The first Christmas trees were put on sale at the markets of Chisinau. Sellers say the prices are by about 20 lei higher than last year because fuel prices went up and the rate of inflation is high, IPN reports.

The price depends on the tree’s height and crown. A person selling trees brought from Briceni at the Central Market said the price varies between 140 lei per a tree of 1 meter or 1.2 meters and 300-400 lei for trees that are 2 meters in height. The crown is actually more important than the height. If a tree is over 1 meter in height, but is branchy it can cost 300 lei.

The cheapest firs cost 50 lei per 1 meter and 80 lei per 1.5 meters. Such trees are also in demand as not everyone can buy a fir for 100 lei.

The artificial trees are also very popular. They cost 450-500 lei per 1 meter and 1,000-1,500 lei per about 2 meters. But not many people are ready to pay a high price for artificial trees, even if they can be used for several years in a row.