The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is near a final decision to have website operating companies exercise restraint in the listing or sale of masks particularly through internet auctions, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
As a result of the outbreak of the new strain of coronavirus, masks are now in short supply, particularly in urban areas. The aim of the decision is to prevent people from buying masks for the purpose of resale.
The number of masks that go on the market within one week has reached about 100 million, but a large number of masks are being bought up at some retail stores by opportunistic third-party vendors. The Consumer Affairs Agency has already asked website operating companies to deter reselling masks at a high price.
A senior official at the ministry has decided that "additional in-depth response is required."
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