(Reuters) – Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Sunday that the Federal Government would likely lower petrol prices in its upcoming federal budget. This is weeks before a general election.

Recently, the government was under severe pressure to reduce fuel excise after petrol prices reached an eight-year peak. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is trailing in polls leading up to May’s election.

Nine Entertainment asked Frydenberg if the government would make a reduction to the fuel excise tax of 44.2 cents per litre. Frydenberg replied that he understands the concern expressed by Australians about petrol prices.

“What we’ll do Tuesday night is give relief to those families realizing that fuel prices are high right now,” he said.

Frydenberg did not specify which budget measures would be taken by the government to pay for petrol. However, it acknowledged that prices have risen due to global oil prices.

Global oil prices are soaring due to war in Ukraine. Recently, petrol in Australia reached A$2.20/litre.

The price of a barrel of oil rose by 50% in the last 12 months. This is flowing to our bowser. Frydenberg stated that they recognize the pressure.

While he said that Tuesday’s budget will make the government more efficient, he did not predict whether the budget surplus could be achieved in the following decade.

The budget should be a boost to government support, as the most recent Newspoll revealed that Labor led the coalition of Liberals and National parties.