DOTr slashes RORO terminal fees to P1 for agricultural transport vehicles

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), has announced a significant temporary reduction in Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Terminal Fees (RRTF) for vehicles transporting essential agricultural goods. Starting April 15, 2026, the terminal fee will be lowered to just ₱1.00.

This initiative is a direct response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to find ways to ease the impact of soaring oil prices on the transport sector due to the ongoing Middle East crisis. The discount will remain in effect for six months.

Ensuring food security and price stability

Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez emphasized that the lowered RRTF aligns with government policies on food security and logistics efficiency. By reducing port charges, the government aims to ensure the uninterrupted and cost-effective inter-island distribution of essential agricultural commodities.

“The decreased RORO Terminal Fee will help in lowering the operating costs of owners or drivers of vehicles with agri products,” Secretary Lopez said. “We need these products to travel despite high fuel costs. We made the RORO terminal fee only one peso to ensure the continuous delivery of essential goods.”

Eligible vehicles and products

The reduced fee applies to specific vehicle classifications carrying raw and unprocessed agricultural products. These include grains (rice and corn), fruits and vegetables, fishery products, and livestock and poultry.

The rate adjustments are as follows:

Prior to this policy, RORO Terminal Fees typically ranged from ₱65.00 to ₱516.00 depending on the vehicle type. The near-total waiver of these fees is expected to provide substantial relief to farmers, traders, and transport operators while helping to stabilize the market prices of basic food items.