NLEX Toll Hike Pushes Vegetable Prices Higher in Metro Manila

Consumers and vegetable suppliers in Metro Manila are feeling the impact of the recent NLEX toll hike, as transport costs drive up market prices.

Price Increases Due to Toll Hike

📈 Potatoes: ₱65 → ₱73 per kilo
📈 Tomatoes: Increased by ₱10 per kilo
📈 Vegetables from Benguet: ₱50-₱52 → ₱65-₱70 per kilo

Vegetable suppliers like Jonjon Clores say the additional costs force them to pass expenses on to consumers.

“Since our toll fees increased, we have no choice but to add that to the price of vegetables,” Clores explained.

NLEX Toll Fee Adjustments

🚛 Class 2 Vehicles (e.g., 6-wheeled trucks): Now pay ₱142 for an end-to-end trip
🚚 Round-trip expenses for suppliers: Increased from ₱780 to nearly ₱1,000

Possible Petition Against Toll Hike

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said affected motorists, including truck drivers, can file a petition for a review of the toll increase.