A Comprehensive Guide to Crushed Gravel Prices Per Ton in the Philippines

Crushed gravel is a fundamental building block of the Philippine construction and infrastructure industry. As a versatile, durable, and cost-effective material, it serves as a vital component in concrete production, road base courses, drainage systems, and landscaping projects. For contractors, engineers, developers, and even individual homeowners, understanding the factors that influence the price of crushed gravel per ton is crucial for accurate budgeting and project planning. The cost is not a single fixed figure but a variable that reflects a complex interplay of geological, logistical, economic, and regulatory factors.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the crushed gravel market in the Philippines, breaking down the key determinants of price and offering a realistic view of current market rates.

The Fundamental Price Range: An Overview

As of 2024, the price of crushed gravel in the Philippines typically ranges from PHP 700 to PHP 1,500 per ton. However, it is critical to understand that prices can fall outside this range—both lower and significantly higher—depending on the specific circumstances. This baseline price generally applies to standard, unwashed crushed gravel (often referred to as “3/4” or “G1”) sourced from a local quarry.

Deconstructing the Cost: Key Factors Influencing Price Per Ton

The final price per ton paid by a consumer is a sum of several cost components. The primary factors are:

1. Source and Quarry Location (The Geographic Factor)
This is arguably the most significant determinant of cost.

• Luzon: In regions like Central Luzon (Pampanga, Bulacan) and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas), where quarrying operations are prevalent and competition is high, prices tend to be at the lower end of the spectrum (PHP 700 – PHP 900 per ton). Proximity to major demand centers like Metro Manila helps keep logistics costs manageable.
• Visayas: In islands like Cebu, Negros, or Panay, prices can be moderately higher (PHP 800 – PHP 1,100 per ton) due to more localized quarry operations and intra-island transport costs.
• Mindanao: Similar to Visayas, prices vary greatly by province. Areas with active quarries may have competitive prices (PHP 750 – PHP 950), but delivery to remote or mountainous areas can incur substantial surcharges.
• Island Premium: For projects located on smaller islands without their own quarry resources, the cost can skyrocket. The price per ton must include barge freight costs, multiple handling fees at ports, and local trucking from the port to the site. In these scenarios, prices can easily exceed PHP 1,500 per ton.

2. Transportation and Logistics (The Delivery Cost)
The distance between the quarry and the project site directly translates into fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance,and driver wages—all factored into the delivery fee.

• Trucking Costs: This is usually calculated on a per-kilometer or per-trip basis. Traffic congestion in metropolitan areas like Metro Manila can also lead to additional charges due to longer trip times.
• Volume Ordered: Suppliers often offer better rates per ton for larger orders (e.g., full truckloads of 10-12 tons) as it maximizes their operational efficiency. Smaller orders (less than a truckload) will have a higher effective cost per ton.
• Accessibility: Sites with difficult access—narrow roads low-hanging wires steep inclines or weak bridges—may require specialized smaller trucks or additional labor increasing the final price

3. Gravel Type Size and Quality
“Crushed gravel” is not a single uniform product Different grades command different prices

• Size/Grade:
  • G1 Crushed Gravel (~3/4″ to finer dust): The most common base course material for roads and foundations Typically mid-range in price
  • 3/4″ Crushed Gravel: A common size for concrete mix and drainage layers
  • Washer Gravel: Gravel that has been washed to remove clay silt and organic impurities is more expensive due to the additional processing cost It is essential for high-strength concrete work
  • Boulders/Riprap: Larger stones used for slope protection and sea walls are priced differently often by volume cubic meters rather than by ton
• Rock Origin: The hardness and durability of the parent rock e g basalt limestone or adobe affect both its performanceand its processing cost Harder rocks may be more durable but also more energy-intensiveto crush

4. Market Demand Macroeconomic Pressures
The construction industryis highly cyclicaland sensitive to national economic conditions

• Construction Boom: During periodsof intense public infrastructure projects e g underthe “Build Build Build” programor its successorand private development demand for aggregates surges This can leadto supply shortagesand upward pressure on prices
• Fuel Prices: Asa diesel-dependent industry fluctuationsin global oil prices havea directand immediate impact on both quarrying operationsand transportationcosts A significant increasein fuel cancausea swift adjustmentin the priceper ton across-the-board
• **Inflation General increasesin labor wages equipment maintenance partsand utilitiesare eventually passed onto the consumer

5 Regulatory Complianceand Environmental Fees
Legitimate quarries operatewith permitsfromthe Departmentof Environmentand Natural Resources DENR These permitsinvolve feesfor extraction environmental monitoring rehabilitation plansand communitydevelopment These compliancecosts are incorporatedinto their pricing Illegalor unregulated quarries may offerlower pricesbut come with significant risksincluding inconsistentquality potential legal repercussionsand environmental damage

Price Scenarios Case Studies

To illustrate how these factors combine here are three hypothetical scenarios

Scenario 1 Subdivision Project in Bulacan
Project Large-scale housing project requiring 500 tons of G1 crushed gravel
Factors Quarry located within20 km Good road access High volume order Strong competition among suppliers
Estimated Price Per Ton PHP 750 – PHP 850

Scenario 2 Commercial Building in Metro Manila
Project A mid-rise buildingin Makati requiring washed gravelfor structural concrete
Factors Material mustbe transportedfrom Rizalor Bulacan Traffic congestion Premiumfor washed quality Moderate volume order
Estimated Price Per Ton PHP 1 100 – PHP 1 300

Scenario 3 Beach Resort Developmentin Palawan
Project Requiring base course materialfor access roads ona remote island
Factors No localquarry Material mustbe bargedfrom Mindoroor another major island Multiple handlingat port High logistics complexity Low volume initialorder
Estimated Price Per Ton PHP 1 600+

Procurement Best Practicesfor Cost-Effective Purchasing

To ensure you receive fair value for your expenditure consider these professional practices

Get Multiple Quotations Always obtain detailed quotes from at least three reputable suppliers The quote should clearly separate thematerial costper ton fromthe delivery fee

Verify Supplier Credentials Ensurethe supplier has valid DENR permitsand other necessary licenses This mitigates riskof supply disruptiondue to government closureof illegalquarries

Clarify Specifications Clearly state your required grade size e g “¾” washed” anda potential use e g “for structural concrete” Misunderstandings about specificationsare a common sourceof dispute

Consider Volume Discounts If your project allows consolidate your orders totake advantageof full truckload pricing Plan your deliveries strategicallyto avoid last-minute premium charges

Build Relationships Establishinga good relationshipwitha reliable supplier can leadto better service priority during supply shortagesand more stable pricing over time

Conclusion Navigatinga Dynamic Market

The priceof crushed gravelper ton inthe Philippinesisa dynamic figure deeply rootedin local geography logistics networks market forcesand regulatory frameworks Whilethe general rangeof PHP700to PHP1500providesa useful benchmark astute buyers mustdig deeper Understandingthe specific factorsthat impact their unique project locationand requirementsis essentialfor accurate budgeting By conducting thorough duediligence obtaining multiple competitive quotesand engagingwith reputable suppliers stakeholdersinthe Philippine constructionindustrycan effectively manage this critical line item ensuringtheir projectsare built ona solidand cost-effective foundation