News

The Commerce Committee of Panama’s National Assembly confirmed the first debate on a bill to mandate bioethanol in fuel for Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The discussion could shape future energy, agricultural and consumer impacts as the measure moves through the legislature.

National and municipal public offices in Panama will close from midday on April 2 for Semana Santa 2026, affecting in-person government services; residents should plan ahead.

Drivers of buses, articulated vehicles and taxis in Panama have voiced concern over rising diesel prices, warning of pressure on operators and potential impacts for commuters.

Acodeco inspected 77 fuel stations and found three engaging in unjustified fuel withholding, underscoring ongoing regulatory oversight of Panama’s fuel market.

The Ministry of Education in Colón closed Centro Educativo Desmond Byam for three days as a precaution after a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak; parents are advised to monitor children.

Merchants at Merca Panamá say market prices remain stable despite higher fuel costs, but warn that rising freight expenses could push up prices in the coming days.

MiBus announced service reductions on some Metrobus routes due to higher fuel prices but said it will not raise fares for now, MiBus general manager Carlos Sánchez said.

MINSA and IDAAN warned that water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas (Los Santos) is not fit for consumption and advised residents to boil water before use.

Idaan and Minsa detected water quality faults in Llano de Piedra and have advised residents to boil water while monitoring and tests continue.

President Mulino has sanctioned Law 513, creating $450 paid internships for Panamanians aged 18–25; the initial report confirms stipend and age range but provides no further program details.

MiBus will suspend routes that run parallel to the Panama Metro and cut frequencies on several corridors, Telemetro reported. Commuters should check official MiBus and Metro channels for specific route and schedule updates.

MINSA warns that tap water in Llano de Piedra and Las Tablas (Los Santos) is not safe to drink after tests found abnormal microorganism levels; residents should boil water 3–5 minutes.

MiBus will implement operational changes — cutting empty runs, prioritizing efficient buses and suspending parallel routes to the metro — to absorb a near $1M monthly fuel cost increase while keeping fares unchanged.

The University of Panama issued its first digitally signed diploma to Ivonne V. Ching Visueti, a pharmacy graduate, introducing internationally valid credentials with digital verification.

MiBus will not raise fares despite higher fuel costs but will adjust routes and schedules. Commuters should watch for official updates on specific changes.

MiBus announced route restrictions starting March 20, 2026, in response to a nationwide fuel price increase; commuters should expect possible schedule changes and check official channels.

MiBus habilitará una ruta especial desde Albrook hasta el Auditorio Ascanio Arosemena para facilitar el acceso al Verano Canal 2026, que se celebrará en las escalinatas de la ACP este fin de semana.

Panama and Costa Rica signed a rail agreement aimed at advancing a regional rail link, signaling bilateral interest in closer transport cooperation. Details on route, funding and timeline have not yet been disclosed.

Proyecto de Ley 491 has advanced in Panama and would adjust pensions for more than 95,000 retirees earning under $600 per month; implementation and financing details are still pending.

Panama’s National Assembly Environment Commission, led by Deputy Lenín Ulate, inspected the Pacora River after contamination concerns were raised, seeking to prevent similar incidents seen elsewhere in the country.