On March 20, 2026, just two weeks after the historic low of $0.948/L recorded on March 6, Panama's SNE published an upward correction that surprised many drivers: 95 octane rose to $1.144/L, an increase of B/.0.196/L (+20.7%) in just fifteen days. Diesel went from $0.903 to $1.210/L, also a sharp recovery.
The direct cause was WTI crude rebounding from lows of $58/barrel to $65/barrel during the EIA reference week of March 9–13, 2026. The recovery trigger: statements from the U.S. Treasury Secretary suggesting a possible "pause" in the additional 25% tariffs on Chinese goods, which had been the primary catalyst for the early-month decline. When markets perceived that the trade war might de-escalate, oil rebounded sharply.
This episode illustrates the structural volatility of the fuel market in 2026. In a matter of days, WTI went from its lowest level in four years to recovering nearly 12% of its value. For Panama — whose SNE mechanism passes Gulf Coast changes directly to the end consumer — this means pump prices can swing more than B/.0.20/L in just two weeks, depending on global variables like Washington's trade policy or Riyadh's production decisions.
Practical lesson: drivers who filled up on March 6 saved B/.9.40 per 50 liters. Those who waited until March 20 no longer found that opportunity. Tracking weekly SNE prices and Revisa24's fuel forecast can help you anticipate these moves.