Anti-fuel price hike protests continue in Zimbabwe, social media sites blocked

Protests against  Zimbabwe government's decision to raise fuel prices continued for second day, even as hundreds of people complained that y were unable to access popular social networking platforms in country.

citizens said that popular messaging applications like Whatsapp and Facebook were inaccessible and journalists, who are covering anti-fuel hike demonstrations also said that y lost VPN internet connections as well, CNN reported.

Supermarkets and or businesses remained shut on January 15 after incidents of looting were reported. With public transport suspended owing to sharp increase of fuel prices, commuters were stranded.

Educational institutions have been shut down in view of situation and students were asked to t return unless stability was restored.

police said that y have arrested a number of protesters after y blocked ros and burned tyres in capital Harare. Although exact number was t revealed by authorities, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said that around 200 agitators were apprehended.

protests began after Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa on January 12 anunced a 150 per cent hike in fuel prices, triggering anger and discontent among masses. Defending hike, he said that decision was taken to combat "current shortfall" in fuel market.

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Mnangagwa anunced an increase in petrol prices from $1.34 to $3.31 per litre and diesel prices to $3.11 per litre, which ignited anti-fuel price hike demonstrations across country.

Agitators, including bus drivers and activists, barriced main ros with burning tyres, stone blocks and tree branches, as police h a tough time in quelling protests, firing warning shots and tear gas on defiant demonstrators.

 Zimbabwean government said that it "will t hesitate to take action" against agitators who attempted to destabilise country. Security has been heightened across country with military forces being deployed to assist police.

Zimbabwe is alrey reeling under a major ecomic crisis in a dece and hyperinflated Zimbabwe dollar collapsed in 2008. Since n, African nation has opted several currencies, including Indian Rupee and US Dollar for making daily transactions.

After Robert Mugabe stepped down as country's president in vember last year, Mnangagwa took over, promising an ecomic turnaround for destitute African nation.

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