News

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.

MAFIZ held its awards ceremony at the 29th Málaga Film Festival, with Panama represented by Deputy Minister Arianne Benedetti and filmmakers including Mariel García Spooner and Risseth Yangüez.

Panama’s Ministry of Health reports that at least 21 girls and adolescents aged 10–19 become pregnant each day, highlighting gaps in sexual education, services and social support.

Cobre Panamá is conducting cleaning and maintenance workdays in La Pintada and Donoso that have hired community members—10 in a first phase in La Pintada and 162 beneficiaries in Donoso— with plans to reach 28 hires by the end of March.

Rolando Rodríguez, associate deputy director of La Prensa, was honored at the Congreso CELAC-UE de Editores de Medios on March 18 for his investigative journalism and received a painting by Cristóbal Gabarrón.

MIDA detained 1,624.62 kg of uncertified plant and animal products in February—535 kg of animal-origin items including sausages and cheese—warning travelers and importers about required health certification.

EIN Presswire reports Panama missed a deadline to operate major Panama Canal ports, deepening a dispute over control of the facilities and raising questions about trade and governance.

Law360 reports that Panama missed a deadline in a dispute involving canal ports; details are sparse but the procedural lapse could speed legal or operational consequences.

Former President Ricardo Martinelli says prosecutors accepted a criminal complaint he filed against digital outlet Foco alleging extortion and bribery; his team has filed over 12 complaints against the outlet.

gCaptain reports an increase in LNG shipments through the Panama Canal as shippers reroute to avoid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, raising operational and economic implications for Panama.

Panama will play two friendly matches against South Africa in Durban on March 27 and Cape Town on March 31 as part of preparations during the March FIFA window.

Telemetro reports Panama will roll out a digital driver’s license priced between $6 and $8; authorities will soon detail how to apply and the changes it will bring.

Panama is moving toward contactless electronic payments on the Metro and Metrobús, enabling bank cards and digital devices for fare payment and reducing reliance on cash.

FreshPlaza reports that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed some shipping traffic toward the Panama Canal, increasing transits and raising operational and economic considerations for the waterway and Panama.

Port Technology reports a recent surge in inspections of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports, a development with potential operational and reputational consequences for ship operators and Panama’s registry.

A newly reported tomb in Panama reportedly contains significant gold, prompting interest in what the find could reveal about past power structures; details and analysis are still pending.

Operation Trillizas led to arrests in Chiriquí as authorities dismantled a child pornography ring, with reporting also referencing Bocas del Toro. Official updates are expected.