The Petro administration has imposed a sharp toll price hike across Colombia. Starting yesterday, fees at 152 toll stations will increase, fueling controversy over what many see as yet another unpopular government measure. The measure took effect at midnight on Tuesday as officially announced by the National Institute of Roads (INVIAS) and the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI).
With today’s adjustment, tolls in Colombia have increased by 20.4% between January 2024 and April 2025, significantly impacting mobility and transportation costs in the country. It is important to note that this toll adjustment marks the third increase so far this year.
No doubt tolls have become one of the most controversial charges and have sparked debate for decades in a country with a complex mountainous geography. Despite these fees aiming to fund the maintenance, improvement and construction of the nation’s road infrastructure, the price increase is negatively impacting Colombians’ pockets. Many would even consider that money has not been used effectively and that investments are rarely seen in terms of constructing safer and more efficient highways across national territory.
Unfortunately, road construction projects in Colombia often take years to be completed and, in some cases, they are mired in corruption scandals. This further fuels public frustration, as people will now have to pay higher toll rates.
Tolls price hike impact Colombia’s tansportation sector
No doubt the toll increases will have a significant effect on the transportation sector, raising operating costs for freight and passenger transport. This, in turn, will lead to price hikes for goods and services affecting consumers and businesses alike. Small transport companies and independent drivers will be hit the hardest as they have less flexibility to absorb additional costs. The measure strikes at a moment in Colombia where the costs of living have already risen significantly.
Following these increases, toll prices have been updated, and some have become particularly expensive for many drivers. These are:
Pipiral, located on the road Via al Llano, with a toll fee of COP 26,400 (approximately US$6), Tunel de Oriente, which covers the route Medellin-Rionegro, with a toll fee of 25,000 pesos (approximately US$5), Huayco (located in the Colombian department of Risaralda) with a fee of COP 24,107 (approximately USD$5.70), Aburra, which connects the Aburrá Valley (including Medellín) with the San Nicolás Valley (including Rionegro and the José María Córdova International Airport) in Antioquia with a toll fee of COP 23,300 (approximately US$5.50) and Circasia (Autopistas del Café) which connects the cities of Armenia, Pereria and Manizales, with a toll fee of COP 21,643 (approximately US$5.10).
Are more increases expected?
According to Oscar Torres, President of the Colombian National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), this will be the last toll adjustment for 2025. He also stated that the next increase is scheduled for January 2026, depending on the evolution of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
In the meantime, adjustments remain a topic of debate in Colombia and transporters and drivers keep facing the impact of higher toll rates on their daily finances.
Businesses will face difficulties in competing if their transportations costs increase and this will potentially lead to reduced production, higher prices for consumers and slower economic growth for the country. Some may even argue that toll roads are a form of taxation that is not fair or equitable and that they disproportionately burden those who rely on road transport for essential needs.