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Panama Canal Boosts LNG Capacity Amid Global Demand Surge

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ricaurte Vasquez, chief of the Panama Canal Authority, says the canal is operating at maximum capacity, handling 36–38 vessels per day.
The ongoing war in Iran has increased demand for LNG tankers loading at U.S. ports.
With the Suez Canal facing challenges, Panama is emerging as a preferred LNG distribution route.
Panama plans to raise LNG transit slots from four per month to one per day.

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Story summary

Ricaurte Vasquez, chief of the Panama Canal Authority, says the canal is operating at maximum capacity, handling 36–38 vessels per day.
The ongoing war in Iran has increased demand for LNG tankers loading at U.S. ports.
With the Suez Canal facing challenges, Panama is emerging as a preferred LNG distribution route.
Panama plans to raise LNG transit slots from four per month to one per day.