Live fir trees have been put up for sale in the capital city, but the residents of Chisinau do not hurry to purchase them. The sellers blame the crisis and reduce the prices in order to attract buyers, Info-Prim Neo reports. This year, the freshly cut fir trees are not as popular as the previous years, said Natalia, who sells trees brought from Briceni. “I decreased the price so that I could sell them.” The seller said a fir tree of 1.30 meters last year cost 160 lei, but this year at most 120 lei. “The most expensive fir tree, of 2.50 meters, in 2008 was sold for 400 lei, but this year for only 250-300 lei”. The trees of 0.50 meters cost 50 lei. Natalia said she will not raise the prices as the people have to save money for the Christmas and New Year dinner. The buyers say yet the prices of fir trees could be lower. At the same time, the artificial fir trees grew in price by about 30%. Viorica, a seller of artificial trees, said the prices are fixed by the supplier. Last year, an artificial fir tree of 1.70 meters sold for 450-500 lei, but this year such a tree costs 700 lei. “The people are surprised at the higher prices. However, these trees are in demand. We sell fewer trees than last year, but the sales are good.” she said. The prices vary according to the type of the fir trees. The artificial trees brought from Poland are more expensive than those imported from China. The sellers say the fir trees will be available for sale until December 31, inclusive.