Mr Hockey said on Wednesday an increase in fuel prices would not affect low income earners because 'poorest people either don't have cars or actually don't drive very far in many cases'.

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Mr Hockey made the comments as he argued the government's proposed rise in fuel excise was a progressive measure that would cost people on middle and higher incomes more.

Mr Elvish said the comments showed Mr Hockey was out of touch with rural areas.

"The unfortunate situation is that low income people often have older cars which use more fuel," he said.

"They also live in public housing areas that often don't have public transport, so they have to use their cars to get to basic facilities."

Mr Elvish said Mr Hockey's comments were not a good look for the politician.

"While his comments might be factual from a statistical point of view, they do not reflect life in rural areas," he said.

"It's an out of sight, out of mind situation."

Mr Elvish said the fuel excise would significantly affect Wimmera families.

"We don't have public transport here and we don't benefit from the fuel price wars in Melbourne," he said.

"I invite Mr Hockey to come up here and look at our situation a bit of a reality check might help the politicians who all drive their government-paid-for cars."

Rural Councils Victoria chairman and Hindmarsh Mayor Rob Gersch said it was not the best comment a politician could make.

Cr Gersch said an increase in fuel prices would affect regional families more than their city counterparts.

"Rural people would certainly be disadvantaged, just because of the distance they need to travel," he said.