Online shopping sites are scrambling to stiffen regulations against attempts to profit off the COVID-19 crisis by banning price-gouging for face masks, disinfectants and other items in high demand amid the epidemic.
Prominent companies like Amazon Japan, Rakuten Inc. and Mercari Inc. are ramping up such efforts amid allegations that sought-after items are being auctioned off at prices sometimes 10 or 15 times higher than usual, according to NHK.
Price-gouging to exploit the epidemic is so prevalent that even the government is weighing in. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration is reportedly looking to compile measures meant to ease the mask shortage, such as by outlawing hoarding and resales online. Violators would reportedly face penalties.
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