The Abbott government is believed to be preparing to increase the fuel excise to 41.1 cents per litre in next week's budget.



If the Coalition goes ahead with the rise, it could secure an extra billion dollars in revenue a year.

The excise has been locked at 38.1 cents since the Howard coalition government froze automatic indexation in 2001.



If it goes ahead, the rise will come on top of mooted plans by the coalition to impose a debt levy on higher income earners, most likely those on more than $150,000 a year.

Assistant Infrastructure Minister Jamie Briggs has refused to confirm if motorists will be asked to pay more in fuel excise to fund it.



Mr Briggs says motorists will see enormous benefits in the budget from the programs the government will put in place.



"There will be projects across the country to ensure we are building the infrastructure which supports the economy we want to have," Mr Briggs told reporters in Adelaide.



"But I'm not the treasurer and the treasurer will rule in or rule out (increased fuel excise) next Tuesday night."

The Australian Greens say the government should be targeting the diesel fuel rebate that gives the mining industry billions of dollars in exemptions, instead of everyday motorists.