While the answer may be out there somewhere, I couldn't find it so am turning here thinking someone will know.  Since this is the second time something like this has occurred, I need to know if it's allowed under eBay Seller policy.

I bid on an egg poacher some time ago, it was ended early, saying the item was no longer available. I decided it was possible that the seller couldn't find it in an extensive inventory or that someone else had sold it in an actual shop so it was no longer available.  And soon forgot about it.  However, it's happened again with another item listed with both an auction or BIN price.  I bid and was still the only bidder when I suddenly saw it was ended early and listed as no longer available. I wondered about it but just shrugged my shoulders and left town for the weekend. 

Here's the thing: I returned to see the item once again listed but this time with a much higher starting and reserve price.  

Under eBay policy, is a seller allowed to do this and if they ARE, why would any of us want to bid on auctions, since the seller can end the listing at any time?  I think it's just wrong, myself, and eBay should 'punish' these type of actions. Anyone agree?  Are there any avenues I can pursue with eBay to force the seller to sell anyway?