Anthony Albanese must be alert to Aussies struggling with inflation pressure in outer suburbs

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should be more concerned about Australians being hit hardest by cost of living pressures.

News Corp research into localised living cost pressures reveals a pattern that should concern Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and new Treasurer Jim Chalmers more than it apparently does.

The pattern is that living cost pressure in outer suburban neighbourhoods is more intense than in inner city areas.

Political leaders who ignore the hip-pocket plight of outer suburban voters are destined to warm the opposition benches.

The main reason for the discrepancy between outer and inner areas is the disproportionate impact of surging petrol prices.

In Sydney, the cost of fuel rose 29 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June; in Melbourne and Brisbane the increase was 32 per cent; Adelaide endured a 37 per cent surge.

People who have to drive more to get to work or to support family are being disproportionately affected.

A BP petrol station in Melbourne earlier this month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

And rising petrol prices hit lower and middle-income earners harder than those on big money. That point is just as true for food, which has shot up in cost.

Opposition treasury spokesman Angus Taylor said outer suburban families also tended to have more children, so their food bills were already higher.

Furthermore, outer suburban families generally live in bigger houses. So when the next round of energy bills hit mailboxes and inboxes, it will be these outer suburban families who cop it.

These will be the first bills to factor in July and August 1 price increases, which are yet to show in official inflation figures.

The price of fresh fruit and vegetables has increased this year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

So the difference in living cost pressure in outer and inner suburbs may increase.

Mr Chalmers, has so far offered nothing in the way of fresh hope on the cost of living front.

A good start would be to extend the fuel tax cut.

Yes, it would be expensive, but he can find ways to offset the cost without hurting households or the economy.

In the absence of any help from Canberra, consumers are going to have to get even smarter about how they budget.

That’s why we have been offering useful advice every day. And we will keep doing it.