The Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco) published its price monitoring report for the 59 products that make up the Basic Food Basket, as defined by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), for the second half of September 2026. According to the report, the estimated cost was $306.03 in supermarkets and $360.79 in the mini-supermarkets and grocery stores evaluated, representing a difference of $54.76. Compared to the first half of September, the amount increased by $1.35 in supermarkets and $5.58 in the smaller stores.
Acodeco clarified that these products are sold under a free market system based on supply and demand, so the institution does not set or control prices; its role is limited to collecting, verifying, and disseminating information to facilitate comparison by consumers. In this regard, monitoring shows that frequently consumed items such as beef, chicken, rice, eggs, and vegetables vary in price depending on the establishment.
The information is obtained through visits to supermarkets in the districts of Panama City and San Miguelito, as well as to mini-markets and grocery stores in areas such as Betania, Juan Díaz, Parque Lefevre, and Pueblo Nuevo. The agency noted that the prices correspond to the verification dates and may vary depending on promotions, costs, availability, or commercial terms. Therefore, it recommended comparing prices, checking quantities and units of measure, and verifying offers before purchasing, taking into account factors such as the seasonality of agricultural products.
The post Panama’s Basic Food Basket Cost $54.76. More in Mini-Supermarkets than in Supermarkets in September says Acodeco. appeared first on Newsroom Panama.