A leading business association in Panama is calling for widespread adoption of telework to help citizens cope with a sharp new increase in fuel prices. The recommendation comes as gasoline and diesel costs rose for the second time this month, placing significant strain on household budgets and the logistics sector.
The Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) made the appeal on March 20, 2026. APEDE President Giulia De Sanctis framed the suggestion as a necessary, practical measure to provide economic relief where direct government subsidies have been ruled out.
Practical Measures for Economic Relief
During a presentation for an upcoming economic forum, De Sanctis emphasized that the international situation requires concrete local actions. She pointed to ongoing Middle East conflicts and shifting global trade policies as key drivers of the price instability affecting Panama.
“We are in a situation that requires practical and solidarity-based measures for the average citizen,” De Sanctis said. [Translated from Spanish]
The business leader urged companies with the operational capacity to implement remote work policies immediately. She argued this would directly reduce commuting costs for employees. APEDE’s proposed measures also include staggered work hours to ease traffic congestion and promoting carpooling instead of penalizing it.
New Fuel Prices Take Effect
The new prices officially took effect on Friday, March 20. Long lines formed at gas stations across the country on Thursday as drivers sought to fill their tanks before the hike. The increase reaches up to $0.30 per gallon, with low-sulfur diesel seeing the largest jump.
In Panama and Colon provinces, a gallon of 95-octane rating gasoline now sells for $4.33. The price for 91-octane gasoline is set at $4.03 per gallon. Low-sulfur diesel has reached $4.58 per gallon. Compared to the previous pricing period, diesel saw the most dramatic increase, rising by $1.16 per gallon.
These figures illustrate a sustained upward trend. The cost of 95-octane fuel has increased by $0.74 per gallon, while 91-octane rose by $0.68.
Transport Sector Reacts Amid Regulatory Warnings
The price surge has triggered immediate reactions in the transport sector. Groups of transporters from areas like Burunga, Vista Alegre, and routes connecting to Panama City announced fare increases of $0.50 on Friday. A route that cost $1.50 would now cost $2.00 under their new structure.
Drivers cited the overnight fuel price change as the direct cause. This move prompted a swift response from the Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT). The regulatory body issued a public warning that any fare increase based solely on fuel costs could be illegal.
The ATTT stressed the need to find alternatives that do not directly burden citizens. It urged the public to remain vigilant and report any irregular or unauthorized charges through official channels. The authority’s statement underscores the tension between operational costs for drivers and consumer protection mandates.
De Sanctis acknowledged the government’s position against subsidies but insisted more empathy is required. She called for policies that alleviate economic impact directly.
“We must be empathetic with Panamanians, beyond just saying no to a subsidy,” the APEDE president affirmed. [Translated from Spanish]
The current moment is relevant and essential for analyzing the impacts of geopolitical movements, De Sanctis concluded. Projecting future scenarios and implementing adaptive measures like telework are now critical for national resilience. The business community’s push highlights a search for innovative solutions amid global economic pressures that show no sign of abating.