The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Feb. 28 issued a request to major internet retail sites to not allow individuals to offer face masks on auction sites from March 14.

The move is aimed at ending the hoarding of face masks for the express purpose of reselling for substantial profit as it appears to be a major reason for a chronic shortage at retail outlets.

Ministry officials also hope the move will encourage those who have hoarded face masks to offer them quickly on auction sites before the ban on individuals takes effect.

The directive also calls on retail companies to offer face masks at auction sites in smaller lots of under 10 from March 14 so that more consumers will have an opportunity to purchase the items.

In a related development, leading electronics manufacturer Sharp Corp. indicated Feb. 28 it will begin producing face masks in line with a government request for a greater supply.

Sharp plans to begin producing 150,000 face masks daily in March and increase that to about 500,000.

New equipment will be installed at its facility in Taki, Mie Prefecture, that now manufactures liquid crystal panels. The company will receive a government subsidy to help pay for the installation.

The sanitized interior already provides an environment that keeps out tiny dust particles and bacteria.