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New York, NY - New Yorkers are getting milked at supermarkets, bodegas and other grocery stores, the City Council said.

A Council-commissioned survey of milk prices found that 86% of stores were charging more than is allowed under state law.

"Milk is not a luxury, milk is a necessity for a healthy diet, especially for children," said Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Queens) who chairs the investigations committee, which conducted the probe.

Of the 50 stores surveyed, 43 charged an average of 40 cents per unit above the threshold, the survey shows.

The state threshold hovers at $3.93 for a gallon of milk, $2.01 for a half gallon and $1.04 for a quart of milk, Council Speaker Christine Quinn said.

Quinn, urged New Yorkers to call the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to lodge complaints if their store is bilking them.

The state agency, which has monitored prices since the Milk Price Gouging Law went into effect in 1991, said enforcement is difficult.