Road User Charges (RUC) are the principal source of revenue for the PNG Road Fund. These charges are collected from road users in proportion to their use of, and impact on, the road network.
What are Road User Charges?
Road User Charges are statutory levies imposed on road users — primarily through fuel excise and vehicle registration fees — and dedicated to road maintenance. They are based on the principle that those who use the roads should contribute to their upkeep.
Sources of Revenue
- Fuel levy — A levy on the sale of petrol and diesel.
- Vehicle registration fees — Annual fees scaled by vehicle weight and use.
- Heavy vehicle road damage charges — Additional charges for heavy vehicles that cause disproportionate road wear.
- International transit fees — Charges for cross-border heavy transport.
How Are Revenues Used?
All revenues collected through Road User Charges are deposited into the Road Fund and used exclusively for the maintenance, rehabilitation and safety of PNG's national road network. The Fund publishes annual disbursement reports to ensure full transparency.