Berlin - Hundreds of Berlin taxi drivers drove in convoy through the city Tuesday in support of demands for increased fares to compensate for the rise in the price of fuel.

The convoy of some 380 taxis led from the Olympic Stadium in the west of the German capital to the Red City Hall that houses the city's senate, or government.

The queue, which took around 10 minutes to pass according to police, caused considerable disruption to traffic.

The drivers are calling for an increase of 50 euro cents (80 US cents) for short journeys costing less than 10 euros and for 1 euro for longer journeys.

Any increase would need the approval of the Berlin government. The city-state of Berlin is one of 16 states making up the German Federal Republic.

Petrol and diesel prices have risen to around 1.60 euros a litre in Germany. (dpa)