SINGAPORE, Oct. 21 -- Singapore has begun releasing N95 masks from its national stockpile to retailers after a surge in demand amid persistent haze left some shops temporarily running out of supplies.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said yesterday that it had stepped in to support retailers following reports of temporary shortages, even as it sought to reassure the public that overall supplies remained sufficient, CNA reported.

"Our checks show that retailers and retail pharmacies have sufficient supplies in their warehouses," a ministry spokesperson said.

The ministry acknowledged that some outlets had temporarily run low on masks while awaiting fresh deliveries.

"MOH maintains a stockpile of N95 masks, or equivalent, and has released t...