Higher gas prices in effect today

04-11-2009 | STAFF

Increased demand has led the government to raise prices for the next 2 weeks

Panama Star PANAMA. Those who filled their gas tanks in order to travel to the interior this weekend should consider themselves among the lucky, as new and higher gasoline prices go into effect today.

The Energy Secretary recently announced the new ceiling prices for gas.

The 95 octane gasoline increases 14 cents to $2.54 a gallon, while the 91 octane gas increases 10 cents to $2.34 a gallon.

Diesel prices were also increased today, surpassing the $2 mark. Regular diesel increases 14 cents to $2.01, while maximum diesel now costs $2.04, up from $1.90.

The higher prices are said to be responsive to a greater demand for gasoline in Panama. These prices are effective until April 24.

Every 15 days, the government changes the ceiling prices for gasoline in the country in order to regulate the industry and try to curtail price gouging.

Yet the constant changing causes a lot of uncertainty among Panamanians.