Panama has formally launched the process to acquire the remaining 41% private stake in Petroterminal de Panama, aiming for complete state ownership of the country’s critical oil infrastructure.
The move targets the operator of the 131-kilometre Trans-Panama oil pipeline, a vital artery for energy transport across the isthmus.
The decision marks a significant pivot in Panama’s approach to strategic assets, moving from public-private partnerships toward direct government control.
While the financial terms and timeline for the acquisition remain undisclosed, the initiative underscores the government’s priority to secure sovereignty over key energy logistics.
This development occurs against a backdrop of broader economic challenges in Panama.
Recent data indicates a sharp deterioration in the local labor market during the first half of 2026, with layoffs rising by 10 percentage points compared to the same period last year.