As of Monday afternoon, April 13, more than 25,000 transporters have completed their registration on the Panamá Conecta platform to access the fuel subsidy, with a system that is still being optimized, stated Adolfo Fábrega, general administrator of the Government Innovation Authority (AIG). Fábrega explained to La Prensa that registration peaks have caused congestion on the platform, causing some users to experience system blockages or freezing. "We continue to work on the optimization of the platform," he affirmed. A vital subsidy for transporters The subsidy, which will begin to be applied on April 15, aims to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices. "If the system freezes, try again later," he said, calling for users' understanding while the team works to optimize the infrastructure. The registration process requires transporters to create a user on Panamá Conecta, a procedure that will be useful for carrying out other government procedures in the future. He assures that all information about beneficiaries and the amounts allocated to the subsidy will be accessible, which will allow for public verification of the use of resources. Additionally, measures will be deployed to verify the validity of the driver's ID or license and the vehicle's license plate at gas stations, similar to the fuel distribution process during the pandemic, although "with several improvements." Fábrega urged transporters to be patient and follow the platform's instructions to ensure their participation in the subsidy. He clarified that if they have not been able to register by April 15, they can do so later, as registration will remain open so that beneficiaries can access and obtain the subsidized fuel dispatch. Transporters will need to enter data such as the vehicle owner's information, license plate number, and the names of the drivers assigned to the vehicle. The registration also includes the validation of documents, such as the ID card and the vehicle's payment status with the Transit Authority, which must be up to date. In this sense, Fábrega clarified that the system has already been restored for people who were in line waiting for their documents to be approved. The government has established a budget of 15 million dollars per month, with an estimated duration of 10 months. The maximum prices for subsidized fuels are $0.90 per liter of diesel, $0.88 per liter of 91-octane gasoline, and $1.00 per liter of 95-octane gasoline. For now, this benefit will be available for transporters in the collective (buses), selective (taxis), and school sectors, although the AIG has reported that freight and artisanal fishing transport will also be gradually included. The measure seeks to prevent the cost of the transportation fare to citizens from being affected by high fuel costs, reiterated Fábrega. Transparency and accessibility The AIG administrator insisted that traceability and transparency will be key in monitoring this subsidy. So far, more than 66% of the expected users are registered. "It's a volume issue," stated Fábrega. "Those who were waiting for approval in the system have all been approved." "We ask for patience."
