This year it is expected that inflation in Panama is placed below the 1%, a level not seen for 10 years and which, according to analysts, is the result of a series of wind in favour, both international and local.
The initial official projections were that inflation for 2015 would be 2.6% - reached in 2014 - to 1.5%. On the verge of end of the year, some economists are running that inflation in Panama will close 2015 below 0.5%, while the Minister of economy and finance, Dulcidio De La Guardia, expected to finish "below 1%".
According to the latest official figures from the Comptroller, the consumer price index remained stable in November, and has grown by .4 percent so far this year.
Five of those index groups showed a slight increase in November -- restaurants and hotels, health, food and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear, and goods and various services -- while the other sectors showed no growth or a decline. Those sectors are transport, furniture, communications, alcoholic beverages, recreation and education remained unchanged last month.
Economist Felipe Chapman said that internal and external factors have contributed to the low inflation rate. These include the decline in the price of oil, the strong US dollar and low interest rates, as well as the increase in local food production. Chapman also cited the "healthy" growth of the economy, which is not overheating.
Chapman believes that in the next few months there will be a price increase in products and services, but that it will be very moderate.
Consumer price index. * January to November 2015
