 3.
Hong Kong’s monetary authority kept its base rate at 4% after the U.S. Fed paused at 3.5–3.75%, with analysts warning that the Middle East conflict has clouded the outlook for rate cuts this year.
The U.S. has eased sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company to help curb oil-price spikes tied to the Iran war; the Fed expects one rate cut this year and Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a temporary truce.
A March 18, 2026 report says Panama missed a deadline and was accused of failing to operate major ports at the Panama Canal, escalating a dispute over control. The situation could affect shipping reliability and economic revenues tied to the Canal corridor.
Cuba’s economic and energy crisis intensifies as Russia sends two crude oil tankers amid Moscow’s declared “unwavering solidarity,” while President Trump threatens action over Havana’s defiance of U.S. sanctions.
Telemetro reports the Complejo Deportivo de Miraflores in Coclé has reached 80% completion and will incorporate technology and international standards. Final details and timelines were not provided.
Preliminary data from the Panama Maritime Authority show two new barges entered the country’s bunker market and daily fuel sales rose slightly in February, with VLSFO remaining the dominant grade.
An investor in a power plant has filed ICSID arbitration against Panama, Global Arbitration Review reported, though the investor and claim details were not disclosed.
Fuel prices in Panama will increase again on March 20, with higher costs for 95-octane gasoline, 91-octane gasoline, and diesel. The move follows rising international oil prices fueled by conflict in the Middle East.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat has announced a notable increase in gasoline prices effective this Friday, with regional rates published for Panama and Colón and some grades rising by about 30 cents.
An investor has filed a $140 million ICSID arbitration against Panama after authorities cancelled a licence for a power plant project, according to EIN Presswire.
Cobre Panamá held community cleaning days and promoted new hiring in Donoso and La Pintada in coordination with local authorities; residents expressed gratitude while details on job numbers were not disclosed.
The US Federal Reserve kept its policy rate at 3.5–3.75 percent, citing a cooling labour market and tensions tied to Iran; the move underscores a data-driven, cautious stance.
EIN Presswire reports CK Hutchison says Panama missed an arbitration response deadline; the source gives few details and Panama has not been quoted in that report.
Al Jazeera reports oil prices rose after an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield, raising fears that sustained higher energy costs could spur global inflation affecting Latin America.
Israel intensified strikes against Iranian leadership, killing Iran’s intelligence minister, while an offshore Iranian gas field was hit — pushing oil prices higher and straining energy markets.