Harare, Zimbabwe (CNN) Zimbabweans said they were unable to access social media Tuesday after protests erupted over a sharp increase in fuel prices was announced by the government.

Users said Whatsapp, Facebook and other internet messaging services were inaccessible and journalists using VPN internet connections early Tuesday said they lost those connections later in the day. CNN has contacted Zimbabwe's government for comment on the apparent shutdown, but did not immediately receive a response.

On Monday security forces using tear gas battled protesters in the country's capital, Harare, and in the southwestern city of Bulawayo. The protests began after President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a dramatic increase in fuel prices. Mnangagwa said the decision was meant to ease the impact of an ongoing fuel shortage.

Diesel is now being sold at $3.11 per liter, while the price of gasoline has risen to $3.33, more than doubling overnight from $1.35 per liter.

Protesters burned tires in Bulawayo on Monday.

Mnangagwa said the pricing decision was taken to combat the "current shortfall" in the fuel market. Hundreds of demonstrators shouted and threw stones at police officers as they marched towards the Bulawayo High Court after Monday's announcement.

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