Panamanian President Urged to Reach Energy Agreement with Venezuela
Transport union leaders in Panama have urged their government to reach an agreement with Venezuela as soon as possible, in view of the energy crisis the country is going through after the announcement of a new fuel price hike.

Esteban Rodríguez, from the transport labor union, told Prensa Latina that President Martin Torrijos himself should go to Caracas and make a deal with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez.

"I understand that President Torrijos is planning to visit Venezuela soon, so we are asking him to do his utmost to reach an arrangement with Chavez in order to mitigate the efects of the world oil crisis," he commented.

Rodriguez added that the situation is becoming more difficult, especially for diesel-fuelled buses, and there is no other alternative but considering a gradual rise in tariffs.

"We are facing a national emergency, there is no time for hesitation, so we are urging Presidente Torrijos to reach an agreement with the Venezuelan President," he said.

The price of a gallon of gasoline in Panama currently fluctuates between 2.50 and 3.20 dollars.