Russia's occupation of southern Ukraine has disappointed Crimean officials who hoped to increase supplies of agricultural and other products to the occupied Crimea, the Rostov region, and other regions of Russia. However, their hopes did not materialize, and there are now significantly fewer vegetables from southern mainland Ukraine in the peninsula than before. Even the Ministry of Industrial Policy of Crimea reports a decline, which has led to the import of only 500–700 tons of products per week, while the ministry is seeking imports of at least 1,000 tons per week.
Before the occupation, the markets in Crimea thrived in large part due to the products from the fields of Kherson, Zaporizhia, and Donetsk. It accounted for 40% to 70% of the goods in markets in all cities of Crimea. Crimean valued it for its quality and low prices.
After the occupation of southern Ukraine, Russian officials often steal agricultural products from local farmers, buy them at half price, and then transport them to Crimea to sell at higher prices. Self-proclaimed officials also put pressure on farmers to transport vegetables and other agricultural products to Crimea to reduce Crimean's disappointment regarding the high prices. Only those who have no other choice agree to this.
The occupation of southern Ukraine and the occupation of Crimea have significantly changed the market. Prices have increased many times over, and significant expenses for maintaining Crimea have appeared in the Russian budget that did not exist before.
source: ua.krymr.com