Why does the price change every week?
SNE calculates the fuel price based on international oil prices (WTI/Brent). When the barrel rises in New York or Houston, you pay it at the pump the following Friday. Since 2026, updates are weekly — previously every 2 weeks.
Gasoline 95
$1.231/L
$4.660/gal
Gasoline 91
$1.173/L
$4.440/gal
Diesel
$1.368/L
$5.178/gal
Source: National Energy Secretariat (SNE) · energia.gob.pa
What will happen next Friday?
We estimate 95 octane will remain stable at $1.250/L on May 1
See full forecast with EIA data →
Price History
Last 12 months · Touch or hover to see values
Confirmed prices (SNE) from Mar 2026 · Prior history estimated from market trend
Market News
Mixed signals on Good Friday: 95 octane drops but diesel rises
SNE published its Good Friday (April 17) bi-weekly bulletin with mixed signals: 95 octane drops B/.0.024/L (from $1.255 to $1.231), while 91 octane rises slightly B/.0.005/L and diesel increases B/.0.010/L to $1.368/L — its highest level so far in 2026. The divergence reflects current market dynamics: WTI retreated toward the $62-65/barrel range amid geopolitical uncertainty, benefiting gasoline, while global diesel demand — driven by logistics and freight transport in Asia and Europe — pushed that derivative higher. For the next update on May 1, we expect stability or a slight decline if crude holds below $65.
SNE raises prices 9.7% — here's why
SNE published this Thursday the largest weekly increase of the year: 95 octane up B/.0.111/L (from $1.144 to $1.255), diesel up B/.0.148/L. The main driver is WTI rebounding from $59 lows toward $64-65 during the EIA reference week. OPEC+ held its production quota without further cuts, slightly stabilizing the market. For next week we estimate a slight additional upward adjustment if WTI holds above $64.
Strong rebound: +20.7% in one week after March lows
After the historic drop on March 6 (95 octane to $0.948), SNE adjusts upward: $1.144/L for 95 octane, reflecting WTI's rebound from $58 to $65. The market corrected the prior week's oversold conditions driven by trade tensions. Diesel, which hit $0.903, now rises to $1.210.
Get weekly analysis →
Every Thursday when SNE updates prices
Tank Calculator
How much do you pay this week vs last?
This week
$55.40
full tank · 45L
Per gallon: $4.66/gl
Last week
$56.47
full tank · 45L
Difference
▼ $1.08
If you fill up once/week
you save $4.32/month
$1.231/liter · $4.660/gallon · Official SNE maximum price
Fuel Price by Geographic Zone — Panama
SNE sets different maximum prices by zone. Valid: Apr 17 — May 1.
| Zone | Provinces | Gasoline 95 | Gasoline 91 | Diesel | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zona 1 | Panama, Colón, West Panama | B/.1.231 | B/.1.173 | B/.1.368 | Baseline price |
| Zona 2 | Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos | B/.1.237 | B/.1.179 | B/.1.374 | +0.6¢ |
| Zona 3 | Veraguas, Chiriquí | B/.1.244 | B/.1.186 | B/.1.381 | +1.3¢ |
| Zona 4 | Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe-Buglé | B/.1.254 | B/.1.196 | B/.1.391 | +2.3¢ |
| Zona 5 | Darién, San Blas (Guna Yala) | B/.1.271 | B/.1.213 | B/.1.408 | +4.0¢ |
Source: National Energy Secretariat (SNE) · energia.gob.pa
Panama vs the region — 91 Octane (Regular)
Approximate prices in USD/L · Apr 2026 · Local official sources
Fuel Types in Panama
95 Octane Gasoline (Super)
For high-compression engines, luxury and sports cars. Recommended by manufacturers specifying 91+ octane.
91 Octane Gasoline (Regular)
Most consumed in Panama. Suitable for most everyday vehicles. Cheaper than 95.
Diesel
For trucks, buses, 4x4 pickups and work vehicles. Intermediate price, higher energy efficiency per liter.
How is fuel price set in Panama?
Panama's fuel prices are regulated by the National Energy Secretariat (SNE). Every week on Thursdays, SNE publishes new maximum retail prices, effective the following Friday.
Prices are in Balboa cents per liter (1 B/. = 1 USD) and apply nationwide. A gas station in Panama City and one in Colón must charge the same maximum — though they may charge less.
The calculation is based on international oil prices (WTI and Brent), exchange rates and approved distribution margins. When oil goes up in New York, you pay more at the pump.
From barrel to pump: how is the price formed?
Four stages from global markets to your local gas station
Crude Oil
WTI / BrentCrude oil is traded on international markets. WTI (Texas) is the reference benchmark used by Panama's SNE.
Refinery
Gulf Coast EIACrude is refined mainly in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Refined gasoline prices are published every Monday by the EIA.
Import
Panama CanalPanama imports refined gasoline. Freight, insurance and distribution margins are added on top of the base price.
Pump Price
SNE — every FridayThe National Energy Secretariat (SNE) publishes the official maximum price every Thursday, effective the following Friday.
Crude Oil
WTI / BrentCrude oil is traded on international markets. WTI (Texas) is the reference benchmark used by Panama's SNE.
Refinery
Gulf Coast EIACrude is refined mainly in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Refined gasoline prices are published every Monday by the EIA.
Import
Panama CanalPanama imports refined gasoline. Freight, insurance and distribution margins are added on top of the base price.
Pump Price
SNE — every FridayThe National Energy Secretariat (SNE) publishes the official maximum price every Thursday, effective the following Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the fuel price change in Panama?
Why did the price drop so much in March 2026?
Is the fuel price the same across all of Panama?
How much does it cost to fill a tank in Panama?
Why is diesel more expensive than 95 octane gasoline in Panama?
When does SNE announce the next fuel price?
Does Panama tax gasoline?
Is fuel cheaper in Panama than Colombia or Costa Rica?
Where can I see official SNE prices?
When does the fuel price go up or down in Panama?
What is the difference between 95 and 91 octane gasoline?
Where does this data come from?
Looking to save more?
Compare supermarket prices and health insurance — the two other big expenses for Panama residents.
Is Gasoline Expensive in Panama? — Regional Comparison
Panama and El Salvador: the cheapest countries in Central America
At B/.1.231/L for 95 octane (April 2026), Panama sits nearly 15% below the global average of $1.44/L. Only El Salvador ($1.21/L) is cheaper in Central America. Costa Rica costs 12% more, Guatemala 17% more, and Mexico 32% more. Source: GlobalPetrolPrices, April 2026.
7 Tips to Spend Less on Gas in Panama
At $1.231/L, every liter counts
Fill a 50L tank at current prices: ~$61.55 for 95 octane. Check tire pressure weekly (32–36 PSI), avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) on Corredor Sur and Vía España, use 91 octane if your car allows ($2.90 savings per tank), and keep the engine tuned. The SNE sets maximum prices — some stations charge less, especially in high-competition zones like Vía Tocumen and Transísmica.
Panama Fuel Prices: 10 Years of History
From $0.47/L during the pandemic to $1.59/L during the energy crisis
Panama fuel prices have swung dramatically over a decade: historic low of $0.47/L (April 2020, COVID lockdown), historic high of $1.59/L (June 2022, Ukraine war + OPEC cuts). The fastest single-update drop in years: March 6, 2026 (−B/.0.188/L to $0.948). The fastest rebound: March 20, 2026 (+20.7% in 14 days). Long-term average 2016–2026: $0.89/L. Current price is 38% above that average but 22% below the 2022 peak.
Why Diesel Matters (Even if You Don't Use It)
Panama Canal, transport, and the invisible price chain
At B/.1.368/L (April 2026), diesel exceeds 95 octane gasoline ($1.231/L) — a historic inversion. Reasons: record global logistics demand post-pandemic, higher refining cost for low-sulfur diesel, and full cost pass-through by SNE. The Panama Canal (contributing 4-5% of GDP) uses diesel for tugs and mule locomotives. Since 80% of consumer goods travel by diesel truck, every $0.10/L diesel increase adds ~$5-10 to transport costs (Colón–Santiago route), spreading across hundreds of products in stores.