Government announced a meeting with concessions and will seek a solution to the increase in toll rates

The recent increase in toll rates in Colombia has generated strong discontent among drivers and entrepreneurs in the transportation sector, who have been affected by the adjustment.

As a result of this situation, The National Government is evaluating the situation to seek solutions that can mitigate the effects of this increase.

In a key meeting that took place in the last few hours, they analyzed the economic impact generated by the increase in tolls. The main objective was to find solutions that benefit both citizens and the development of the country’s road infrastructure.

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Through his X account, President Gustavo Petro indicated that, “The government has authorized a 2.78% increase in tolls, 8 tolls in 6 concessions have decided otherwiseThey say, empowered by the contracts signed in 2014, clearly poorly made and leonine. This cannot be and I have initially requested dialogue with those dealers. In April, in accordance with the inflationary trend and which we hope will be 3%, we will carry out a concerted study to recover the inflation caused.”

Minister María Constanza García explained that the approved increase, of 60% of the CPI corresponding to 2023, It mainly affects eight tolls that have experienced contractual increases.

“We were with the Superintendent, with the president of the ANI, the director of Invias, we were also with the Minister of Finance and other officials. We were doing a review, because in the first issue of the increase that occurred, we approved an increase by resolution of 60% of the CPIwhich was what we were owing for 2023″,

Given the concern generated, García indicated that “Tomorrow (today) I will summon six dealers so we can make an evaluation and make decisions regarding these increases.”

The Colombian government is considering various alternatives to reduce the impact of this adjustment. Some of the solutions being discussed include additional adjustments to tariffs, subsidies for specific sectors, and measures to mitigate the effects in the most affected regions.

Likewise, García assured that the government will continue to carry out dialogue tables with transport unions, particularly in relation to Decree 173 on cargo transportation.

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He also highlighted that the Ombudsman’s Office will act as an observer to guarantee compliance with the agreements reached during the work tables.

In the coming days, the government will announce new decisions on tolls. The affected sectors are waiting for measures that seek to balance the country’s road development with the economic needs of Colombians.