A transport strike by operators of Philippine jeepneys over fuel prices left urban centres across the Philippines paralysed on Monday, forcing thousands to hitch rides or walk home from offices.

While police say the strike did not affect the capital Manila, observers say it crippled key cities in the Bicol region on the main island of Luzon, on central Negros and Panay islands and on the southern island of Mindanao.

Reuters reports that the strike was called by a left-wing group of transport workers, who are demanding an end to sales taxes on petrol.

Police made no arrests, declaring the strike was "generally peaceful".

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