Author: Editorial Team

Drivers in Panama will pay more at the pump starting this Friday. The Secretariat of Energy Panama announced a new increase in fuel prices effective May 15. The adjustment hits all three major fuel grades across the country. 95-octane gasoline will rise by 9 cents per liter. That brings the price to $1.36 per liter. 91-octane gasoline also jumps 9 cents, settling at $1.28 per liter. Low-sulfur diesel increases by a smaller margin of 5 cents, reaching $1.32 per liter. [Translated from Spanish] The increases push 95-octane gasoline past the $5 per gallon threshold. This creates a significant burden for…

Desperate residents of El Clavel neighborhood in Arraiján blocked the Chapala road on Wednesday. They demand an immediate solution to a water crisis that has left some homes without service for over a month. The protest marks a breaking point for families who say they have exhausted all other options. The blockade comes as the Panama water utility IDAAN faces mounting criticism over service failures in western Panama province. Empty water tanks line the streets outside homes. Families now rely on rainfall to meet basic sanitation needs. The situation has become unbearable, residents said. “We have been a month without…

Panama’s homicide count has exceeded 200 victims in the first weeks of 2026. Judicial authorities confirmed 214 deaths linked to crimes against life and personal integrity nationwide. Metropolitan area homicide prosecutor Jorge Ferguson released the figures on Monday from Panama City. The numbers show a troubling trend for public safety officials. Of the total victims, 97 cases fall within the metropolitan area alone. Ferguson stated the situation reflects a clear deterioration in social coexistence across the country. He acknowledged growing concern over the high frequency of violent events recorded in recent weeks. Prosecutor Cites Deteriorating Social Coexistence The spike in…

Panama’s Cabinet Council has approved a resolution to end the concession contract with Claro Panamá. The decision also modifies the agreement with Cable and Wireless Panamá. This move comes as part of an economic concentration process between the two telecommunications companies. The resolution, numbered 000, authorizes the Ministry of Government to sign a termination addendum. It allows for the mutual agreement conclusion of Concession Contract No. 11-2008, which Claro Panamá signed in 2008. Officials also approved changes to Contract No. DAF-034-2013, held by Cable and Wireless Panamá. A key element of the decision involves the transfer of 70 MHz of…

Panama’s economy could receive a major boost in 2026. A new research report from Bank of America Securities identifies the potential reopening of the Cobre Panama copper mine as the country’s most significant positive economic event. The report, titled ‘Panama Watch of BofA Global Research,’ comes after analysts met with officials, bankers, and business leaders during a visit to the country. President José Raúl Mulino is expected to make an announcement next month. The report states there is a “higher probability” the mine will restart within six to twelve months. At the very least, the executive branch could announce the…

Panamanian migration authorities intercepted a United States citizen at Tocumen International Airport on Wednesday. Officials detected an alert linking the man to alleged sexual crimes against minors. The traveler was immediately denied entry. The incident unfolded as the US citizen attempted to transit through Panama. His final destination was Medellin, Colombia. Officers from the National Migration Service Panama flagged the alert during routine screening. The National Migration Service confirmed the details in an official statement. The man is reportedly connected to child sexual abuse tourism. This is a growing concern for transit hubs across Latin America. “After the corresponding verification,…

Customs inspectors in western Panama have confiscated 73 counterfeit soccer jerseys. The seizure happened at the Paso Canoas border crossing near the Costa Rican frontier. Authorities announced the operation on Wednesday. Officers from the Prevention and Customs Inspection Directorate detained the merchandise during a targeted inspection. The jerseys bore the colors and logos of Panama’s national soccer team. Officials suspect the shirts violated trademark protections. Intelligence Operation Leads to Discovery The operation began after inspectors noticed suspicious activity. Several individuals entered a commercial establishment carrying large gray bags. This behavior triggered immediate attention from customs teams. Inspectors entered the store…

Panama’s government is ready to negotiate with Costa Rica but demands identical trade rules for both nations. Commerce and Industries Minister Julio Moltó made this position clear on Tuesday. He responded directly to recent statements from Costa Rica’s new president Laura Fernández who questioned Panama’s import restrictions on Costa Rican goods. The trade dispute has simmered for years between the two Central American neighbors. Moltó emphasized that Panama seeks a balanced approach to resolving the conflict. “We are willing to sit down with the country, friends and brothers, at any time under the same conditions,” Moltó said. [Translated from Spanish]…

Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a public competition for entry into the 2026 Diplomatic and Consular Career. The announcement opens the door for professionals seeking to represent the nation internationally. The selection process aims to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds and essential skills. Officials confirmed the competition will strengthen Panama’s foreign policy through rigorous evaluation. Application Timeline and Key Dates The official call for applications will run for three specific days. Candidates can access the application portal on May 12, 13, and 14, 2026. Online registration opens immediately after, from May 15 through May 28. The Panama…

Panama’s National Assembly has declared a permanent session to debate new economic substance legislation. The proposed law would require multinational companies and entities with passive foreign income to maintain physical offices, hire local staff, and generate real operational expenses inside Panama. The Economy and Finance Commission made the announcement during extraordinary sessions this week. The bill represents a major shift in Panama’s regulatory framework. Companies would need to demonstrate concrete presence including leased office space, payroll records, and verifiable operational costs. Supporters say the measure strengthens Panama’s international reputation. Critics worry about unintended consequences for key industries. Representatives from business…