Iran is experiencing a near-total internet and telecommunications blackout after violent protests broke out in response to the government's decision to raise fuel prices in the sanction-hit country.

On Monday evening, more than 40 hours after the internet shutdown was introduced, not-for-profit monitoring site Net Blocks reported that connectivity in the country remained at just 5 per cent of normal levels.

"The network disruptions are understood to be a response to limit attendance and media coverage of the protests," Net Blocks said, adding that the blackout was a "direct threat" to the safety of Iranians.

Update: 40 hours after #Iran implemented a near-total internet shutdown, connectivity to the outside world remains at just 5% of ordinary levels⏱



The restrictions present a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians #IranProtests



📰https://t.co/1Al0DT8an1 pic.twitter.com/sklcYoiOKU — NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) November 18, 2019

According to Iranian ISNA News Agency, the decision to shut down the internet was made by the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

Two people have been confirmed dead as a result of the nationwide unrest, which began on Friday, but unofficial reports suggest the death toll could be much higher.

Protests flared after it was announced that the price of petrol would be raised by 50 per cent for the first 60 litres and by 300 per cent for anything above that each month.

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Dozens have been arrested after demonstrations that saw motorists block highways and attacks on property across the Islamic republic.

Mass protests have also raged in neighboring Iraq and nearby Lebanon, with access to social media playing a key role in mobilising protesters.

While it's not the first time Iran's government has disconnected the internet to stem protests, the current shutdown is "arguably the largest such event" in the country's history, according to Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Oracle's Internet Intelligence program.

During protests following the 2009 elections, Iranian authorities slowed internet connections in Tehran in order to prevent demonstrations.

"Unlike previous efforts at censorship and bandwidth throttling, the internet of Iran is presently experiencing a multi-day wholesale disconnection for much of its population," Mr Madory wrote.

With AFP