A transport strike over fuel price increases disrupted Comoros' capital Moroni and its outskirts for a second day on Tuesday, and union officials said seven members had been arrested.

The strike began on Monday after the government raised diesel prices by 46% and petrol prices by 35% under a decree published on Saturday by Energy Minister Aboubacar Said Anli, citing the Middle East conflict as the reason.

"We were taken to the gendarmerie, myself and two other leaders, including the union president," Elarif Djoumoi, secretary general of one regional branch of the national transport union, told Reuters.

Reuters could not immediately establish why the officials were detained or whether they had been charged.

Key services disrupted

The strike has disrupted schools, shops and public services in Moroni and surrounding areas.

"The students come, but the classrooms are empty from 9 am onwards," said Toihiri Moindjié, head supervisor at the largest high school in Moroni.

Abdou Boina, president of the Comorian traders' union, said urged the government to review the new prices.

In a statement on Saturday, the government announced cuts to official travel and a 40% reduction in customs duties to help curb increases in basic goods prices.