A grocery commentator says New Zealanders are getting the short end of the straw when they shop at the supermarket

The Commerce Commission's first annual grocery report shows people paid almost 20-percent margins on goods like bread, flour and eggs.

Supermarkets are blaming price increases on rising costs from suppliers and the general cost of doing business.

But Ernie Newman says its unlike many other places in the world.

He says many Kiwis will notice local prices are cheaper elsewhere - even for basic ingredients.