Skyrocketing Shopping Basket in Panama
Contrary to the discount expected for Christmas in Panama, the cost of basic family needs went up astronomically.

Special concern has arisen over electricity and food prices, especially produce, that went up 80 percent from late last year.

Produce is stored in freezers so electricity bills become a sensitive issue, while farmers complain of the poor official support as work is being mechanized and they need diesel.

They also claim losses because intermediaries are setting prices, at times excessive, and this could mean declining purchases.

Economist Adolfo Quintero forecast further hardships for the poor because prices will continue to climb for water, telephone, automobiles and other transportation, as well as home mortgages.

Some voices have already called for salary increase for both in the public and private sectors.

Traders" Association President Ivan Rios considered the phenomenon logical, but added that the government should seek alternatives.