Panamanian government imposes price caps on 72 food items and 150 medicines in an attempt to stop widespread protesting over rising prices. “So far, the measure has had the desired effect. Panamanian Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino said the country’s roads were ‘all open’ for the first time in weeks, and teachers returned to school on Tuesday, Aug 2.”
Analyst Comment: Price caps almost always result in shortages. Very likely, the government will have to start rationing to avoid mass shortages or food and medicine.