The cost of Christmas dinner will be 7.10 percent cheaper this year compared with the same time last year, according to data released on Tuesday by the price observatory at the regional development and competitiveness ministry.

A ministry announcement said that a Christmas dinner for six people will cost an estimated 137.76 euro on average in 2010, down from 148.29 euro for the same items bought on the same day (December 16) in 2009.

Prices were lower for meats such as turkey (14.75 pct), pork (4.15 pct) and lamb (up 6.75 pct), as well as several kinds of vegetables and seasonal sweets and cakes.

According to the ministry, the market was well stocked with goods and competition was working well, helping to keep prices low.