Scott Morrison talks up tax cuts as pressure builds on petrol prices

Some state Liberal leaders and National MPs are calling on the government to slash the fuel excise as petrol hits $2.20 a litre

The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has emphasised the importance of the government's tax cuts amid speculation about how the budget will address rising cost of living pressures.

Facing calls from state Liberal leaders and National MPs to cut the fuel excise as petrol tops $2.20 a litre, Morrison said on Monday that the government was very aware" of the strain being felt by families across the household budget.