Rioters set up burning barricades in the streets of Lagos

Protesters have taken to the streets of Nigeria's biggest city, Lagos, as the general strike over fuel price rises enters its second week.

Police were reported to have fired shots to disperse rioters, who set up burning barricades and smashed car windscreens, leaving hundreds of workers, attempting to leave the area, stranded at bus stops.

Meanwhile, labour leaders are considering a new offer by the Nigerian Government on fuel prices, which were increased by more than 50% after the government ended a subsidy on refined oil products.

The main union organisation, the Nigeria Labour Congress, had earlier said it would not accept a compromise offer from the Nigerian government.

But the white collar Trade Union Congress (TUC), which represents some senior employees, urged its members to go back to work on Monday.

Little difference

The difference between the government offer and the unions' ideal price is said to be as little as two-and-a-half US cents or three naira.

The general secretary of the NLC told the BBC's Sola Odunfa that the TUC were irrelevant as far as they were concerned and the strike would go on.

The strike appeared to be holding in the commercial capital, Lagos, and in the capital, Abuja, with few people appearing to be heading to work.

The unions called the strike demanding a complete reversal of the price rise.

'Determined'

An offer by the government to limit the increase to 35% was rejected by the NLC at the weekend.

"People are now more determined," NLC President Adams Oshiomhole said.

Q&A: Nigeria's fuel strike Strike in pictures

The BBC's correspondent in Lagos, Dan Isaacs, says this is a defiant move by the labour unions, who having won a substantial concession from the government, say it is not enough.

The NLC is insisting on a further reduction if they are to call off the strike.

Our correspondent says the union leaders know that a week of nationwide strike action has put immense pressure on the government to lower the fuel price.

But some reports have suggested President Obasanjo may be relying on the strike to run out of steam.

Pump prices on petrol have shot up from 26 naira per litre to 40 (21 cents; 40 euro cents) triggering a wave of public anger and a huge black market.

Following the rejection of the government's offer pressure once again shifts to the government to make further compromise and resolve this crisis before a visit by the United States President, George W Bush in a few days time.

Our correspondent says the widespread response to the strike has highlighted a deep resentment amongst Nigerians that the government, so soon after winning an election, has dramatically increased the price of fuel and along with it, eroded their real incomes.

Government officials said the fuel hikes were necessary to end shortages and curb the smuggling of cheap Nigerian fuel to neighbouring countries.

Mr Oshiomhole has accused the police of using brutal tactics against strikers after they used teargas on the first three days.

The police said their response had been "measured" and denied reports that four people have been killed.