The Minister of Agricultural Development, Augusto Valderrama, announced the freezing of the price of a gallon of fuel at B/. 3.95 for agricultural cargo carriers. The measure that will take effect from this Monday, that was one of the main points agreed in a meeting that he held with this sector, which had planned a work stoppage for this Sunday and Monday due to the rise in fuel.
He also pointed out that they will meet again next Tuesday to continue analyzing the problems of this important sector, which transports the food consumed by Panamanians.
“It must be ensured that production in the country is maintained, especially in these times of pandemic as a result of Covid 19 and the cost increases in handling maritime cargo as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” said the minister.
Valderrama stressed that the producers promised to double the load this Saturday, since they have no interest in depriving the population of food. He added that they were insisted that no forceful measure, at this time, such as closures and suspension of cargo, helps to alleviate the situation in the country, on the contrary, it exacerbates it.
As of Monday, all drivers can access the platform of the Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) to obtain this benefit of freezing fuel, which represents a great sacrifice for the State, but which is given, to maintain peace. society in the country.
“For us the most important issue was fuel and the response has been given by President Cortizo Cohen,” Valderrama emphasized, while saying that the carriers will remain vigilant, but that they were shown that this government is supporting production, the agricultural sector, and transporters to guarantee peace, stability and that you cannot play with this important item, since food is peace.
Giovanni Rubén Sánchez, president of the Chiriquí province Truckers’ Union, stated that their idea is not to deprive the country of supplies. “Today (Saturday) several trucks leave for the capital city, to maintain supply, because there is supply.”
Also participating in this meeting were the Vice Minister of MIDA, Carlo Rognoni, the Governor of Chiriquí, Juan Carlos Muñoz Franceschi, the Technical Secretary, Roy Frías, the legal advisor Ritzel de la Hoz, the director of the ATTT Carlos Ordoñez, among others.
