<PAGE>
<PAGE>












                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D. C.


                                FORM 10-K

                              ANNUAL REPORT



              For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 1999

                           LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

                  720 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63101































<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        Washington, D.C.  20549
                               FORM 10-K

(X)  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 1999
                                 OR
( )  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from  ________ to ________
Commission File Number 1-1822

                        LACLEDE GAS COMPANY

      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

      Missouri                                 43-0368139
(State of incorporation)           (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
720 Olive Street, St. Louis, Missouri                              63101
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code             314-342-0500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                             Name of each stock exchange
     Title of each class                        on which registered
       Common Stock - $1 par value           New York and Chicago
       Common Stock Purchase Rights          New York and Chicago

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
     Title of each class
       Preferred Stock - $25 par value
          (5% Series B Preferred Stock and
          4.56% Series C Preferred Stock)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes (X)   No ( )
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ( )
     The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Company, none of
which is owned by an affiliate, at November 30, 1999 was $412,486,989.
      Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the close of the period covered by this
report.                                        18,877,987

Incorporated by Reference:                           Form 10-K Part
     Proxy Statement dated December 16, 1999*              III
     Index to Exhibits is found on page 54.

* The information under the captions "Compensation Committee Report
  Regarding Executive Compensation" and "Performance Graph" on
  pages 12-14 of the Proxy Statement is NOT incorporated by reference.

                                 1                            
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                 PART I


Item 1.  Business

Laclede Gas Company is a public utility engaged in the retail distribution
and transportation of natural gas.  The Company, which is subject to the
jurisdiction of the Missouri Public Service Commission, serves the City of
St. Louis, St. Louis County, the City of St. Charles, and parts of St.
Charles, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Iron, Madison
and Butler Counties, all in Missouri. As an adjunct to its gas distribution
and transportation business, the Company operates underground natural gas
storage fields and is engaged in the transportation and storage of liquid
propane.

NATURAL GAS SUPPLY

Laclede's fundamental gas supply strategy remains unchanged:  to meet the
two-fold objective of ensuring that the gas supplies we acquire are
dependable and will be delivered when needed and, insofar as it is
compatible with that dependability, purchasing gas that is economically
priced.

In structuring our natural gas supply portfolio, we continue to focus on a
diverse group of suppliers that either own or control significant natural
gas assets and that are strategically positioned to meet Laclede's primary
objectives.  Laclede utilizes both Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast gas sources
to provide a level of supply diversity that facilitates the optimization of
pricing differentials, as well as protection against the potential of
regional supply disruptions.  The gas is then transported from these areas
through several interstate pipelines to Laclede's service area.

During fiscal 1999, Laclede had additional direct access to competitively
priced supplies from the Mid-Continent producing region through the Williams
Gas Pipeline.  The Williams project, which converted an existing 200-mile
petroleum products pipeline across Missouri, was successfully completed
prior to the winter season.  It allowed Laclede to build new supplier
relationships and further strengthen its existing supply arrangements.
Natural gas from the Williams system supplements the gas Laclede receives
through Missouri Pipeline Company (MPC), which transports natural gas to the
western portion of Laclede's service area from a connection with Panhandle
Eastern Pipeline Company.  Laclede continues to receive the majority of its
natural gas through the Mississippi River Transmission Corporation (MRT).

Laclede has a contractual right to use capacity on several pipelines that
deliver gas from the various onshore and offshore gas-producing basins to
MRT's system, which in turn connects to Laclede's system.  During fiscal
year 1999, Laclede released portions of this pipeline capacity to which it
had a contractual right to other shippers when Laclede did not need the
capacity.

Laclede purchased natural gas this year from 28 different suppliers to meet
its current gas sales and storage injection requirements. Natural gas
purchased by Laclede for delivery to its service area through the MRT system
during the warmer- than-normal fiscal 1999 period totaled 65 billion cubic
feet (Bcf).  Laclede's western takepoints received an additional 10 Bcf of
gas from Panhandle Eastern and the Missouri Pipeline system and 9 Bcf of gas
from the Williams system.  Also during fiscal 1999, some of Laclede's
commercial and industrial customers purchased their own gas and delivered to
Laclede approximately 19 Bcf for transportation to them through Laclede's
distribution system.

                                 2
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The fiscal 1999 peak day sendout of gas to Laclede's customers occurred on
January 4, 1999, when the average temperature was 3 degrees Fahrenheit.  On
that day, Laclede's customers consumed 1,052,000 Million British Thermal
Units (Mmbtu) of gas.  About 73% of the peak day demand was met with natural
gas transported to St. Louis through the MRT, MPC, and Williams
transportation systems, and 27% was met with gas withdrawn from Laclede's
underground storage facilities.  The Company sold and transported 1,025.9
million therms of gas this year, a decrease of 95.4 million therms from
fiscal 1998.

UNDERGROUND NATURAL GAS STORAGE

Laclede has a contractual right to store approximately 23.1 Bcf of gas in
MRT's storage system located in Unionville, Louisiana.  MRT's tariffs allow
injections into storage from May 16 through November 15 and require the
withdrawal from storage of all but 2.2 Bcf from November 16 through May 15.

In addition the Company supplements flowing pipeline gas with natural gas
withdrawn from its underground storage field located in St. Louis and St.
Charles Counties.  The field is designed to provide 357,000 MMBtu of natural
gas withdrawals on a peak day, and annual withdrawals of approximately
5,500,000 MMBtu of gas based on the inventory level which the Company plans
to maintain.


PROPANE SUPPLY

Laclede Pipeline Company, Laclede Gas Company's wholly-owned subsidiary,
owns and operates a propane pipeline that connects Laclede Gas Company's
propane storage facilities in St. Louis County, Missouri, to propane supply
terminal facilities located at Wood River and Cahokia, Illinois.  In June
1999, Laclede Pipeline Company purchased from Phillips Pipe Line Company for
approximately $1.4 million a section of existing propane pipeline, which
completed Laclede Gas Company's ownership of all facets of its propane peak
shaving assets and allowing greater access to supply markets.  Laclede Gas
Company vaporizes the propane to supplement its natural gas supply and meet
the peak demands on the distribution system.  Laclede Pipeline Company's
previous contract arrangement with Phillips Petroleum Company, to provide
transportation of propane on an annual basis and which expired on March 31,
1999, is no longer needed.


REGULATORY MATTERS

At the federal level, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
continues to consider changes in the regulation of interstate pipeline
transportation service that could affect the Company's future costs and,
ultimately, the rates its customers pay. The Company is monitoring these
developments closely and will intervene when necessary to promote the best
interests of both the Company and its customers.

At the state level, there have been several important developments during
the last fiscal year affecting Laclede, some of which are still pending.

The MoPSC is expected to rule in mid-December on Laclede's request for a
general rate increase, which was filed in January 1999 to offset increased
costs of distributing gas to its customers.  For additional information on
this general rate increase request and details on the settlement reached in
the Company's 1998 rate case, see Regulatory Matters in Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on
page 14.

                                 3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
On July 21, 1999, the MoPSC gave final approval to Laclede's proposal to
extend and significantly modify its existing Price Stabilization Program.
Under the initial program, which was first approved in 1997, Laclede was
authorized to purchase certain financial instruments to protect its
customers during the heating season from unusually large increases in the
unregulated cost of natural gas.  Under the modifications proposed by the
Company and approved by the Commission, Laclede still will provide
significant price protection for its customers above a predetermined level
but it will now have the opportunity to share in any gains and cost
reductions realized under the program.  Laclede believes this new program
can provide significant benefits for both its customers and shareholders.

On September 9, 1999, the Commission approved, with certain modifications, a
one-year extension of the Company's highly successful Gas Supply Incentive
Plan.  Laclede has operated under a Gas Supply Incentive Plan for the past
three years. Operating under the plan, Laclede generated $94.4 million in
gas-cost savings, producing $75.2 million in savings to its customers, with
$19.2 million being retained by its shareholders as pre-tax income.  In
addition to the financial benefits of the program, the innovative structure
under which the Company operates allows its customers to retain the
reliability inherent in Laclede's long-standing supply relationships.  The
Company anticipates requesting an extension of this program.  For additional
information on both Plans, see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements on page 39.

In September 1997, the staff of the MoPSC recommended that Laclede refund
$3.6 million to its ratepayers in connection with the sale of gas outside of
Missouri during fiscal 1996, prior to the approval of the Gas Supply
Incentive Plan.  On April 20, 1999 the MoPSC issued its order rejecting the
proposal of the staff.  One party sought a rehearing of the order, which was
denied, and no further appeals were taken.

In October 1999, the staff of the MoPSC recommended that the Company credit
ratepayers with $2.5 million of pre-tax income the Company had realized in
fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998 in connection with its treatment of a gas supply
contract under the operation of the Company's Gas Supply Incentive Plan.
The Company, which has recently filed a response in opposition to the
staff's recommendation, believes that there is no basis for such
recommendation and is confident that the Company will ultimately prevail on
the merits.

On October 30, 1998, the MoPSC issued an order opening a docket addressing
the adequacy of Laclede's copper service line replacement program.  The
staff filed its report on August 31, 1999 containing a modified replacement
schedule for such service lines.  In response, the Company proposed an
alternative program based upon the evaluation of recent survey data.  After
appropriate review of the matter, the Commission is expected to issue its
order on the matter sometime next year. Laclede is unable to predict at this
time what action the MoPSC may take.  The Company currently faces two
lawsuits and one claim relative to direct buried copper service lines.



OTHER PERTINENT MATTERS

The business of the Company is subject to a seasonal fluctuation with the
peak period occurring in the winter season.

                                  *****

As of September 30, 1999, the Company had 2,040 employees, which includes 3
part-time employees.
                                 4
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                  *****

The Company has a three-year labor agreement, which expires July 31, 2000,
with Locals 5-6 and 5-194 of the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy
Workers International Union (formerly known as the Oil, Chemical and Atomic
Workers International Union), two locals which represent approximately 70%
of the Company's employees.  The agreement provided for wage increases of
2.5% in all three years, along with lump-sum payment provisions and other
benefit improvements.


                                  *****

The Company's business has monopoly characteristics in that it is the only
distributor of natural gas within its (franchised) service area.  The
principal competition is the local electric company.  Other competitors in
Laclede's service area include suppliers of fuel oil, coal, liquefied
petroleum gas in outlying areas, and in a portion of downtown St. Louis, a
district steam system. Gas for househeating, certain other household uses,
and commercial and industrial space heating is now being sold by Laclede at
prices generally lower than are charged for competitive fuels and other
energy forms.  Coal is competitive as a fuel source for very large boiler
plant loads, but environmental concerns have forestalled any significant
market inroads.  Oil and propane can be used to fuel boiler loads and
certain direct-fired process applications, but these fuels vary widely in
price throughout the year, thus limiting the competitiveness of these fuels.
In certain cases, district steam has been competitive with gas for downtown
area heating users.  In the past five years, Laclede has made a net
conversion of 18 steam customers representing approximately 2.2 million
annual therm sales.

Laclede's residential, commercial, and small industrial markets,
representing 90% of sales, remain committed to gas.  The Company knows of no
reason why natural gas should not continue generally to have a price
advantage over electricity and other forms of energy in the foreseeable
future.  The Company's exposure to price competition is not presently a
substantial factor and exists primarily in the large industrial and
commercial boiler fuel market where coal is the competing form of energy.

Laclede offers gas transportation service to its large user industrial and
commercial customers.  The tariff approved for that type of service produces
a margin similar to that which Laclede would have received under its regular
sales rates.  The availability of gas transportation service and favorable
spot market prices for natural gas during certain times of the year may
offer additional competitive advantages to Laclede and new opportunities for
cogeneration and large tonnage air conditioning applications.

                                  *****

The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations.  To
date they have not materially affected the Company's financial position and
results of operations.

In the past, the Company operated various manufactured gas plants which
produced certain by-products and residuals.  At the request of the United
States Environmental Protection Agency, Laclede performed an investigation
of one of the Company's former manufactured gas plant sites located in
Shrewsbury, Missouri.  Subsequently, the Company and the state and federal
environmental regulatory agencies agreed upon the actions needed at this
site.  The Company currently estimates the overall costs of these actions

                                 5 
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<PAGE>
will be approximately $1,135,000.  As of September 30, 1999, the Company has
paid $646,000 and reserved $489,000 for these actions.  If the regulatory
agencies require any additional actions, Laclede will incur additional
costs.

The Company also applied to place the site of a different former
manufactured gas plant in the City of St. Louis, Missouri in the Missouri
Voluntary Cleanup Program.  Laclede ceased its operations at and sold this
site in 1950.  Subsequent owners of this site used it as a coke
manufacturing facility.  The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
accepted the Company's application.  Acceptance provides opportunities to
minimize costs of remediation and maximize possibilities of site
development.  Laclede submitted a site investigation plan to the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources on November 16, 1998, which investigation is
now complete.  Recently, Laclede sent its report on the investigation to the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Laclede currently estimates that the cost of the investigation, oversight
costs and legal and engineering consulting costs for this site may be
approximately $534,000.  Currently, the Company has paid $346,000 and
reserved an additional $188,000.  The Company has requested that other
former site owners and operators participate in the cost of any site
investigation.  One former owner and operator, who is currently in a Chapter
11 bankruptcy proceeding, agreed to participate and is participating in
these costs.  The Company plans to seek proportionate reimbursement of all
costs relative to this site from any other potentially responsible parties
if practicable.

While the scope of costs relative to the site in Shrewsbury will not be
material, the scope of costs relative to the City of St. Louis site are
unknown and may be material.  The Company has notified its insurers that it
intends to seek reimbursement from them of its costs at both these sites.
None of the Company's insurers have agreed that its insurance covers the
costs for which the Company intends to seek reimbursement.  The majority of
the insurers have sent Laclede letters reserving their rights with respect
to the manufactured gas plant issues addressed in the Company's notices to
them.  While some of the insurers have denied coverage with respect to these
issues, the Company continues to seek reimbursement from them.  With regard
to the Shrewsbury site, the denial of coverage will not have any material
impact on the Company.  With regard to the City of St. Louis site, the
Company expects its cost-sharing agreement with the former owner and
operator of the site will mitigate the impact of any denial of coverage.

In the Company's 1998 rate case, the MoPSC approved the Company's continued
use of a cost deferral mechanism for these costs.  Through this, the Company
applied for appropriate rate recovery of these costs in its current rate
case.  Deferral of such costs terminated July 31, 1999, and any subsequent
costs will be charged to expense.  Previously deferred costs will be put
into rates (without return on investment) and amortized over a fifteen-year
period, upon the Commission's approval of the partial settlement of the
Company's current rate case, no later than December 26, 1999.


                                  *****

During 1999 the Company issued 1,250,000 shares of common stock through a
public offering.  The net proceeds of the offering, after deducting discount
and expenses, were $24.1 million.  In 1999, shares of common stock required
by the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan were
purchased on the open market.  The Company issued 70,447 shares of its
common stock during fiscal year 1998 under its Dividend Reinvestment and
Stock Purchase Plan.
                                 6
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Customers and revenues contributed by each class of customers for the last
three fiscal years are as follows:
<TABLE>
     Utility Operating Revenues $(000)
<CAPTION>
                                         1999          1998          1997
                                         ----          ----          ----
     <S>                             <C>           <C>           <C>
     Residential                     $324,115      $365,768      $395,250
     Commercial & Industrial          112,890       132,504       152,222
     Interruptible                      1,808         2,254         2,098
     Transportation                    14,132        12,734        13,042
     Off System and Other Incentive    16,216        29,852        34,288
     Exploration & Development              -             -         1,273
     Provision for Refunds and Other    4,549         5,080         9,063
                                     --------      --------      --------
          Total                      $473,710      $548,192      $607,236
                                     ========      ========      ========

     Customers (End of Period)
                                         1999          1998          1997
                                         ----          ----          ----

     Residential                      582,719       577,224       572,794
     Commercial & Industrial           39,041        38,519        37,985
     Interruptible                         13            15            16
     Transportation                       155           149           142
                                      -------       -------       -------
          Total                       621,928       615,907       610,937
                                      =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>
The Company has franchises having initial terms varying from five years to
an indefinite duration.  Generally, a franchise allows the Company to lay
pipes and other facilities in the community.  The Company's franchise in
Florissant, Missouri expired in 1992 and since that time the Company has
continued to provide service in that community without a formal franchise.
In April 1999, the Company received a 20-year non-exclusive franchise to
provide natural gas service to much of the city of Wentzville as well as the
MoPSC's approval to serve this portion of Wentzville as well as currently
unincorporated adjacent areas.  This will allow Laclede to continue
expansion of its service area where the Company anticipates significant
growth to occur during the next few years.  All of the franchises are free
from unduly burdensome restrictions and are adequate for the conduct of the
Company's current public utility business in the State of Missouri.

                                  *****

Laclede Investment Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laclede Gas
Company, invests in other enterprises and has made loans to several joint
ventures engaged in real estate development.

Laclede Energy Resources, Inc. (LER), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laclede
Investment Corporation, is engaged in non-utility efforts to market natural
gas and related activities.

Laclede Gas Family Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laclede
Energy Resources, Inc., is a registered insurance agency in the State of
Missouri.  It promotes the sale of supplemental hospitalization, accident,
supplemental Medicare and life insurance by Life Insurance Company of North
America, Washington National Insurance Company, Fidelity Security Life
Insurance Company and Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company.

                                 7
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Laclede Development Company (Laclede Development), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Laclede Gas Company, participates in real estate development, primarily
through joint ventures.

Laclede Venture Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laclede Development
Company, offers services for the compression of natural gas to third parties
who desire to use or to sell compressed natural gas for use in vehicles.
Laclede Venture Corp. also has a 28.5% interest in the LBP Partnership, a
general partnership which previously engaged in research and development of
light beam profiling technology. There is presently no book value and no
effect on earnings is anticipated from this partnership investment.

The lines of business which constitute the non-utility activities of the
corporate family are not considered reportable operating segments as defined
by current accounting standards.


Item 2.  Properties

The principal utility properties of Laclede consist of approximately 7,900
miles of gas main, related service pipes, meters and regulators.  Other
physical properties include regional office buildings and holder stations.
Extensive underground gas storage facilities and equipment are located in an
area in North St. Louis County extending under the Missouri River into St.
Charles County.  Substantially all of the Company's utility plant is subject
to the liens of its mortgage.

All of the utility properties of Laclede are held in fee or by easement or
under lease agreements.  The principal lease agreements include underground
storage rights which are of indefinite duration and the general office
building.  The current lease on the general office building extends through
February 2005 with options to renew for up to 15 additional years.

The non-utility properties of Laclede do not constitute a significant
portion of the properties of the Company.



Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Superior Oil Company and Union Pacific Railroad Company dismissed, without
prejudice, their action against Laclede Gas Company seeking contribution
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act of 1980 for costs incurred and to be incurred in remediating a site for
St. Louis.

For a description of the Company's environmental matters, see Part I, Item
1, Business, Other Pertinent Matters.  For a description of the Company's
pending regulatory matters, see Part I, Item I, Business, Regulatory
Matters.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 1999.







                                 8
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
Name, Age, and Position with Company                     Appointed (1)

D. H. Yaeger, Age 50
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer        January 28, 1999
  President and Chief Executive Officer                  January 1, 1999
  President and Chief Operating Officer                  December 1, 1997
  Executive Vice President - Operations and
    Marketing                                            September 1, 1995
  Senior Vice President - Operations, Gas
    Supply and Technical Services                        January 27, 1994
  Vice President - Operations, Gas Supply
    and Technical Services                               September 1, 1992
  Vice President - Planning                              December 1, 1990

G. T. McNeive, Jr., Age 57
  Senior Vice President - Finance and General
    Counsel                                              March 1, 1998
  Senior Vice President - Finance and Chief
    Financial Officer                                    September 1, 1995
  Vice President - Associate General
    Counsel                                              January 27, 1994
  Assistant Vice President - Associate
    General Counsel                                      September 1, 1992

K. J. Neises, Age 58
  Senior Vice President - Energy and
    Administrative Services                              March 1, 1998
  Senior Vice President - Gas Supply and
    Regulatory Affairs                                   September 1, 1995
  Senior Vice President - Federal Regulatory
    Affairs                                              January 27, 1994
  Vice President - Federal Regulatory Affairs            October 27, 1988


R. L. Russell, Age 62
  Senior Vice President - Operations and Marketing       August 1, 1998
  Vice President - Marketing                             February 1, 1997
  (Director of Marketing)                                September 1, 1995
  (General Sales Manager)                                October 1, 1994

M. A. Huneidi, Age 41
  Vice President - Information Systems                   February 1, 1999
  Assistant Vice President - Information Systems         February 1, 1997
  (Director of Information Systems)                      July 1, 1991

M. E. McMillian, Age 53
  Vice President - Human Resources                       September 22, 1983

J. Moten, Jr., Age 58
  Vice President - Community Relations                   January 27, 1994

P. J. Palumbo, Age 54
  Vice President - Industrial Relations                  September 1, 1992

J. G. Smith, Age 62
  Vice President - Operations                            August 1, 1998
  Assistant Vice President - Operations                  February 1, 1997
  (Superintendent of Services and Facilities Management) April 1, 1988

                                 9
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
J. A. Fallert, Age 44
  Controller                                             February 1, 1998
  (Manager, Financial Services)                          February 1, 1992

R. L. Krutzman, Age 53
  Treasurer and Assistant Secretary                      February 1, 1996
  (Manager, Tax and Payroll)                             February 1, 1992

M. C. Kullman, Age 39
  Secretary and Associate Counsel                        February 1, 1998
  (Associate Counsel)                                    August 20, 1990


( ) Indicates a non-officer position.
(1) Officers of Laclede Gas Company are normally reappointed at the Annual
Meeting of the Board of Directors in January of each year "to serve for the
ensuing year and until their successors are elected and qualify".


                                 Part II

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder
         Matters

The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the
Chicago Stock Exchange.  At September 30, 1999, there were 9,278 holders of
record of the Company's common stock.

<TABLE>
Common Stock Market and Dividend Information
<CAPTION>

                          Price Range          Dividends
Fiscal 1999             High       Low         Declared
--------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>           <C>
1st Quarter             27         23            $.335
2nd Quarter             27         20-5/8        $.335
3rd Quarter             23-5/8     20            $.335
4th Quarter             23-3/4     21-1/4        $.335
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Price Range          Dividends
Fiscal 1998             High       Low         Declared
--------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>           <C>
1st Quarter             28- 5/8    23- 5/8       $.330
2nd Quarter             27-15/16   23-13/16      $.330
3rd Quarter             25- 7/16   22-15/16      $.330
4th Quarter             25         22- 3/8       $.330

</TABLE>







                                   10                          
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
<CAPTION>
                                      Fiscal Years Ended September 30
(Thousands Except Per Share     1999      1998      1997      1996      1995
         Amounts)               ----      ----      ----      ----      ----
<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Summary of Operations
Utility Operating Revenues  $473,710  $548,192  $607,236  $560,684  $432,628

Non-utility Operating
  Revenues                    17,878    13,795     8,494    32,494     2,780
                            ------------------------------------------------
Total operating revenues     491,588   561,987   615,730   593,178   435,408
                            ------------------------------------------------
Utility Operating Expenses:
 Natural and propane gas     246,350   311,869   357,755   319,595   221,533
 Other operation expenses     83,762    86,183    90,778    84,956    80,655
 Maintenance                  19,583    18,720    18,273    18,232    17,547
 Depreciation & amortization  21,490    25,310    25,890    25,015    23,676
 Taxes, other than
  income taxes                41,669    43,782    46,543    44,995    40,537
                            ------------------------------------------------
   Total utility operating
     expenses                412,854   485,864   539,239   492,793   383,948

Non-utility Operating
  Expenses                    17,245    12,659     7,547    30,587     2,000
                            ------------------------------------------------

Total operating expenses     430,099   498,523   546,786   523,380   385,948
                            ------------------------------------------------
Operating Income              61,489    63,464    68,944    69,798    49,460

Allowance for Funds Used
 During Construction             739       609       367        17       247
Other Income and Income
 Deductions - Net             (1,212)      530       597      (647)    (150)
                            ------------------------------------------------
Income Before Interest
 Charges and Income Taxes     61,016    64,603    69,908    69,168    49,557
                            ------------------------------------------------
Interest Charges:
 Interest on long-term debt   13,966    14,797    14,169    13,939    12,544
 Other interest charges        6,627     6,473     4,919     4,008     5,983
                            ------------------------------------------------
  Total interest charges      20,593    21,270    19,088    17,947    18,527
                            ------------------------------------------------

Income Before Income Taxes    40,423    43,333    50,820    51,221    31,030
Income Taxes                  14,361    15,441    18,354    18,397    10,129
                            ------------------------------------------------
Net Income                    26,062    27,892    32,466    32,824    20,901
Dividends on Preferred Stk        97        97        97        97        97
                            ------------------------------------------------
Earnings Applicable to
 Common Stock               $ 25,965  $ 27,795  $ 32,369  $ 32,727  $ 20,804
                            ================================================
Earnings Per Share of
 Common Stock                  $1.43     $1.58     $1.84     $1.87     $1.27
                            ================================================
</TABLE>
                                 11
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
<CAPTION>
                                     Fiscal Years Ended September 30
(Thousands Except Per Share     1999      1998      1997      1996     1995
   Amounts)                     ----      ----      ----      ----     ----

<S>                         <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
Dividends Declared-
 Common Stock               $ 24,459  $ 23,229  $ 22,825  $ 22,079 $ 20,538
Dividends Declared Per
 Share of Common Stock         $1.34     $1.32     $1.30     $1.26    $1.24


Utility Plant
 Gross Plant-End of Period  $876,431  $835,923  $794,901  $782,235 $747,820
 Net Plant-End of Period     519,378   490,682   467,678   452,270  434,384
 Construction Expenditures    48,698    47,254    42,842    41,267   45,847
 Property Retirements          8,190     6,205     6,241     6,506    9,199
Total Assets                $831,619  $771,147  $720,710  $689,395 $636,694


Capitalization -
 End of Period
 Common Stock and Paid-In
  Capital                   $106,570  $ 82,460  $ 80,628  $ 80,628 $ 77,686
 Retained Earnings           199,848   198,342   193,776   184,232  173,584
 Accumulated Other
  Comprehensive Income           (77)        -         -         -        -
 Treasury Stock              (24,017)  (24,017)  (24,017)  (24,017) (24,017)
                            -----------------------------------------------
       Common stock equity   282,324   256,785   250,387   240,843  227,253
 Redeemable Preferred Stock    1,923     1,960     1,960     1,960    1,960
 Long-Term Debt              204,323   179,238   154,413   179,346  154,279
                            -----------------------------------------------
      Total capitalization  $488,570  $437,983  $406,760  $422,149 $383,492
                            ===============================================

Shares of Common Stock
 Outstanding-End of Period    18,878    17,628    17,558    17,558   17,420
Book Value Per Share          $14.96    $14.57    $14.26    $13.72   $13.05

</TABLE>


















                                   12
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
         and Results of Operations

Results of Operations
     Laclede's earnings for fiscal 1999 were adversely effected by warmer-
than-normal weather, resulting from temperatures that were the seventh
warmest this century.  Earnings applicable to common stock for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1999 were $26.0 million, compared with $27.8
million for fiscal 1998 and $32.4 million for fiscal 1997. Earnings per
share of common stock based on average shares outstanding were $1.43 in
1999, compared with $1.58 in 1998 and $1.84 in 1997.  The $.15 per share
decrease in fiscal 1999 (from fiscal 1998) was primarily due to lower system
sales volumes arising from weather that was 6% warmer than last year and 12%
warmer than normal, as well as a non-recurring investment loss recorded this
year.  These decreases were partially offset by reduced expenses largely
attributable to effective cost-cutting efforts this year and the effects of
regulatory accounting changes approved in the Company's 1998 rate case
settlement (which are discussed further at the end of this paragraph). The
$.26 per share decrease in fiscal 1998 (from fiscal 1997) was primarily due
to reduced system sales volumes resulting from weather that was 11% warmer
than 1997 and the attendant lower consumption by customers.  These decreases
were partially offset by efforts during the year to control costs and by
expense reductions attributable to regulatory accounting changes instituted
July 1, 1998 as part of the settlement of rate case GR-98-374.  The
settlement of the Company's 1998 rate case authorized, among other things,
lower depreciation rates and changes in the regulatory accounting treatment
for pension costs.
     Utility operating revenues for fiscal year 1999 decreased $74.5
million, or 13.6%, below fiscal 1998, and in 1998 decreased $59.0 million,
or 9.7%, below fiscal 1997.  The 1999 decrease in utility operating revenues
was mainly attributable to: lower wholesale gas costs of $38.5 million
(which are passed on to customers in accordance with the Purchased Gas
Adjustment Clause), reduced gas sales volumes (due to warmer weather) and
other variations of $22.4 million, and decreased incentive plan revenues of
$13.6 million.  The 1998 decrease in utility operating revenues was
primarily due to lower system sales (arising from the warmer weather coupled
with reduced consumption by customers) and other variations netting to $52.3
million.  Utility operating revenues in 1998 also declined due to lower
wholesale gas costs of $6.7 million.  Total therms sold and transported in
1999 were 1,025.9 million compared with 1,121.3 million in 1998 and 1,211.0
million in 1997.
     Non-utility operating revenues increased $4.1 million in fiscal 1999
(from 1998) and $5.3 million in fiscal 1998 (from 1997).  The increase each
year was primarily due to higher gas marketing sales in both periods.
     Utility operating expenses in fiscal 1999 decreased $73.0 million, or
15.0%, from fiscal 1998, and in 1998 decreased $53.4 million, or 9.9%, below
fiscal 1997. Natural and propane gas expense decreased $65.5 million in
fiscal 1999 from fiscal 1998 primarily due to reduced volumes purchased for
sendout, lower rates charged by our suppliers, and lower incentive plan gas
costs.  In 1998, natural and propane gas expense decreased $45.9 million
from 1997 primarily due to reduced volumes purchased for sendout and lower
rates charged by our suppliers.  Other operation and maintenance expenses in
1999 decreased $1.6 million, or 1.5%, from 1998 principally due to lower net
pension cost resulting from the effects of the settlement reached in the
1998 rate case (see below) and cost cutting reductions. These decreases were
partially offset by higher wage rates, lower gains applicable to lump sum
pension settlements, and higher provisions for uncollectible accounts and
injuries and damages. Other operation and maintenance expenses in 1998
decreased $4.1 million, or 3.8%, from 1997 principally due to a lower
provision for uncollectible accounts, higher gains applicable to lump-sum
pension settlements, and lower net pension costs resulting from the

                                 13
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
regulatory accounting treatment, effective July 1, 1998, as authorized by
the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) in the 1998 rate case.  These
factors more than offset increases in wage rates and other costs.
Depreciation and amortization expense in 1999 decreased $3.8 million, or
15.1% from 1998 as a result of lower depreciation rates effective, July 1,
1998, as authorized in the same rate case.   The effect of lower
depreciation rates was partially offset by additional depreciable property.
In 1998, depreciation and amortization expense decreased 2.2% from 1997
primarily due to the lower rates instituted July 1, 1998, partially offset
by additional depreciable property. Taxes, other than income taxes,
decreased 4.8% in 1999 compared with 1998 and 5.9% in 1998 compared with
1997 principally attributable in both periods to lower gross receipts taxes
(mainly reflecting decreased revenues), the effect of which was partially
offset by higher property taxes.
     Non-utility operating expenses increased $4.6 million in fiscal 1999
(compared with 1998), and increased $5.1 million in fiscal 1998 (compared
with 1997).  The increase in both periods was primarily due to higher gas
expense associated with gas marketing and related activities.
     Other income and income deductions-net decreased by $1.6 million from
1998 mainly due to a one-time $3.2 million pre-tax charge resulting from the
Company's minority participation in Clark Enterprises.  Clark Enterprises
was comprised of a group of civic-minded St. Louis firms that owned the St.
Louis Blues Hockey team and also financed and operated the Kiel Center in
downtown St. Louis, the sale of which was negotiated and completed in
September, 1999.  This non-recurring charge was partially offset by a pre-
tax gain of approximately $1.9 million recognized by the Company's wholly-
owned subsidiary, Laclede Development Company, on the sale of property known
as Centre Park 40.  Laclede Development owned its interest in Centre Park 40
through a real estate partnership.  In 1998, other income and income
deductions increased by $.2 million from 1997 due to minor variations in
several areas.
     Interest expense decreased 3.2% in fiscal year 1999 from 1998
principally due to lower interest charges on long-term debt reflecting the
net effect of the May 1998 redemption of a 9-5/8% first mortgage bond issue
of $25 million and the issuance of $25 million of 7% first mortgage bonds in
June 1999.  This decrease was partially offset by increased short-term
interest expense due to higher average borrowings.  In 1998, interest
expense increased 11.4% over 1997 primarily due to increased short-term
interest expense attributable to higher average borrowings and increased
interest charges on long-term debt reflecting the full-year effect of the
issuance of $25 million of 6-1/2% first mortgage bonds in October 1997.
These increases were partially offset by the redemption in May 1998 of a 9-
5/8% first mortgage bond issue.
     The reductions in income tax expenses for all periods reported are
mainly due to lower pre-tax income.

Regulatory Matters
     On January 26,1999, Laclede filed a request with the MoPSC for a
general rate increase to recover costs related to the operation of its gas
distribution system.  By statute, the MoPSC process may take no longer then
eleven months.  Laclede's request is for a rate adjustment that would
increase its annual revenues by $30.5 million and increase a typical
residential heating customer's bill by about 5.8%, or $3.37 per month.  A
series of pre-hearing conferences were held in mid-July with the
Commission's Staff, the Office of Public Counsel and other parties regarding
our proposed general rate increase.  The MoPSC held hearings on this matter
from August 30, 1999 through September 3, 1999.  The parties reached a
settlement on some of the issues prior to and during the hearings.
Settlement on those issues, if approved by the Commission, would provide
approximately $5.1 million in additional annual revenues, assuming the MoPSC

                                 14
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
staff's recommended return on common equity.  The partial settlement also
provides that the Company discontinue deferring certain costs for future
recovery and that previously deferred costs be recovered beginning with
implementation of new rates.  Under Missouri law, the Commission must rule
on the remaining issues and implement new rates no later than December 26,
1999.  Historically, the MoPSC has not granted the Company's request for
rate increases in full.  However, favorable rulings by the Commission on the
remaining issues, including return on common equity, will provide an
increase in general rate levels greater than the $5.1 million agreed to in
the partial settlement.
     Settlement of the Company's 1998 general rate case provided that rates
charged to the vast majority of the Company's customers, including all
residential customers, remained unchanged.  Also, the settlement allowed the
Company to record, beginning July 1, 1998, substantially reduced expense
levels resulting from the authorization of lower depreciation rates and
changes in the regulatory accounting treatment for the recovery of pension
costs.  The MoPSC authorized the continued use of certain cost deferral
mechanisms under which the Company subsequently applied for future rate
recovery of certain costs.  In addition, the MoPSC approved a similar cost
deferral mechanism by which the Company subsequently applied for future rate
recovery of certain costs incurred after July 1, 1998 related to the
Company's Year 2000 readiness program. Settlement of the Company's 1996
general rate case provided an annual increase in revenues of $9.5 million
effective September 1, 1996, and provided for the Gas Supply Incentive Plan
to be effective October 1, 1996 for a three-year period ending September 30,
1999.
     On July 21, 1999, the MoPSC gave final approval to Laclede's proposal
to extend and significantly modify its existing Price Stabilization Program.
Under the initial program, which was first approved in 1997, Laclede was
authorized to purchase certain financial instruments to protect its
customers during the heating season from unusually large increases in the
unregulated cost of natural gas.  Under the modifications proposed by the
Company and approved by the Commission, Laclede still will provide
significant price protection for its customers above a predetermined level
but it will now have the opportunity to share in any gains and cost
reductions realized under the program.  Laclede believes this new program
can provide significant benefits for both its customers and shareholders.
     Laclede's customers and shareholders continued to share the benefits
derived from the Gas Supply Incentive Plan during fiscal 1999, the last year
of this Plan's three-year effective period.  Under this Incentive Plan,
Laclede and its customers shared the income from off-system sales and
certain gains and losses related to the acquisition of the Company's gas
supply assets.  As part of this Plan, Laclede sold available gas supply and
pipeline capacity in markets outside of its normal service territory.  The
Company achieved overall gas cost savings under the Plan for Laclede and its
customers of $28.4 million in fiscal 1999, $31.0 million in fiscal 1998, and
$35.0 million in fiscal 1997.  These overall savings resulted in pre-tax
income to the Company of $5.4 in fiscal 1999, $6.4 million in fiscal 1998,
and $7.4 million in fiscal 1997.  On September 9, 1999, the MoPSC approved
the implementation of a modified Gas Supply Incentive Plan to be in effect
for one year beginning October 1, 1999 extending through September 30, 2000.
Under this new Plan, the Company will continue to share in benefits from:
releases of pipeline capacity, savings from discounts off of maximum
pipeline transportation rates, and gains and losses as measured against a
benchmark level of gas cost.  This Plan no longer includes, and the Company
generally retains, all income generated from sales of gas outside its
traditional service area.  This plan also provides for the Company to share
in increases or decreases in the costs related to changes in the mix of
pipeline services. While results of the previous Incentive Plan may not be
representative of fiscal 2000 results due to plan changes and the volatile

                                 15 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
and seasonal nature of such efforts, the Company believes that both the
Company and its customers will continue to benefit from the recently
modified Incentive Plan. For additional information on both Plans, see Note
3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 39.

Accounting Changes
     The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement
of Position (SOP) No. 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use".  SOP 98-1 provides guidance on
accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for
internal use, including criteria for capitalization of certain costs.  It is
effective in fiscal 2000. Based on current circumstances, the Company does
not expect its adoption to have a material effect on its financial position
or results of operations.
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities".  SFAS No. 133 would have been effective
in fiscal 2000, however, its effective date has been delayed until fiscal
2001 as a result of the issuance of SFAS No. 137.  SFAS No. 133 provides
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging
activities.  Management is presently evaluating the impact that adoption of
SFAS No. 133 will have on the Company's financial position and results of
operations.
     The Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 98-10, "Accounting
for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities", which will be effective
in fiscal 2000.  EITF 98-10 requires that energy contracts associated with
trading activities be recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, with the
changes in fair value included in earnings.  Management is presently
evaluating the impact that adoption of EITF 98-10 will have on the Company's
financial position and results of operations.

Inflation
     The accompanying Financial Statements reflect the historical costs of
events and transactions, regardless of the purchasing power of the dollar at
the time.  Due to the capital-intensive nature of the Company's business,
the most significant impact of inflation is on the Company's depreciation of
utility plant. Rate regulation to which the Company is subject allows
recovery through its rates of only the historical cost of utility plant as
depreciation.  While no plans exist to undertake replacements of plant in
service other than normal replacements and those under existing replacement
programs, the Company believes that any higher costs experienced upon
replacement of existing facilities would be recovered through the normal
regulatory process.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Cash flow from operations, net of dividend payments, has generally
provided the principal liquidity to meet operating requirements and to fund
the majority of the Company's construction program.  Any remaining funding
requirements for construction or other needs has been provided by long-term
and short-term financing.  The issuance of long-term financing is dependent
on management's evaluation of need, financial market conditions, and other
factors.  Short-term financing is used to meet seasonal cash requirements
and/or to defer long-term financing until market conditions are favorable.
     Short-term borrowing requirements typically peak during colder months,
principally because of required payments for natural gas made in advance of
the receipt of cash from the Company's customers for the sale of that gas.
Such short-term cash requirements have traditionally been met through the
sale of commercial paper supported by lines of credit with banks.
     During fiscal year 1999, the Company had lines of credit in place
aggregating from $80 million to $160 million. During fiscal 1999, the
Company sold commercial paper aggregating to a maximum of $142.5 million at

                                 16
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
any one time, but did not borrow from the banks under the aforementioned
agreements. Currently, the Company has aggregate lines of credit of $170
million. Short-term borrowings outstanding at September 30, 1999 were $84.7
million at an average interest rate of 5.4%.  Based on short-term borrowings
at September 30, 1999, a change in interest rates of 100 basis points would
increase or decrease earnings and cash flows by approximately $847,000 on an
annual basis.
     On April 8, 1999, the MoPSC approved the Company's request for a two-
year extension, to April 21, 2001, of its authority to sell up to $25
million of additional first mortgage bonds.  The MoPSC originally authorized
the issuance and sale of $100 million of first mortgage bonds, of which $75
million had already been issued and sold.  On June 2, 1999, the Company
issued the remaining $25 million first mortgage bonds with an interest rate
of 7%, at an overall cost to the Company of 7.04%.  The bonds were dated
June 1, 1999 and mature June 1, 2029. The proceeds were used to repay short-
term debt.  The bonds were rated Aa3 by Moody's and AA- by Standard &
Poor's.  The ratings also apply to the Company's other outstanding bonds.
     On October 21, 1997, the Company issued $25 million of first mortgage
bonds, at an overall cost to the Company of 6.675%.  The bonds were dated
October 15, 1997 and mature October 15, 2012.  The proceeds were used for
the payment of outstanding short-term borrowings.
     On May 15, 1998, the Company redeemed, at its first opportunity, $25
million of 9-5/8% first mortgage bonds due May 15, 2013.  The funds for this
redemption were supplied by short-term borrowing agreements.
     At September 30, 1999, the Company had fixed-rate long-term debt
totaling $205 million.  While these long-term debt issues are fixed-rate,
they are subject to changes in fair value as market interest rates change.
However, increases or decreases in fair value would impact earnings and cash
flows only if the Company were to reacquire any of these issues in the open
market prior to maturity.
     On May 5, 1999, the Company issued and sold 1,250,000 shares of its
common stock to the public.  Net proceeds of $24.1 million were used to
repay short-term debt.
     Laclede Pipeline Company, Laclede Gas Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary, owns and operates a propane pipeline that connects Laclede Gas
Company's propane storage facilities in St. Louis County, Missouri, to
propane supply terminal facilities located at Wood River and Cahokia,
Illinois.  In June 1999, Laclede Pipeline Company purchased from Phillips
Pipe Line Company for approximately $1.4 million a section of existing
propane pipeline, which completed Laclede Gas Company's ownership of all
facets of its propane peak shaving assets allowing greater access to supply
markets.  Laclede Gas Company vaporizes the propane to supplement its
natural gas supply and meet the peak demands on the distribution system.
Laclede Pipeline Company's previous contract arrangement with Phillips
Petroleum Company, to provide transportation of propane on an annual basis
and which expired on March 31, 1999, is no longer needed.
     Construction expenditures for utility purposes were $48.7 million in
fiscal 1999 compared with $47.3 million in fiscal 1998 and $42.8 million in
fiscal 1997. The Company expects fiscal 2000 utility construction
expenditures to approximate $43 million.
     Capitalization at September 30, 1999, consisted of 57.8% common stock
equity, .4% preferred stock and 41.8% long-term debt.
     The Company's ratio of earnings before taxes to interest charges was
2.9 for 1999, 2.9 for 1998 and 3.6 for 1997.
     It is management's view that the Company has adequate access to capital
markets and will have sufficient capital resources, both internal and
external; to meet anticipated capital requirements.


                                 17
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Environmental Matters
     The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations.
To date they have not materially affected the Company's financial position
and results of operations.
     In the past, the Company operated various manufactured gas plants which
produced certain by-products and residuals.  At the request of the United
States Environmental Protection Agency, Laclede performed an investigation
of one of the Company's former manufactured gas plant sites located in
Shrewsbury, Missouri.  Subsequently, the Company and the state and federal
environmental regulatory agencies agreed upon the actions needed at this
site.  The Company currently estimates the overall costs of these actions
will be approximately $1,135,000.  As of September 30, 1999, the Company has
paid $646,000 and reserved $489,000 for these actions.  If the regulatory
agencies require any additional actions, Laclede will incur additional
costs.
     The Company also applied to place the site of a different former
manufactured gas plant in the City of St. Louis, Missouri in the Missouri
Voluntary Cleanup Program.  Laclede ceased its operations at and sold this
site in 1950.  Subsequent owners of this site used it as a coke
manufacturing facility.  The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
accepted the Company's application.  Acceptance provides opportunities to
minimize costs of remediation and maximize possibilities of site
development.  Laclede submitted a site investigation plan to the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources on November 16, 1998, which investigation is
now complete.  Recently, Laclede sent its report on the investigation to the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  Laclede currently estimates that
the cost of the investigation, oversight costs and legal and engineering
consulting costs for this site may be approximately $534,000.  Currently,
the Company has paid $346,000 and reserved an additional $188,000.  The
Company has requested that other former site owners and operators
participate in the cost of any site investigation.  One former owner and
operator, who is currently in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, agreed to
participate in these costs, and the agreement received the bankruptcy
court's approval.  The Company plans to seek proportionate reimbursement of
all costs relative to this site from any other potentially responsible
parties if practicable.
     While the scope of costs relative to the site in Shrewsbury will not be
material, the scope of costs relative to the City of St. Louis site are
unknown and may be material.  The Company has notified its insurers that it
intends to seek reimbursement from them of its costs at both these sites.
None of the Company's insurers have agreed that its insurance covers the
costs for which the Company intends to seek reimbursement.  The majority of
the insurers have sent Laclede letters reserving their rights with respect
to the manufactured gas plant issues addressed in the Company's notices to
them.  While some of the insurers have denied coverage with respect to these
issues, the Company continues to seek reimbursement from them.  With regard
to the Shrewsbury site, the denial of coverage will not have any material
impact on the Company.  With regard to the City of St. Louis site, since the
scope of costs relative to this site are unknown and may be material, the
denial of coverage may have a material impact on the Company.
     In the Company's 1998 rate case, the MoPSC approved the Company's
continued use of a cost deferral mechanism for these costs.  Through this,
the Company applied for appropriate rate recovery of these costs in its
current rate case.  Deferral of such costs terminated July 31, 1999, and any
subsequent costs will be charged to expense.  Previously deferred costs will
be put into rates (without return on investment) and amortized over a
fifteen-year period, upon the Commission's approval of the partial
settlement of the Company's current rate case, no later than December 26,
1999.

                                 18
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Year 2000 Issue
     Laclede Gas Company is year 2000 capable in all of its mission critical
systems.  Under the mainframe portion of the Company's year 2000 readiness
plan, it has upgraded, converted and replaced its mainframe computer
hardware, attendant operating system software, and key mainframe systems and
applications. These systems include customer records, billing and accounting
systems. Any personal computer applications necessary to the operations of
the Company's business have been similarly upgraded/replaced.  Additionally,
Laclede conducted a company-wide program to inventory, evaluate, remediate
and test significant equipment, products, services and supplies that it
uses.
     The Company has developed and continues to refine its contingency plans
for unforeseen critical system or equipment failures.  With regard to a
temporary loss of electrical and/or communication services, it would at most
impair Laclede's ability to operate remotely a small number of pressure
regulator stations.  Laclede will place trained employees at each of the
remotely controlled pressure regulator stations to make any adjustments
needed on a manual basis.  In addition, the Company will use an in-house
radio relay system to maintain any needed communications with its employees
in the field.  With regard to any temporary natural gas supply
interruptions, Laclede operates a large, local natural gas underground
storage facility as well as a local propane storage facility which it would
use if needed.  Contingency planning is substantially complete.  The plans
continue to be reviewed for adequacy and improved upon if necessary during
the remainder of this calendar year. The Company has directly contacted and
received assurances from many of its vendors.  This group of vendors
includes the natural gas suppliers and transporting pipelines who have
assured Laclede that they will be able to supply natural gas to us after
1999 without interruption.  Laclede has, to the extent possible, verified
the vendors' ability to continue to supply the items and services to Laclede
in the year 2000. The Company will further verify its vendors' ability to
continue to supply items and services through the transition into the year
2000 and beyond.  If the Company does not believe a vendor will be able to
provide a needed item or service in the year 2000, it will use alternate
vendors and implement contingency plans for any prospective unavailability
of the needed item or service.
     Based on all of the information available to us at this time, we do not
expect to experience any interruption in Laclede's business operations, or
to cause any materially adverse consequences to our customers, as a result
of the year 2000 situation.
     As of September 30, 1999, the Company has incurred total costs of
approximately $19.1 million for replacements and modifications of various
computer systems.  Of this amount, Laclede capitalized $17.6 million and
charged $1.5 million to expense.  The Company has used funds from internally
generated cash flows and short-term borrowings to pay these costs.  The
Company currently anticipates that any costs remaining to be incurred
through December 31, 1999 will be immaterial.  In the 1998 rate case, the
MoPSC authorized Laclede to capitalize the costs incurred in connection with
making its information systems ready for year 2000 operations.  The MoPSC
also authorized Laclede to defer any interim property tax, depreciation or
carrying cost expenses that it may incur in connection with these
capitalized items.  Laclede applied for recovery of these interim expenses
in its current rate proceeding.  Deferral of these costs will cease December
26, 1999.  At such time, upon the approval of the partial settlement in the
Company's current rate case by the Commission, previously deferred costs
will be put into rates (without return on investment) and amortized over a
fifteen-year period.


                                 19
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Other Matters
In September 1997, the staff of the MoPSC recommended that Laclede refund
$3.6 million to its ratepayers in connection with its sale of gas outside of
Missouri during fiscal 1996, prior to the approval of the incentive plan.
Believing that it had full authority to enter into these transactions,
Laclede filed testimony opposing the recommendation made by the staff of the
MoPSC.  Formal hearings were held on this issue in October 1998.  On April
20, 1999 the MoPSC issued its order rejecting the proposal of its staff.
This order became effective on April 30, 1999.  One of the parties sought a
rehearing of the MoPSC's order denying the staff's refund proposal, which
was also denied.  No further appeals were taken and this matter is now
closed.
     In October 1999, the staff of the MoPSC recommended that the Company
credit ratepayers with $2.5 million of pre-tax income the Company had
realized in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998 in connection with its treatment of
a gas supply contract under the operation of the Company's Gas Supply
Incentive Plan.  The Company, which has recently filed a response in
opposition to the staff's recommendation, believes that there is no basis
for such recommendation and is confident that the Company will ultimately
prevail on the merits.
     On October 30, 1998, the MoPSC issued an order opening a docket
addressing the adequacy of Laclede's copper service line replacement
program.  The staff filed a report on August 31, 1999 containing a modified
replacement schedule for such service lines.  In response, the Company
proposed an alternative program based upon the evaluation of recent survey
data.  After appropriate review of the matter, the Commission is expected to
issue its order on the matter sometime next year.  Laclede is unable to
predict at this time what action the MoPSC may take. The Company currently
faces two lawsuits and one claim relative to direct buried copper service
lines.
     On April 6, 1999, voters in Wentzville, Missouri, in western St.
Charles County, granted Laclede, by a 3-to-1 margin, a 20 year non-exclusive
franchise to provide natural gas service to much of the city south of
Interstate 70, west of Lake St. Louis.  This will allow Laclede to continue
expansion of its service area in areas where the Company anticipates
significant growth to occur during the next few years.  The Company received
the MoPSC's approval to serve specifically this portion of Wentzville, as
well as currently unincorporated adjacent areas.





















                                 20
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Forward-Looking Statements
     Certain statements in this 10-K are forward-looking statements made
based upon the Company's expectations and beliefs concerning future
developments and their potential effect on Laclede.  These statements,
however, do not include financial statements and other statements of
historical fact.  The forward-looking statements may be identified by the
use of such terms as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate,"  "expect,"
"intend," "plan," "seek" and similar expressions.  Future developments may
not be in accordance with the Company's expectations or beliefs and the
effect of future developments on Laclede may not be those anticipated.
Among the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from
those contemplated in any forward-looking statements are:
    -  weather conditions and catastrophic events
    -  changes in transportation and gas supply costs or availability
    -  regulatory actions and initiatives of federal and state regulatory
       agencies, some of which could be retroactive, including those
       affecting:
           --  financings
           --  allowed rates of return
           --  incentive regulation
           --  industry and rate structure
           --  purchase gas adjustment provisions
           --  franchise renewal
           --  environmental or safety requirements
    -  the effects of any industry or corporate restructuring
    -  conservation efforts of our customers
    -  economic factors such as changes in the conditions of capital
       markets, interest rates and rates of inflation
    -  inability to retain existing customers or to attract new customers
    -  ability to obtain funds from operations or the sale of debt or
       equity to finance necessary capital expenditures and other
       investments
    -  employee work force issues
    -  statutory or tax changes
    -  changes in accounting standards and
    -  the effectiveness of Year 2000 computer system remediation efforts by
       third parties and unknown Year 2000 related problems

     The Company does not, by including this statement, assume any
obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement
referenced herein in light of future events.



















                                 21
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Independent Auditors' Report

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets and statements of
consolidated capitalization of Laclede Gas Company and its subsidiary
companies as of September 30, 1999 and 1998, and the related statements of
consolidated income, retained earnings, comprehensive income and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1999.  Our
audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at
Part IV, Item 14(a)2.  These financial statements and financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and
financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Laclede Gas Company and its
subsidiary companies as of September 30, 1999 and 1998, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended September 30, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


November 18, 1999


















                                 22
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Management Report

Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of
the consolidated financial statements and other financial information in
this report. The statements were prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles and include amounts that are based on
management's best estimates and judgments.  In the opinion of management,
the financial statements fairly reflect the Company's financial position,
results of operations and cash flows.

The Company maintains internal accounting systems and related administrative
controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance, on a cost-
effective basis, that transactions are executed in accordance with
management's authorization, that consolidated financial statements are
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that the Company's assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded.  The
Company's Internal Audit Department, which has unrestricted access to all
levels of Company management, monitors compliance with established controls
and procedures.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company's independent auditors, whose report is
contained herein, are responsible for auditing the Company's financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.  Such
standards include obtaining an understanding of the internal control
structure in order to design the audit of the financial statements.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists of five
outside directors, meets periodically with management, the internal auditor,
and the independent auditors to review the manner in which they are
performing their responsibilities.  Both the internal auditor and the
independent auditors periodically meet alone with the Audit Committee and
have access to the Audit Committee at any time.

Douglas H. Yaeger
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer

Gerald T. McNeive, Jr.
Senior Vice President
Finance and General Counsel












                                 23
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended September 30                         1999       1998       1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
Operating Revenues:
  Utility operating revenues                 $473,710   $548,192   $607,236
  Non-utility operating revenues               17,878     13,795      8,494

                                             ------------------------------
    Total operating revenues                  491,588    561,987    615,730
                                             ------------------------------
Operating Expenses:
  Utility operating expenses
    Natural and propane gas                   246,350    311,869    357,755
    Other operation expenses                   83,762     86,183     90,778
    Maintenance                                19,583     18,720     18,273
    Depreciation and amortization              21,490     25,310     25,890
    Taxes, other than income taxes             41,669     43,782     46,543
                                             ------------------------------
      Total utility operating expenses        412,854    485,864    539,239
  Non-utility operating expenses               17,245     12,659      7,547
                                             ------------------------------
    Total operating expenses                  430,099    498,523    546,786
                                             ------------------------------
Operating Income                               61,489     63,464     68,944

Other Income and Income Deductions-
  Net (Note 10)                                  (473)     1,139        964
                                             ------------------------------
Income Before Interest and
  Income Taxes                                 61,016     64,603     69,908
                                             ------------------------------
Interest Charges:
  Interest on long-term debt                   13,966     14,797     14,169
  Other interest charges                        6,627      6,473      4,919
                                             ------------------------------
    Total interest charges                     20,593     21,270     19,088
                                             ------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes                     40,423     43,333     50,820
Income Taxes (Note 8)                          14,361     15,441     18,354
                                            ------------------------------
Net Income                                     26,062     27,892     32,466
Dividends on Preferred Stock                       97         97         97
                                             ------------------------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock          $ 25,965   $ 27,795   $ 32,369
                                             ==============================
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding     18,138     17,598     17,558
                                             ==============================
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
 (after preferred dividends)                    $1.43      $1.58      $1.84
                                             ==============================
<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                 24
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED RETAINED EARNINGS
(Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended September 30                          1999       1998      1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>       <C>
Balance at Beginning of Year                  $198,342   $193,776  $184,232
Add - Net Income, per statements                26,062     27,892    32,466
                                              -----------------------------
                                Total          224,404    221,668   216,698
                                              -----------------------------
Deduct - Cash Dividends Declared:
 Preferred stock at required annual rates           97         97        97
 Common stock, $1.34 per share in 1999,
   $1.32 per share in 1998 and $1.30 per
   share in 1997                                24,459     23,229    22,825
                                              -----------------------------
                                Total           24,556     23,326    22,922
                                              -----------------------------
Balance at End of Year                        $199,848   $198,342  $193,776
                                              =============================
<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>




<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended September 30                          1999       1998      1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>       <C>
Net Income                                    $ 26,062   $ 27,892  $ 32,466
                                              -----------------------------
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
   Minimum pension liability adjustment           (125)         -         -
   Income tax benefit                              (48)         -         -
                                              -----------------------------
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)                  (77)         -         -
                                              -----------------------------
Comprehensive Income                          $ 25,985   $ 27,892  $ 32,466
                                              =============================
<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>







                                 25
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands of Dollars)
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30                                              1999        1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>
Assets
  Utility Plant                                       $876,431    $835,923
    Less - Accumulated depreciation & amortization     357,053     345,241
                                                      --------------------
                                  Net utility plant    519,378     490,682
                                                      --------------------
  Other Property and Investments, at Cost or Less
   (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization,
    1999, $2,237; 1998, $7,426)                         26,122      33,737
                                                      --------------------
  Current Assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                            9,352       3,718
    Accounts receivable:
      Gas customers - Billed and unbilled               38,051      42,023
      Other                                             10,218       9,682
      Less - Allowances for doubtful accounts           (6,241)     (5,650)
    Inventories:
      Materials, supplies and merchandise at
        average cost                                     5,680       5,591
      Natural gas stored underground for current use
        at LIFO cost                                    64,112      54,973
    Propane gas for current use at FIFO cost            11,697      12,840
    Prepayments and other                                2,309       2,927
    Deferred income taxes (Note 8)                      10,216       9,933
                                                      --------------------
                               Total current assets    145,394     136,037
                                                      --------------------
  Deferred Charges:
    Prepaid pension cost                                80,994      62,027
    Regulatory assets                                   58,024      45,218
    Other                                                1,707       3,446
                                                      --------------------
                             Total deferred charges    140,725     110,691
                                                      --------------------
                                       Total Assets   $831,619    $771,147
                                                      ====================
<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>













                                 26
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Thousands of Dollars)
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30                                              1999        1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>
Capitalization and Liabilities
  Capitalization, per statements:
  Common stock equity                                $282,324    $256,785
  Redeemable preferred stock                            1,923       1,960
  Long-term debt                                      204,323     179,238
                                                     --------------------
                              Total capitalization    488,570     437,983
                                                     --------------------
  Current Liabilities:
   Notes payable (Note 9)                               84,700      98,500
   Accounts payable                                     31,716      20,692
   Refunds due customers                                 1,425       7,589
   Advance customer billings                            15,665       8,936
   Current portion of preferred stock                       35           -
   Wages payable                                         4,575       4,123
   Dividends payable                                     6,391       6,002
   Customer deposits                                     3,961       3,123
   Interest accrued                                      8,092       7,501
   Taxes accrued                                         5,804       8,690
   Unamortized purchased gas adjustments                 8,956      15,815
   Other current liabilities                             2,085       2,680
                                                      --------------------
                          Total current liabilities    173,405     183,651
                                                      --------------------
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
   Deferred income taxes (Note 8)                      124,756     102,856
   Unamortized investment tax credits                    6,586       6,933
   Pension and postretirement benefit costs             19,259      21,566
   Other                                                19,043      18,158
                                                      --------------------
       Total deferred credits and other liabilities    169,644     149,513
                                                      --------------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)

               Total Capitalization and Liabilities   $831,619    $771,147
                                                      ====================
<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>












                                 27
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
(Thousands of Dollars)
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30                                              1999        1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>
Common Stock Equity (Note 4):
  Common stock, par value $1 per share:
    Authorized - 1999 and 1998, 50,000,000 shares
    Issued - 1999, 20,743,625 shares;
             1998, 19,493,625 shares                  $ 20,744    $ 19,494
  Paid-in capital                                       85,826      62,966
  Retained earnings, per statements                    199,848     198,342
  Accumulated other comprehensive income
  (Minimum pension liability adjustment)                   (77)          -
  Treasury stock, at cost - 1999 and 1998,
    1,865,638 shares                                   (24,017)    (24,017)
                                                      --------------------
                          Total common stock equity    282,324     256,785
                                                      --------------------

Redeemable Preferred Stock,
  par value $25 per share (1,480,000 shares
  authorized) issued and outstanding (Note 5):
    5% Series B - 1999, 71,820 shares; 1998, 71,890
       shares                                            1,760       1,797
    4.56% Series C - 1999 and 1998, 6,510 shares           163         163
                                                      --------------------
                   Total redeemable preferred stock      1,923       1,960
                                                      --------------------
Long-Term Debt (Note 6):
  First mortgage bonds:
    6-1/4% Series, due May 1, 2003                      25,000      25,000
    8-1/2% Series, due November 15, 2004                25,000      25,000
    8-5/8% Series, due May 15, 2006                     40,000      40,000
    7-1/2% Series, due November 1, 2007                 40,000      40,000
    6-1/2% Series, due November 15, 2010                25,000      25,000
    6-1/2% Series, due October 15, 2012                 25,000      25,000
    7 % Series, due June 1, 2029                        25,000           -
                                                      --------------------
                                              Total    205,000     180,000
  Unamortized discount, net of premium,
    on long-term debt                                     (677)       (762)
                                                      --------------------
                               Total long-term debt    204,323     179,238
                                                      --------------------
                                              Total   $488,570    $437,983
                                                      ====================
<FN>
Long-term debt and preferred stock amounts are exclusive of current
obligations.

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>





                                 28
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Thousands of Dollars)
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended September 30                       1999        1998       1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>        <C>
Operating Activities:
 Net Income                                 $26,062     $27,892    $32,466
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
 net cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization              21,592      25,403     25,923
  Deferred income taxes and investment
   tax credits                               14,486       8,891      8,681
  Other - net                                   911        (675)      (635)
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
   Accounts receivable - net                  4,027       1,877     (2,354)
   Unamortized purchased gas adjustments     (6,859)      2,793    (13,722)
   Deferred purchased gas costs                 (67)     (3,863)       394
   Accounts payable                          11,024      (8,936)     8,991
   Refunds due customers                     (6,164)      6,858       (517)
   Taxes accrued                             (2,886)      1,842     (3,364)
   Natural gas stored underground            (9,139)      1,894      1,902
   Other assets and liabilities              (9,922)    (15,087)    (3,635)
                                            ------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities    43,065      48,889     54,130
                                            ------------------------------
Investing Activities:
 Construction expenditures                  (48,698)    (47,252)   (42,842)
 Employee benefit trusts                       (997)     (2,560)    (3,094)
 Investments - non-utility                    2,215      (2,571)    (2,228)
 Other                                       (1,211)       (413)     2,529
                                            ------------------------------
    Net cash used in investing activities   (48,691)    (52,796)   (45,635)
                                            ------------------------------
Financing Activities:
 Issuance of first mortgage bonds            25,000      25,000          -
 Issuance of short-term debt - net          (13,800)     24,500     14,400
 Issuance of common stock                    24,110       1,832          -
 Dividends paid                             (24,048)    (23,215)   (22,747)
 Redemption of first mortgage bonds               -     (25,000)         -
 Redemption of preferred stock                   (2)          -          -
                                            ------------------------------
           Net cash provided by (used in)
              financing activities           11,260       3,117     (8,347)
                                            ------------------------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and
  Cash Equivalents                            5,634        (790)       148
Cash and Cash Equivalents at
 Beginning of Year                            3,718       4,508      4,360
                                            ------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year    $ 9,352     $ 3,718    $ 4,508
                                            ==============================
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid
 During the Year for:
  Interest                                  $19,003     $20,005    $18,087
  Income taxes                                4,768       4,110     13,966
<FN>
See the accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
                                 29
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INCOME TAXES (Note 8)
(Thousands of Dollars)
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended September 30                       1999       1998       1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>       <C>
Included in Statements of
 Consolidated Income:
    Federal
      Current                               $   310    $ 5,514    $ 8,282
      Deferred                               12,291      7,777      7,583
      Investment tax credit
         adjustments - net                     (347)      (347)      (389)
    State and local
      Current                                  (435)     1,036      1,391
      Deferred                                2,542      1,461      1,487
                                            -----------------------------
                                  Total      14,361     15,441     18,354
                                            =============================
<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>

































                                 30
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
SCHEDULE OF INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited) (Note 11)
(Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended                  Dec. 31   March 31   June 30  Sept. 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Total Operating Revenues           $153,512   $211,932   $70,398   $55,746
Operating Income                     18,613     38,008     3,742     1,126
Net Income (Loss)                     9,707     20,138       171    (3,954)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 of Common Stock
 (after preferred dividends)          $ .55      $1.14     $ .01     $(.21)


<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended                  Dec. 31   March 31   June 30  Sept. 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Total Operating Revenues           $203,851   $218,452   $80,268   $59,416
Operating Income                     26,793     34,705     2,645      (679)
Net Income (Loss)                    13,633     18,370      (906)   (3,205)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 of Common Stock
 (after preferred dividends)          $ .78      $1.04     $(.05)    $(.18)

<FN>

See the accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>























                                    31
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Basis of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of the Laclede Gas Company and its subsidiary companies
(Company).  All subsidiaries are wholly owned and material intercompany
transactions have been eliminated.

     Nature of Operations - Laclede Gas Company is a public utility engaged
in the retail distribution of natural gas.  The Company serves an area in
eastern Missouri, with a population of approximately 2.0 million, including
the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and parts of eight other counties.
As an adjunct to its gas distribution business, the Company operates
underground natural gas storage fields and is engaged in the transportation
and storage of liquid propane.  The Company has also made investments in
some non-utility businesses as part of a diversification program.

     Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from
those estimates.

     System of Accounts - The accounts of the Company are maintained in
accordance with the uniform system of accounts prescribed by the Missouri
Public Service Commission (MoPSC), which system substantially conforms to
that prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

     Utility Plant, Depreciation and Amortization - Utility plant is stated
at original cost.  The cost of additions to utility plant includes
contracted work, direct labor and materials, allocable overheads, and an
allowance for funds used during construction.  The costs of units of
property retired, replaced, or renewed are removed from utility plant and
such costs, plus removal costs, less salvage are charged to accumulated
depreciation.  Maintenance and repairs of property and replacement and
renewal of items determined to be less than units of property are charged to
maintenance expenses.
     Utility plant (excluding insignificant exploration and development
property held during 1997) is depreciated on the straight-line basis at
rates based on estimated service lives of the various classes of property.
Annual depreciation in 1999, 1998 and 1997 averaged approximately 2.6%, 3.1%
and 3.4%, respectively, of the original cost of depreciable property.  In
the Company's 1998 rate case, the MoPSC approved a settlement agreement
which authorized a decrease in depreciation rates for the Company which was
instituted July 1, 1998.

     Regulated Operations - The Company accounts for its regulated
operations in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation".
This statement sets forth the application of generally accepted accounting
principles for those companies whose rates are established by or are subject
to approval by an independent third-party regulator.  The provisions of SFAS
No. 71 require, among other things, that financial statements of a regulated
enterprise reflect the actions of regulators, where appropriate.  These
actions may result in the recognition of revenues and expenses in time
periods that are different than non-regulated enterprises. When this occurs,
costs are deferred as assets in the balance sheet (regulatory assets) and
recorded as expenses when those amounts are reflected in rates.  Also,
regulators can impose liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts
                                 32
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
previously collected from customers and for recovery of costs that are
expected to be incurred in the future (regulatory liabilities).
<TABLE>
     The following regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities were
reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                             1999            1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>
Regulatory Assets:
Future income taxes due from customers          $42,339         $33,810
Pension and postretirement benefit costs          7,559           4,931
Purchased gas costs                               3,092           3,025
Other                                             5,609           3,609
                                                -----------------------
Total Regulatory Assets                         $58,599         $45,375
                                                =======================

Regulatory Liabilities:
Unamortized investment tax credits              $ 6,586         $ 6,933
Unamortized purchased gas adjustments             8,956          15,815
Other                                               260           1,025
                                                -----------------------
Total Regulatory Liabilities                    $15,802         $23,773
                                                =======================
</TABLE>
     On January 26, 1999, the Company filed a request with the MoPSC for
a general rate increase.  The parties reached a settlement on some of the
issues prior to and during hearings before the Commission.  The partial
settlement, if approved by the Commission, provides, among other things,
that the Company shall discontinue deferring certain costs for future
recovery, and provides for previously deferred amounts to be put into rates
(without return on investment) when new rates are implemented.  Previously
deferred costs of $10,529,000 will be amortized over a fifteen-year period,
and $2,064,000 will be amortized over a ten-year period.  Under Missouri
law, the Commission must rule on the remaining issues and implement new
rates no later than December 26, 1999.

     Gas Stored Underground - Inventory of gas in storage is priced on a
last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis.  The replacement cost of gas stored
underground for current use was $15,450,000 more than the LIFO cost at
September 30, 1999 and $10,847,000 less than the LIFO cost at September 30,
1998.  The inventory carrying value has not been adjusted to market prices
because, pursuant to the Company's Purchased Gas Adjustment Clause, actual
gas costs are recovered in customer rates.

     Operating Revenues - The Company records revenues from gas sales and
transportation service on the accrual basis which includes estimated amounts
for gas delivered, where applicable, but not yet billed.

     Purchased Gas Adjustments and Deferred Account - Pursuant to the
provisions of the Company's Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) Clause, increases
and decreases in gas costs are passed on to its customers.  The Company
makes two scheduled PGA filings each year, one for the winter period and one
for the summer.  In addition, the Company may make one unscheduled
adjustment during the winter if significant, unforeseen increases or
decreases in gas costs occur.
     The provisions of the PGA Clause also include the operation of the Gas
Supply Incentive Plan, which expired September 30, 1999 and the modified Gas
Supply Incentive Plan, which became effective October 1, 1999.  These plans
allow for the Company to record income as part of a sharing mechanism
related to off system sales and gas supply acquisition, with certain amounts
                                33
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
being passed on to customers.  See Note 3 for more information on the
operation of these plans.
      The MoPSC authorized the Company to purchase financial instruments for
the fiscal 1998 and 1999 heating seasons to protect the Company and its
customers from any unusually large winter period gas price increases.  The
costs of purchasing these instruments and any financial gains derived from
such activities were passed on to the Company's customers through the
operation of its PGA Clause.  Accordingly, there was no earnings impact as a
result of the use of these financial instruments.  In July 1999, the MoPSC
approved modifications to the PGA Clause with respect to the purchase of
financial instruments for the next three heating seasons.  Under the new
provisions, Laclede will continue to provide significant price protection
for the Company and its customers above a predetermined level, but it will
now have the opportunity to share in any gains and cost reductions realized
under the program.  These modifications had no effect on fiscal 1999
earnings.
     Pursuant to the provisions of the PGA Clause, the difference between
actual costs incurred and costs recovered through the application of the
PGA, amounts due to or from customers related to the operation of the
Incentive Plan, and amounts related to the use of financial instruments are
reflected as a deferred charge or credit until September 30, at which time
the balance is classified as a current asset or liability and is recovered
from or credited to customers over an annual period commencing in November.
The balance in the current account is amortized as amounts are reflected in
customer billings.

     Income Taxes - The Company has elected, for tax purposes only, various
accelerated depreciation provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.  In
addition, certain other costs are expensed currently for tax purposes while
being deferred for book purposes.  The provision for current income taxes
reflects the tax treatment of these items.  The Company records deferred tax
liabilities and assets measured by enacted tax rates for the net tax effect
of all temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes, and the amounts used for
income tax purposes.  Changes in enacted tax rates, if any, will be
reflected by entries to regulatory asset or liability accounts.
Investment tax credits utilized prior to 1986 have been deferred and are
being amortized in accordance with regulatory treatment over the useful life
of the related property.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents - For the purpose of the statements of cash
flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased to
be cash equivalents.  Such instruments are carried at cost, which
approximates market value.

     Reclassification - Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified
to conform to current-period presentation.  These reclassifications did not
affect consolidated net income for the periods presented.

     Accounting Changes - The Company has adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income".  SFAS
No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements.  Comprehensive income includes net income plus items under
existing accounting standards that are reported as changes in stockholders'
equity.  The Company's comprehensive income includes net income and minimum
pension liability adjustments. Comprehensive income is presented in the
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and accumulated
comprehensive income is presented in the Statements of Consolidated
Capitalization.

                                 34
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     The Company also adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information".  SFAS No. 131 establishes standards
for the way that a public business enterprise reports information about
operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those
enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim
financial reports.  The adoption of this statement did not impact the
Company's financial position or results of operations, but did require
disclosure of segment information as provided in Note 11 on page 44.
     The adoption of SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits" did not affect the Company's financial
position or results of operations, but did require changes in the disclosure
of pension and other postretirement benefits information and required
additional information on changes in benefit obligations and fair values of
plan assets.  See Note 2 on page 35.
     The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement
of Position (SOP) No. 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use".  SOP 98-1 provides guidance on
accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for
internal use, including criteria for capitalization of certain costs.  It is
effective in fiscal 2000.  Based on current circumstances, the Company does
not expect its adoption to have a material effect on its financial position
or results of operations.
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities".  SFAS No. 133 would have been effective
in fiscal 2000, however, its effective date has been delayed until fiscal
2001 as a result of the issuance of SFAS No. 137.  SFAS No. 133 provides
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging
activities.  Management is presently evaluating the impact that adoption of
SFAS No. 133 will have on the Company's financial position and results of
operations.
      The Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF 98-10, "Accounting
for Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities", to be effective in
fiscal 2000.  EITF 98-10 requires that energy contracts associated with
trading activities be recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, with the
changes in fair value included in earnings.  Management is presently
evaluating the impact that adoption of EITF 98-10 will have on the Company's
financial position and results of operations.

2.  Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

     The Company has non-contributory defined benefit, trusteed forms of
pension plans covering substantially all employees over the age of twenty-
one.  Benefits are based on years of service and the employee's compensation
during the last three years of employment.  The Company's funding policy is
to contribute an amount not less than the minimum required by government
funding standards, nor more than the maximum deductible amount for federal
income tax purposes.  Plan assets consist primarily of equities and
corporate and U.S. government obligations.
     In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and other Postretirement
Benefits".  This statement revises employers' disclosures about pension and
other postretirement benefit plans and requires additional information on
changes in the benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets.
Restatement of disclosures for earlier periods provided for comparative
purposes is required.
     Pension costs in 1999, 1998 and 1997 amounted to $(10,653,000),
$(3,345,000) and $(3,091,000), respectively, including amounts charged to
construction.

                                 35
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
     The net periodic pension costs (credits) include the following
components:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                       1999        1998         1997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Service cost - benefits earned
   during the period                      $  9,909    $  8,866    $  7,757
Interest cost on projected
   benefit obligation                       14,355      14,327      13,510
Expected return on plan assets             (25,689)    (21,100)    (18,910)
Amortization of transition obligation         (760)       (826)       (877)
Amortization of prior service cost           1,082       1,143       1,004
Amortization of actuarial gain              (8,975)     (4,994)     (4,926)
Regulatory adjustment                         (575)       (761)       (649)
                                          --------------------------------
Net pension cost (credit)                 $(10,653)   $ (3,345)   $ (3,091)
                                          ================================
</TABLE>
     The MoPSC ordered in the 1998 general rate case, effective October 27,
1998, certain pension costs to be recovered on a payment basis up to a
$314,000 allowance, with the difference between actual payments and the
allowance to be deferred.  The allowance was previously $313,000 effective
September 1, 1996. Amounts deferred pursuant to the September 1, 1996 and
October 27, 1998 allowances were considered for recovery in Laclede's
current general rate case proceeding.  Such deferrals terminated July 31,
1999.  Previously deferred costs will be put into rates (without return on
investment) and amortized over a fifteen-year period, upon approval by the
Commission no later than December 26, 1999.  The MoPSC also ordered in the
1998 rate case that, beginning July 1, 1998, the return on plan assets be
based on the market value of plan assets.  Previously, such calculations
were based on a market-related value of plan assets, which method recognized
certain gains and losses in assets over a three-year period.  Also beginning
July 1, 1998, the unrecognized net gain or loss balances subject to
amortization are based upon the most recent five-year average of the
unrecognized gain or loss balance.  Such methodology was implemented
prospectively.  In fiscal 1997, net gains and losses subject to amortization
were amortized over a five-year period, as ordered by the MoPSC.  Other
variances in net pension costs are primarily attributable to actuarial and
investment experience.
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances of the pension benefit obligation at September 30:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                                   1999         1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
Benefit obligation at beginning of year              $237,938     $201,030
Service cost                                            9,909        8,866
Interest cost                                          14,355       14,327
Actuarial (gain)/loss                                 (26,932)      41,297
Settlements                                           (20,929)     (18,144)
Gross benefits paid                                    (9,167)      (9,438)
                                                     ---------------------
Benefit obligation at end of year                    $205,174     $237,938
                                                     =====================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances of the fair value of plan assets recognized in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets at September.
                                 36
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                                   1999         1998
                                                     ---------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>
Fair value of plan assets at
   beginning of year                                 $309,288     $272,299
Actual return on plan assets                           22,428       60,405
Employer contributions                                  8,538        4,166
Settlements                                           (20,929)     (18,144)
Gross benefits paid                                    (9,167)      (9,438)
                                                     ---------------------
Fair value of plan assets at
   end of year                                        310,158      309,288
                                                     ---------------------
Funded status at end of year                          104,984       71,350
Unrecognized net actuarial gain                       (44,925)     (31,701)
Unrecognized prior service cost                        13,810       14,892
Unrecognized net transition asset                      (2,377)      (3,307)
Fourth quarter contribution adjustment                     56           56
                                                     ---------------------
Net amount recognized at end of year                   71,548       51,290
                                                     ---------------------
Amounts recognized in the consolidated
   balance sheets consist of:
Prepaid pension cost                                   80,994       62,027
Accrued benefit liability                              (9,895)     (12,766)
Intangible asset                                          324        2,029
Accumulated other comprehensive income                    125            -
                                                     ---------------------
Net amount recognized at end of year                 $ 71,548     $ 51,290
                                                     =====================
</TABLE>
     The projected benefit obligation, which is based on a June 30
measurement date, was determined using a weighted-average discount rate of
7.5% for 1999 and 6.75% for 1998, and a weighted-average rate of future
compensation of 4.25% for 1999 and 4.0% for 1998. The effect of the above
changes in pension assumptions was to decrease the projected benefit
obligation by approximately $32 million. The expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets was 8.50% for 1999 and 8.25% for 1998.
     The aggregate projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan
assets for plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were
$56,881,000 and $39,163,000, respectively, for fiscal 1999 and $69,507,000
and $43,118,000, respectively, for fiscal 1998.  The aggregate accumulated
benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated
benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $3,944,000 and $0,
respectively, for fiscal 1999, and $54,044,000 and $43,118,000,
respectively, for fiscal 1998.
     Pursuant to the provisions of the Company's pension plans, pension
obligations may be settled by lump-sum cash payments.  Settlements in 1999,
1998 and 1997 resulted in pre-tax gains of approximately $1,641,000,
$3,771,000 and $2,490,000, respectively.
     The cost of the Company's defined contribution plans, which cover
substantially all employees, amounted to $2,480,000, $2,304,000 and
$2,103,000 for the years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
     The Company also provides certain life insurance benefits at
retirement.  Medical insurance is available after early retirement until age
65.
     State law provides for the recovery in rates of SFAS No. 106,
"Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
(OPEB), accrued costs provided that such costs are funded through an
independent, external funding mechanism.  The Company established Voluntary
Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Rabbi trusts as its external
                                 37 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
funding mechanisms.  VEBA and Rabbi trusts assets consist primarily of money
market securities.  The unrecognized transition obligation is being
amortized over 20 years.
     Postretirement benefit costs in 1999, 1998 and 1997 amounted to
approximately $3,856,000, $4,265,000 and $4,265,000, respectively, including
amounts charged to construction.
<TABLE>
     Net periodic postretirement benefit costs consisted of the following
components:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                         1999        1998        1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>
Service cost - benefits earned
  during the period                          $1,959      $1,354      $1,463
Interest cost on accumulated
  postretirement benefit
  obligation                                  2,478       2,327       2,469
Expected return on plan assets                 (431)       (337)       (295)
Amortization of transition
  obligation                                  1,267       1,267       1,267
Amortization of prior service cost              365         365         365
Amortization of actuarial (gain)/loss            52      (1,151)     (1,052)
Regulatory adjustment                        (1,834)        440          48
                                             ------------------------------
Net postretirement benefit cost              $3,856      $4,265      $4,265
                                             ==============================
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
      The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the beginning
and ending balances of the postretirement benefit obligation at September
30:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                                   1999         1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Benefit obligation at beginning of year               $36,813      $33,230
Service cost                                            1,959        1,354
Interest cost                                           2,478        2,327
Actuarial (gain)/loss                                  (1,986)       3,285
Gross benefits paid                                    (3,421)      (3,383)
                                                      --------------------
Benefit obligation at end of year                     $35,843      $36,813
                                                      ====================

</TABLE>
















                                 38
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
     The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the beginning and
ending balances of the fair value of plan assets recognized in the Company's
consolidated balance sheets at September 30:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                                   1999         1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Fair value of plan assets at
   beginning of year                                  $ 4,305      $ 4,061
Actual return on plan assets                              211          233
Employer contributions                                  5,127        3,394
Gross benefits paid                                    (3,421)      (3,383)
                                                      --------------------
Fair value of plan assets at
   end of year                                          6,222        4,305
                                                      --------------------

Funded status at end of year                          (29,620)     (32,508)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain)/loss                 (1,026)         793
Unrecognized prior service cost                         3,569        3,935
Unrecognized net transition asset                      17,713       18,980
                                                      --------------------
Net amount recognized at end of year
   as postretirement benefit cost                     $(9,364)     $(8,800)
                                                      ====================
</TABLE>
     The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 5% for 1999 and future
years.  A one-percentage-point increase or (decrease) in the assumed health
care cost trend rate for each future year would have increased or
(decreased) the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of the
1999 net periodic postretirement benefit cost by approximately $260,000 or
$(250,000) and would have increased or (decreased) the postretirement
benefit obligation by $1,270,000 or $(1,220,000). The accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was determined using a weighted-average
discount rate of 7.50% for 1999 and 6.75% for 1998, and a
weighted-average rate of future compensation of 4.25% for 1999 and 4.0% for
1998. These changes in assumptions decreased the postretirement benefit
obligation by approximately $ 2 million.  The weighted-average rate for the
expected return on medical plan assets was 7.75% for both 1999 and 1998 and
the weighted-average rate for the expected return on life insurance plan
assets was 8.5% for both 1999 and 1998.
     The 1998 rate case settlement provided for the deferral, net of any
applicable tax effects, of the difference between the costs funded by the
Company and a $3,825,000 allowance of annualized OPEB costs included in
rates effective October 27, 1998.  The allowance was previously $4,265,000
effective September 1, 1996.  Amounts deferred were considered for future
rate recovery in the current general rate case proceeding.  Pending approval
by the Commission, deferrals ceased September 30, 1999 and previously
deferred amounts will be put into rates (without return on investment) no
later than December 26, 1999, and amortized over a fifteen-year period.

3.  Incentive Plan

     The Company's Gas Supply Incentive Plan became effective October 1,
1996 for a three-year period ending September 30, 1999 as part of a
settlement reached in the Company's 1996 rate case.  This plan continued to
provide significant benefits for both the Company's shareholders and
customers.  Under this plan, the Company and its customers shared as
follows:
    -   sales of gas outside of the Company's traditional service area, of
                                 39
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
        which 70% of the income was allocated to Laclede's customers and the
        balance to the Company's shareholders
    -   releases of pipeline capacity, of which 70% to 90% of the revenues
        were allocated to Laclede's customers and the balance was allocated
        to its shareholders
    -   savings from discounts off of maximum pipeline transportation rates,
        of which 80% to 90% of the savings was allocated to Laclede's
        customers and the balance to its shareholders, and
    -   gains and losses as measured against a benchmark level of gas cost,
        of which the Company was allocated 50%.
     The incentive plan revenues are included in the utility operating
revenues line in the Company's financial statements.  Expenses related to
the incentive plan are included in the natural and propane gas expense line
in the financial statements.  Results of the Plan are set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                         1999        1998        1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net Benefits to Customers
      and Shareholders                      $28,362     $31,028     $35,021
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholder Benefits
Incentive Plan Revenues                     $16,217     $29,851     $34,288
Incentive Plan Gas Expense                   10,806      23,482      26,886
                                            -------------------------------
Company Share - Pretax Income               $ 5,411     $ 6,369     $ 7,402
                                            ===============================
</TABLE>
     On September 9, 1999, the MoPSC approved the implementation of a
modified Gas Supply Incentive Plan to be in effect for one year beginning
October 1, 1999 extending through September 30, 2000.  The new plan no
longer includes, and the Company generally retains, all income generated
from sales of gas outside of its traditional service area.  Under this new
Plan, the Company will continue to share in benefits from:
    -   releases of pipeline capacity, of which 70% to 90% of the revenues
        are allocated to Laclede's customers and the balance is allocated to
        its shareholders
    -   savings from discounts off of maximum pipeline transportation rates,
        of which the excess over a predetermined baseline of $13 million is
        allocated 70% to Laclede's customers and the balance to its
        shareholders
    -   gains and losses as measured against a benchmark level of gas cost,
        of which 10% to 50% is allocated to the shareholders depending on
        the change from a predetermined price, and
    -   increases or decreases related to changes in the mix of pipeline
        services, of which a portion is allocated to shareholders.
     While previous results of the Incentive Plan may not be representative
of fiscal 2000 results due to plan changes and the volatile and seasonal
nature of such efforts, the Company believes that both the Company and its
customers will continue to benefit from the recently modified Incentive
Plan.

4.  Common Stock and Paid-in Capital

     During 1999, the Company issued 1,250,000 shares of common stock
through a public offering.  The net proceeds of the offering, after
deducting discount and expenses, were $24.1 million.  The Company issued
70,447 shares of its common stock during fiscal 1998 under its Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan.

                                 40     
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Paid-in capital increased $22,860,000 in 1999 and  $1,761,000 in 1998
due to the sale of common stock in the above-mentioned public offering and
the issuance of common stock under the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock
Purchase Plan.
     Total shares of common stock outstanding were 18,877,987 at September
30, 1999 and 17,627,987 at September 30, 1998.
     On March 14, 1996,the Company declared a dividend of one Common Share
Purchase Right for each outstanding share of common stock as of May 1, 1996,
each of which common share purchase rights gives the Rightholder the right
to purchase one common share for a purchase price of $60, subject to
adjustment.  The rights expire on May 1, 2006, and may be redeemed by the
Company for one cent each at any time before they become exercisable.  The
rights will not be exercisable or transferable apart from the common stock,
until ten days after a person or group acquires or obtains the right to
acquire 20% or more of the common stock, or commences or announces its
intention to commence a tender or exchange offer for 20% or more of the
common stock.  Following the former event, a right will entitle its holder
to purchase, at the purchase price, the number of shares equal to the
purchase price (initially $60 per share) divided by one-half of the market
price.  Alternatively, the Company may exchange each Right for one share of
Company common stock.  A total of 18,877,987 rights were outstanding at
September 30, 1999.

5.  Redeemable Preferred Stock

     The preferred stock, which is non-voting except in certain
circumstances, may be redeemed at the option of the Board of Directors.  The
redemption price is equal to par of $25.00 a share.
     During 1999, 70 shares of 5% Series B preferred stock were reacquired;
in 1998, no shares of preferred stock were reacquired.
     Any default in a sinking fund payment must be cured before the Company
may pay dividends on or acquire any common stock.  Sinking fund requirements
on preferred stock for the five years subsequent to September 30, 1999 are:
2000, $35,500; 2001-2004, $160,000 per year.

6.  Long-Term Debt

     Maturities or sinking fund requirements on long-term debt for the five
years subsequent to September 30, 1999 are as follows:  2000-2002, none;
2003, $25 million; 2004, none.
     On April 8, 1999 the Company received approval from the MoPSC for a
two-year extension, to April 21, 2001, of its previously granted authority
to sell additional first mortgage bonds.  The original authorization was for
$100 million of first mortgage bonds of which $75 million had already been
issued and sold.  In June 1999, the Company issued the remaining $25 million
of first mortgage bonds with an interest rate of 7% and an overall cost to
the Company of 7.04%.  In October 1997, the Company issued $25 million of 6-
1/2% first mortgage bonds at a cost to the Company of 6.675%.  The proceeds
of both issuances were used to reduce outstanding short-term borrowings.
     On May 15, 1998, the Company redeemed, at its first opportunity, $25
million of 9-5/8% first mortgage bonds due May 15, 2013.  The funds for this
redemption were supplied by short-term borrowing agreements.
     Substantially all of the Company's utility plant is subject to the
liens of its mortgage.
     The Company's mortgage contains provisions which restrict retained
earnings from declaration or payment of cash dividends.  As of September 30,
1999, all of the Company's consolidated retained earnings were free from
such restrictions.




                                 41
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
7.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
<TABLE>
     The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's
financial instruments at September 30, 1999 and 1998 are as follows:
<CAPTION>
                                                  Carrying          Fair
(Thousands of Dollars)                              Amount         Value
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999:
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents                       $    9,352    $    9,352
Short-term debt                                     84,700        84,700
Long-term debt                                     204,323       201,659
Redeemable preferred stock                           1,958         1,812
Non-utility financial instruments                      131            86

1998:
<S>                                             <C>           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents                       $    3,718    $    3,718
Short-term debt                                     98,500        98,500
Long-term debt                                     179,238       198,411
Redeemable preferred stock                           1,960         1,624
Non-utility financial instruments                      941           620
</TABLE>
     The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents and short-term debt
approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these investments.  Fair
value of long-term debt and preferred stock is estimated based on market
prices for similar issues.  The fair value of non-utility financial
instruments reflects trading prices at September 30, 1999.

8.  Income Taxes

     Net provisions for income taxes were charged during the years ended
September 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 as shown on the Schedule of Income Taxes.
The effective income tax rate varied from the federal statutory income tax
rate for each year due to the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1999        1998        1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>
Federal income tax statutory rate              35.0%       35.0%       35.0%
State and local income taxes,
   net of federal income tax benefits           3.4         3.7         3.7
Certain expenses capitalized on books
   and deducted on tax return                  (3.2)       (2.0)       (1.6)
Taxes related to prior years                     .5        (1.2)          -
Other items - net                               (.2)         .1        (1.0)
                                               ----------------------------
Effective income tax rate                      35.5%       35.6%       36.1%
                                               ============================
</TABLE>







                                 42
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
     The significant items comprising the Company's net deferred tax
liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30
are as follows:
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                                   1999         1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
Deferred tax assets:
   Reserves not currently deductible                 $ 16,777     $ 14,447
   Deferred gas cost                                    3,679        6,386
   Unamortized investment tax credits                   4,147        4,365
   Other                                                2,339        3,580
                                                     ---------------------
       Total deferred tax assets                       26,942       28,778
                                                     ---------------------

Deferred tax liabilities:
   Relating to utility property                       102,870       93,322
   Pension                                             30,196       23,453
   Other                                                8,416        4,926
                                                     ---------------------
       Total deferred tax liabilities                 141,482      121,701
                                                     ---------------------

Net deferred tax liability                            114,540       92,923
Net deferred tax asset - current                       10,216        9,933
                                                     ---------------------
Net deferred tax liability - non-current             $124,756     $102,856
                                                     =====================
</TABLE>
9.  Notes Payable and Credit Agreements

     In January 1999, the Company renewed three base lines of bank credit
under which it may borrow up to an aggregate of $30 million prior to January
31, 2000, with repayment of any loans outstanding on that date permitted
from April 30, 2000 to June 30, 2000.  The borrowings may be repaid at any
time without penalty. The Company anticipates renewal of these primary lines
totaling $30 million in January 2000.  An additional $10 million line of
credit was renewed through March 31, 1999.  This, along with a previously
obtained $100 million supplemental line of credit which ran through August
31, 1999, and an additional $20 million supplemental line of credit obtained
for the period of December 20, 1998 through March 20, 1999, provided total
lines of credit of $160 million for the majority of the 1998-1999 heating
season.  The Company acquired an additional $20 million base line of credit
for the period September 13, 1999 through September 13, 2000. Under current
bank loan agreements, Laclede may borrow up to $170 million, which includes
the Company's base lines of credit of $50 million, and a $120 million
supplemental line of credit that extends through the fall of 2000.
     Alternatively, the Company has an agreement for the issuance of
commercial paper which is supported by the bank loan lines of credit.
During fiscal year 1999, the Company's short-term borrowing requirements,
which peaked at $142.5 million, were met by the sale of commercial paper.
The Company had $84.7 million in commercial paper outstanding as of
September 30, 1999 at an average interest rate of 5.4%, and $98.5 million
outstanding as of September 30, 1998 at an average interest rate of 5.6%.





                                 43
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
10.  Other Income and Income Deductions - Net
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Thousands of Dollars)                         1999        1998        1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>         <C>
Investment Losses                           $(3,409)     $    -      $    -
Gains on Sale of Property                     2,275           -         514
Allowance on Funds Used For Construction        739         609         367
Other Income                                  1,260       1,202         908
Other Income Deductions                      (1,338)       (672)       (825)
                                            -------------------------------
Other Income and Income Deductions - Net    $  (473)     $1,139       $ 964
                                            ===============================
</TABLE>
     In fiscal 1999, the Company recorded a $3.2 million pre-tax investment
loss.  This non-recurring loss resulted from the Company's minority
participation in Clark Enterprises, an entity comprised of a group of civic-
minded St. Louis firms that owned the St. Louis Blues Hockey team and also
financed and operated the Kiel Center in downtown St. Louis, the sale of
which was negotiated and completed during September 1999.
     A pre-tax gain of $1.9 million was recognized in fiscal 1999 by the
Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Laclede Development Company, on the
November 1998 sale of property known as Centre Park 40.  Laclede Development
owned its interest in Centre Park 40 through a real estate partnership.

11.  Information by Operating Segment

     Laclede Gas Company is a public utility engaged in the retail
distribution of natural gas.  The Company serves an area of eastern
Missouri, with a population of approximately 2.0 million. As an adjunct to
its gas distribution business, Laclede operates underground natural gas
storage fields and stores liquid propane and is engaged in the
transportation of liquid propane through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Laclede Pipeline Company.
     The Company has also made investments in some non-utility businesses as
part of a diversification program, none of which are reportable segments.
These non-regulated operations are conducted through five wholly-owned
subsidiaries which are engaged in gas marketing, the sale of insurance
products through an insurance agency in the State of Missouri, real estate
development, the compression of natural gas, and financial investments in
other enterprises.  These subsidiaries have the same accounting policies as
those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1.
There are no material intersegment revenues.
















                                 44
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      All Other
(Thousands of Dollars)  Gas Utility (Non-Utility) Eliminations Consolidated
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 1999
<S>                        <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>
Operating revenues         $473,710      $17,878    $        -     $491,588
Depreciation & amortization  21,490            -             -       21,490
Interest charges             20,593            -             -       20,593
Income tax expense           13,670          691             -       14,361
Net income                   25,012        1,050             -       26,062
Total assets                824,991       13,774        (7,146)     831,619
Construction expenditures    48,698            7             -       48,705

Fiscal 1998
<S>                        <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>
Operating revenues         $548,192      $13,795    $        -     $561,987
Depreciation & amortization  25,310            -             -       25,310
Interest charges             21,270            -             -       21,270
Income tax expense           15,019          422             -       15,441
Net income                   27,201          691             -       27,892
Total assets                768,023       10,298        (7,174)     771,147
Construction expenditures    47,254          185             -       47,439

Fiscal 1997
<S>                        <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>
Operating revenues         $607,236      $ 8,494    $        -     $615,730
Depreciation & amortization  25,890            -             -       25,890
Interest charges             19,088            -             -       19,088
Income tax expense           17,918          436             -       18,354
Net income                   31,858          608             -       32,466
Total assets                718,460        9,016        (6,766)     720,710
Construction expenditures    42,842        1,264             -       44,106
</TABLE>
12.  Commitments and Contingencies

     The Company estimates fiscal year 2000 utility construction
expenditures at $43 million.  The lease agreement covering the Company's
general office space extends through February 2005 with options to renew for
up to 15 additional years. The aggregate rental expense for fiscal years
1999, 1998 and 1997 was $812,000, $803,000 and $794,000, respectively.  The
annual minimum rental payments for fiscal year 2000 is anticipated to be
$821,000 with a maximum annual rent escalation of $8,800 per year for each
year through fiscal 2005.  The Company has other rental arrangements that
provide for minimum rental payments that are relatively minor.  The Company
has entered into various contracts, which in the aggregate require it to pay
approximately $72 million on an annual basis, at present rate levels, for
the reservation of gas supplies and pipeline transmission and storage
capacity.  These costs are recovered from customers in accordance with the
Purchased Gas Adjustment Clause of the Company's tariff.  The contracts have
various expiration dates ranging from 2000 to 2001.
     A consolidated subsidiary is a general partner in an unconsolidated
partnership, which invests in real estate partnerships.  The subsidiary and
third parties are jointly and severally liable for the payment of mortgage
loans in the aggregate outstanding amount of approximately $2.2 million
incurred in connection with various real estate ventures.  The Company has
no reason to believe that the other principal liable parties will not be
able to meet their proportionate share of these obligations.  The Company
further believes that the asset values of the real estate properties are
sufficient to support these mortgage loans.

                                 45
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     Laclede Pipeline Company, Laclede Gas Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary, owns and operates a propane pipeline that connects Laclede Gas
Company's propane storage facilities in St. Louis County, Missouri, to
propane supply terminal facilities located at Wood River and Cahokia,
Illinois.  In June 1999, Laclede Pipeline Company purchased from Phillips
Pipe Line Company for approximately $1.4 million a section of existing
propane pipeline, which completed Laclede Gas Company's ownership of all
facets of its propane peak shaving assets and allowing greater access to
supply markets.  Laclede Gas Company vaporizes the propane to supplement its
natural gas supply and meet the peak demands on the distribution system.
Laclede Pipeline Company's previous contract arrangement with Phillips
Petroleum Company, to provide transportation of propane on an annual basis
and which expired on March 31, 1999, is no longer needed.
     In September 1997, the staff of the MoPSC recommended that Laclede
refund $3.6 million to its ratepayers in connection with its sale of gas
outside of Missouri during fiscal 1996, prior to the approval of the
incentive plan. On April 20, 1999 the MoPSC issued its order rejecting the
proposal of its staff.  This order became effective April 30, 1999, and this
matter is now closed.
     In October 1999, the staff of the MoPSC recommended that the Company
credit ratepayers with $2.5 million of pre-tax income the Company had
realized in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998 in connection with its treatment of
a gas supply contract under the operation of the Company's Gas Supply
Incentive Plan.  The Company, which has recently filed a response in
opposition to the staff's recommendation, believes that there is no basis
for such recommendation and is confident that the Company will ultimately
prevail on the merits.
     The Company is subject to various environmental laws and regulations.
To date they have not materially affected the Company's financial position
and results of operations.
     In the past, the Company operated various manufactured gas plants which
produced certain by-products and residuals.  At the request of the United
States Environmental Protection Agency, Laclede performed an investigation
of one of the Company's former manufactured gas plant sites located in
Shrewsbury, Missouri.  Subsequently, the Company and the state and federal
environmental regulatory agencies agreed upon the actions needed at this
site.  The Company currently estimates the overall costs of these actions
will be approximately $1,135,000.  As of September 30, 1999, the Company has
paid $646,000 and reserved $489,000 for these actions. If the regulatory
agencies require any additional actions, Laclede will incur additional
costs.
     The Company also applied to place the site of a different former
manufactured gas plant in the City of St. Louis, Missouri in the Missouri
Voluntary Cleanup Program.  Laclede ceased its operations at and sold this
site in 1950.  Subsequent owners of this site used it as a coke
manufacturing facility.  The Missouri Department of Natural Resources
accepted the Company's application.  Acceptance provides opportunities to
minimize costs of remediation and maximize possibilities of site
development.  Laclede submitted a site investigation plan to the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources on November 16, 1998, which investigation is
now complete.  Laclede sent its report on the investigation to the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources.  Laclede currently estimates that the cost
of the investigation, oversight costs and legal and engineering consulting
costs for this site may be approximately $534,000.  Currently, the Company
has paid $346,000 and reserved an additional $188,000.   The Company has
requested that other former site owners and operators participate in the
cost of any site investigation.  One former owner and operator, who is
currently in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding, agreed to participate in
these costs, and the agreement received the bankruptcy court's approval.
The Company plans to seek proportionate reimbursement of all costs relative
to this site from any other potentially responsible parties if practicable.

                                 46
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
     While the scope or costs relative to the site in Shrewsbury will not be
material, the scope or costs relative to the City of St. Louis site are
unknown and may be material.  The Company has notified its insurers that it
intends to seek reimbursement from them of its costs at both these sites.
None of the Company's insurers has agreed that its insurance covers the
costs for which the Company intends to seek reimbursement.  The majority of
the insurers have sent Laclede letters reserving their rights with respect
to the manufactured gas plant issues addressed in the Company's notices to
them.  While some of the insurers have denied coverage with respect to these
issues, the Company continues to seek reimbursement from them.  With regard
to the Shrewsbury site, the denial of coverage will not have any material
impact on the Company.  With regard to the City of St. Louis site, since the
scope or costs relative to this site are unknown and may be material, the
denial of coverage may have a material impact on the Company.
     In the Company's 1998 rate case, the MoPSC approved the Company's
continued use of a cost deferral mechanism for these costs.  Through this,
the Company applied for appropriate rate recovery of these costs in its
current rate case.  Deferral of such costs terminated July 31, 1999, and any
subsequent costs will be charged to expense.  Previously deferred costs will
be put into rates (without return on investment) and amortized over a
fifteen-year period, upon  the Commission's approval of the partial
settlement of the Company's current rate case, no later than December 26,
1999.
     On October 30, 1998, the MoPSC issued an order opening a docket
addressing the adequacy of Laclede's copper service line replacement
program.  The staff filed its report on August 31, 1999 containing a
modified replacement schedule for such service lines.  In response, the
Company proposed an alternative program based upon the evaluation of recent
survey data.  After appropriate review of the matter, the Commission is
expected to issue its order on the matter sometime next year. Laclede is
unable to predict at this time what action the MoPSC may take.  The Company
currently faces two lawsuits and one claim relative to direct buried copper
service lines.
     Superior Oil Company and Union Pacific Railroad Company dismissed,
without prejudice, their action against Laclede Gas Company seeking
contribution under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980 for costs incurred and to be incurred in
remediating a site for St. Louis.
     The Company is involved in litigation, claims, and investigations
arising in the normal course of business.  While the results of such
litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, management, after discussion
with counsel, believes the final outcome will not have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial position and results of operations
reflected in the financial statements presented herein.

13.  Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)

     In the opinion of the Company, the quarterly information presented in
the Schedule of Interim Financial Information for fiscal years 1999 and 1998
includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments
necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for such
periods.  Variations in operations reported on a quarterly basis reflect the
seasonal nature of the Company's business.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

There have been no disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure with
the Company's outside auditors which are required to be disclosed.




                                    47
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                 Part III


Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information concerning directors required by this item is set forth on
pages 3 through 6 in the Company's proxy statement dated December 16, 1999
and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information concerning executive officers required by this item is
reported in Part I of this Form 10-K.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is set forth on pages 8 through 15 in
the Company's proxy statement dated December 16, 1999 and is incorporated
herein by reference but the information under the captions "Compensation
Committee Report Regarding Executive Compensation" and "Performance Graph"
on pages 12 through 14 of such proxy statement is expressly NOT incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Information required by this item is set forth on page 7 in the Company's
proxy statement dated December 16, 1999 and is incorporated herein by
reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

There were no transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to this item.





























                                 48
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                                  Part IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
         Form 8-K

(a) 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements:                  1999 10-K Page

         For Years Ended September 30, 1999, 1998, and 1997:
           Statements of Consolidated Income                       24
           Statements of Consolidated Retained Earnings            25
           Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income         25
           Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows                   29
           Schedule of Income Taxes                                30
         As of September 30, 1999 & 1998:
           Consolidated Balance Sheets                          26-27
           Statements of Consolidated Capitalization               28
         For Years Ended 1999 & 1998:
           Schedule of Interim Financial Information               31
         Notes to Financial Statements                          32-47
         Independent Auditors' Report                              22
         Management Report                                         23

    2.   Supplemental Schedules

         II - Reserves                                             53

         Schedules not included have been omitted because they are not
         applicable or the required data has been included in the financial
         statements or notes to financial statements.

    3.   Exhibits

         Incorporated herein by reference to Index to Exhibits, page 54.

Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements listed in the
Index to Exhibits required to be filed as exhibits to this form pursuant to
Item 14(c) of this report:

Exhibit No.   Description

10.01     -   Incentive Compensation Plan of the Company, as
              amended.
10.01a    -   Amendment adopted by the Board of Directors on
              July 26, 1990 to the Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.01b    -   Amendments adopted by the Board of Directors on
              August 23, 1990 to the Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.01c    -   Amendments to Laclede Gas Company Incentive
              Compensation Plan, effective January 26, 1995.
10.02     -   Senior Officers' Life Insurance Program of the
              Company, as amended.
10.02a    -   Certified copy of resolutions of the Company's
              Board of Directors adopted on June 27, 1991
              amending the Senior Officers' Life Insurance Program.
10.02b    -   Certified copy of resolutions of the Company's
              Board of Directors adopted on January 28, 1993
              amending the Senior Officers' Life Insurance Program.
10.03     -   Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede Gas Company -
              Management Employees, effective as of July 1, 1990,
              as amended.


                                    49
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
10.03a    -   Amendment to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees adopted
              by the Board of Directors on September 27, 1990.
10.03b    -   Amendments dated December 12, 1990 to the Employees'
              Retirement Plan of Laclede Gas Company - Management
              Employees.
10.03c    -   Amendment to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees dated
              January 10, 1994.
10.03d    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees dated
              July 29, 1994.
10.03e    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees dated
              February 21, 1995.
10.03f    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees dated
              March 7, 1995.
10.03g    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees dated
              September 11, 1995.
10.03h    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees dated
              August 14, 1996.
10.03i    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees adopted
              December 19, 1996.
10.03j    -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of
              Laclede Gas Company - Management Employees adopted
              February 7, 1997.
10.04     -   Laclede Gas Company Supplemental Retirement Benefit
              Plan, as amended and restated effective July 25,
              1991.
10.05     -   Laclede Gas Company Salary Deferral Savings Plan,
              as amended through February 27, 1992.
10.05a    -   Amendment to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings
              Plan, effective January 31, 1992, adopted by the
              Board of Directors on August 27, 1992.
10.05b    -   Amendment to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings
              Plan dated January 10, 1994.
10.05c    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan, dated July 29, 1994.
10.05d    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan effective August 1, 1994 adopted by
              the Board of Directors on August 25, 1994.
10.05e    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan dated September 27, 1994.
10.05f    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan dated February 21, 1995.
10.05g    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan dated March 7, 1995.
10.05h    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan dated June 26, 1995.
10.05i    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan dated August 3, 1995.
10.05j    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan adopted April 21, 1997.
10.05k    -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral
              Savings Plan adopted October 5, 1998.
10.06     -   Laclede Gas Company Deferred Compensation Plan for
              Non-Employee Directors dated March 26, 1981.

                                 50
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
10.06a    -   First Amendment to the Company's Deferred
              Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors,
              adopted by the Board of Directors on July 26,
              1990.
10.06b    -   Amendment to the Company's Deferred Compensation
              Plan for Non-Employee Directors, adopted by the
              Board of Directors on August 27, 1992.
10.08     -   The Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors of
              Laclede Gas Company dated January 24, 1985.
10.08a    -   First Amendment to Retirement Plan for the
              Company's Non-Employee Directors, adopted by the
              Board of Directors on July 26, 1990.
10.08b    -   Amendments to the Retirement Plan for Non-Employee
              Directors, adopted by the Board of Directors on
              January 23, 1992.
10.09     -   Salient Features of the Laclede Gas Company
              Deferred Income Plan for Directors and Selected
              Executives, including amendments adopted by the
              Board of Directors on July 26, 1990.
10.09a    -   Amendment to the Company's Deferred Income Plan
              for Directors and Selected Executives, adopted by
              the Board of Directors on August 27, 1992.
10.10     -   Form of Indemnification Agreement between the
              Company and its Directors and Officers.
10.11     -   Laclede Gas Company Management Continuity
              Protection Plan, as amended, effective at the
              close of business on January 27, 1994, by the
              Board of Directors.
10.12     -   Laclede Gas Company Restricted Stock Plan for
              Non-Employee Directors, effective as of January 25,
              1990.
10.12a    -   Extension and amendment of the Laclede Gas Company
              Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
              adopted by the Board of Directors on November 17,
              1994.
10.12b    -   Amendment to the Laclede Gas Company Restricted Stock
              Plan for Non-Employee Directors adopted August 14,
              1998.
10.14     -   Salient Features of the Laclede Gas Company Deferred
              Income Plan II for Directors and Selected Executives
              adopted by the Board of Directors on September 23, 1993.

(b) The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of
        fiscal year 1999.

(c) Incorporated herein by reference to Index to Exhibits, page 54.













                                 51 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                              SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                                LACLEDE GAS COMPANY


December 16, 1999                      By     Gerald T. McNeive, Jr.
                                              Gerald T. McNeive, Jr.
                                              Senior Vice President -
                                              Finance and General Counsel

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

  Date                Signature                      Title

12/16/99          Douglas H. Yaeger           Chairman of the Board,
                  Douglas H. Yaeger           President, and Chief Executive
                                              Officer
                                              (Principal Executive Officer)

12/16/99          Gerald T. McNeive, Jr.      Senior Vice President -
                  Gerald T. McNeive, Jr.      Finance and General Counsel
                                              (Principal Financial and
                                              Accounting Officer)

12/16/99          Andrew B. Craig, III        Director
                  Andrew B. Craig, III

12/16/99          Henry Givens, Jr.           Director
                  Henry Givens, Jr.

12/16/99          C. Ray Holman               Director
                  C. Ray Holman

12/16/99          Robert C. Jaudes            Director
                  Robert C. Jaudes

12/16/99          Mary Ann Krey               Director
                  Mary Ann Krey

12/16/99          W. Stephen Maritz           Director
                  W. Stephen Maritz

12/16/99          William E. Nasser           Director
                  William E. Nasser

12/16/99          Robert P. Stupp             Director
                  Robert P. Stupp

12/16/99          H. Edwin Trusheim           Director
                  H. Edwin Trusheim



                                 52
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                   SCHEDULE II
                    LACLEDE GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
                                    RESERVES
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLUMN A           COLUMN B       COLUMN C          COLUMN D       COLUMN E
                 BALANCE AT   ADDITIONS CHARGED   DEDUCTIONS        BALANCE
                  BEGINNING       TO    TO OTHER        FROM       AT CLOSE
DESCRIPTION       OF PERIOD   INCOME    ACCOUNTS    RESERVES      OF PERIOD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    (Thousands of Dollars)

YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1999:
<S>                   <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS     $ 5,650   $6,062     $4,184 (a) $ 9,655 (b)  $ 6,241
                      ====================================================
MISCELLANEOUS:
 Injuries and
 property damage      $ 3,366   $2,125     $    -     $ 1,791 (c)  $ 3,700
 Deferred compensation  8,924    1,242          -         982        9,184
                      ----------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL   $12,290   $3,367     $    -     $ 2,773      $12,884
                      ====================================================

YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998:
DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS     $ 8,051   $5,312     $4,214 (a) $11,927 (b)  $ 5,650
                      ====================================================
MISCELLANEOUS:
 Injuries and
 property damage      $ 4,227   $  935     $    -     $ 1,796 (c)  $ 3,366
 Deferred compensation  8,475    1,290          -         841        8,924
                      ----------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL   $12,702   $2,225     $    -     $ 2,637      $12,290
                      ====================================================
YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1997:
DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS     $ 7,984   $8,556     $3,583 (a) $12,072 (b)  $ 8,051
                      ====================================================
MISCELLANEOUS:
 Injuries and
 property damage      $ 3,655   $1,780     $    -     $ 1,208 (c)  $ 4,227
 Deferred compensation  8,040    1,228         59         852        8,475
                      ----------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL   $11,695   $3,008     $   59     $ 2,060      $12,702
                      ====================================================
<FN>
(a)  Accounts reinstated, cash recoveries, etc.
(b)  Accounts written off.
(c)  Claims settled, less reimbursements from insurance companies.

</TABLE>






                                 53
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

3.01(i)*      Articles of Incorporation, as of February 11, 1994;
              filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's Form S-3
              Registration Statement No. 33-52357.
3.01(ii)*     By-Laws of the Company effective January 26, 1995;
              filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration
              Statement No. 33-58757.
3.01(ii)(a)*  Amendment to the Company's By-Laws, effective at the
              close of business on July 24, 1997, adopted by the
              Company's Board of Directors on July 24, 1997; filed as
              Exhibit 3.01 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal
              quarter ended June 30, 1997 (File No. 1-1822).
3.01(ii)(b)*  Amendment to the Company's By-Laws, effective at the
              close of business on November 20, 1997, adopted by the
              Company's Board of Directors on November 20, 1997; filed
              as Exhibit 3.01(ii) to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal
              quarter ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-1822).
4.01*     -   Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of February 1,
              1945; filed as Exhibit 7-A to Registration Statement
              No. 2-5586.
4.02*     -   Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
              October 26, 1976; filed on June 26, 1979 as Exhibit b-4
              to Registration Statement No. 2-64857.
4.03*     -   Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 15,
              1988; filed as Exhibit 28(a) to the Registration
              Statement No. 33-38413.
4.04*     -   Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
              November 15, 1989; filed as Exhibit 28(b) to the
              Registration Statement No. 33-38413.
4.05*     -   Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 15, 1991;
              filed on May 16, 1991 as Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's
              Form 8-K (File No. 1-1822).
4.06*     -   Twentieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
              November 1, 1992; filed on November 4, 1992 as Exhibit 4.01 to
              the Company's Form 8-K (File No. 1-1822).
4.07*     -   Twenty-First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 1993;
              filed on May 13, 1993 as Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's
              Form 8-K (File No. 1-1822).
4.08*     -   Twenty-Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
              November 15, 1995; filed on December 8, 1995 as Exhibit
              4.01 to the Company's Form 8-K (File No. 1-1822).
4.09*     -   Twenty-Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of
              October 15, 1997; filed on November 6, 1997 as Exhibit
              4.01 to the Company's Form 8-K (File No. 1-1822).
4.10*     -   Twenty-Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1,1999,
              filed on June 4, 1999 as Exhibit 4.01 to the Company's
              Form 8-K (File No. 1-1822).
4.11*     -   Laclede Gas Company Board of Directors' Resolution dated
              August 28, 1986 which generally provides that the Board
              may delegate its authority in the adoption of certain
              employee benefit plan amendments to certain designated
              Executive Officers; filed as Exhibit 4.12 to the
              Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
              1991 (File No. 1-1822).

   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
                                 54
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

4.11a*     -  Laclede Gas Company Board of Directors' Resolutions
              dated August 25, 1988, which generally provide for
              certain amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral
              Savings Plan and Salary Deferral Savings Plan and that
              certain Officers are authorized to execute such
              amendments; filed as Exhibit 4.12g to the Company's 10-K
              for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1988
              (File No. 1-1822).
4.12*     -   Laclede Gas Company Wage Deferral Savings Plan,
              incorporating amendments through December 12, 1990;
              filed as Exhibit 4.13 to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1991 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12a*     -  Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral and Salary
              Deferral Savings Plans, effective May 1, 1992, adopted
              by the Board of Directors on February 27, 1992; filed as
              Exhibit 4.13 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal
              quarter ended March 31, 1992 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12b*    -   Amendment to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan,
              effective August 1, 1992, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on August 27, 1992; filed as Exhibit 4.13b to
              the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1992 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12c*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan
              dated July 29, 1994; filed as Exhibit 4.09c to the
              Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
              1994 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12d*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan
              effective August 1, 1994 and adopted by the Board of
              Directors August 25, 1994; filed as Exhibit 4.09d to
              the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12e*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan
              dated February 21, 1995; filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
              1995 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12f*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan
              dated March 7, 1995; filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
              1995 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12g*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan
              dated June 26, 1995; filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30,
              1995 (File No. 1-1822).




   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.




                                    55
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

4.12h*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan
              adopted April 21, 1997; filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30,
              1997 (File No. 1-1822).
4.12i*    -   Amendments to the Company's Wage Deferral Savings Plan adopted
              October 5, 1998; filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13*     -   Missouri Natural Gas Division of the Laclede Gas Company
              Dual Savings Plan incorporating amendments through
              December 12, 1990; filed as Exhibit 4.01 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31,
              1990 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13a*    -   Amendment to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan effective
              April 11, 1993, adopted by the Board of Directors on
              August 26, 1993; filed as Exhibit 4.10a to the Company's
              10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993 (File
              No. 1-1822).
4.13b*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan dated July 29,
              1994; filed as Exhibit 4.10b to the Company's 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994
              (File No. 1-1822).
4.13c*    -   Amendment dated October 27, 1994 to the Missouri
              Natural Gas Division of Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings
              Plan; filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13d*    -   Amendment dated November 21, 1994 to the Missouri
              Natural Gas Division of Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings
              Plan; filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13e*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan dated February 21,
              1995; filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13f*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan dated March 7,
              1995; filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13g*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan adopted by the
              Board of Directors on May 25, 1995; filed as Exhibit 4.2
              to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
              June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).
4.13h*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan dated June 26,
              1995; filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).


   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.


                                 56
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

4.13i*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan dated August 3,
              1995; filed as Exhibit 4.10i to the Company's 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995
              (File No. 1-1822).
4.13j*    -   Amendments to the Missouri Natural Gas Division of
              Laclede Gas Company Dual Savings Plan adopted April 21,
              1997; filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1997 (File No. 1-1822).
4.14*     -   Rights Agreement dated as of April 3, 1996; filed on
              April 3, 1996 as Exhibit 1 to the Company's Form 8-A
              (File No. 1-1822).
10.01*    -   Incentive Compensation Plan of the Company, as amended;
              filed as Exhibit 10.03 to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1989 (File No. 1-1822).
10.01a*   -   Amendment adopted by the Board of Directors on July 26,
              1990 to the Incentive Compensation Plan; filed as
              Exhibit 10.02a to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal
              year ended September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.01b*   -   Amendments adopted by the Board of Directors on
              August 23, 1990 to the Incentive Compensation Plan;
              filed as Exhibit 10.02b to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.01c*   -   Amendments to the Company's Incentive Compensation
              Plan, effective January 26, 1995; filed as Exhibit 10.3
              to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
              March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).
10.02*    -   Senior Officers' Life Insurance Program of the Company,
              as amended; filed as Exhibit 10.03 to the Company's 10-K
              for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990
              (File No. 1-1822).
10.02a*   -   Certified copy of resolutions of the Company's Board of
              Directors adopted on June 27, 1991 amending the Senior
              Officers' Life Insurance Program; filed as Exhibit 10.01
              to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
              June 30, 1991 (File No. 1-1822).
10.02b*   -   Certified copy of resolutions of the Company's Board of
              Directors adopted on January 28, 1993 amending the
              Senior Officers' Life Insurance Program; filed as
              Exhibit 10.03 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal
              quarter ended March 31, 1993 (File No. 1-1822).
10.03*    -   Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede Gas Company -
              Management Employees, effective as of July 1, 1990, as
              amended; filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's 10-Q
              for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1990 (File
              No. 1-1822).

   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.




                                 57
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

10.03a*   -   Amendment to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees adopted by the Board
              of Directors on September 27, 1990; filed as
              Exhibit 10.04a to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.03b*   -   Amendments dated December 12, 1990 to the Employees'
              Retirement Plan of Laclede Gas Company - Management
              Employees; filed as Exhibit 10.04b to the Company's 10-K
              for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (File
              No. 1-1822).
10.03c*   -   Amendment to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees dated January 10,
              1994; filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1993 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.03d*   -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees dated July 29, 1994;
              filed as Exhibit 10.3d to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
10.03e*   -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees dated February 21,
              1995; filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1995 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.03f*   -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees dated March 7, 1995;
              filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's 10-Q for the
              fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).
10.03g*   -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees dated September 11,
              1995; filed as Exhibit 10.03g to the Company's 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.03h*   -   Amendments to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees dated August 14,
              1996; filed as Exhibit 10.03h to the Company's 10-K for
              the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.03i*   -   Amendment to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees adopted by the Board
              of Directors on December 19, 1996; filed as Exhibit
              10.01 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
              ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 1-1822).



   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.





                                 58
<PAGE>
                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

10.03j*   -   Amendment to the Employees' Retirement Plan of Laclede
              Gas Company - Management Employees adopted February 7,
              1997; filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1997 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.04*    -   Laclede Gas Company Supplemental Retirement Benefit
              Plan, as amended and restated effective July 25, 1991;
              filed as Exhibit 10.05 to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1991 (File No. 1-1822).
10.04a*   -   Trust Agreement with Boatmen's Trust Company, dated
              September 4, 1990; filed as Exhibit 10.05c to the
              Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
              1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.04b*   -   First Amendment to Laclede Gas Company Trust Agreement
              dated as of September 4, 1990, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on September 23, 1993; filed as Exhibit
              10.05b to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1993 (File No. 1-1822).
10.04c*   -   Amendment (effective as of January 15, 1998) to Laclede
              Gas Company Trust Agreement (dated as of September 4,
              1990) relating to the Laclede Gas Company Supplemental
              Retirement Plan; filed as Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's
              10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1998 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.05*    -   Laclede Gas Company Salary Deferral Savings Plan, as
              amended through February 27, 1992; filed as Exhibit
              10.08 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
              March 31, 1992 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05a*   -   Amendment to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan,
              effective January 31, 1992, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on August 27, 1992; filed as Exhibit 10.08a to
              the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1992 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05b*   -   Amendment to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              dated January 10, 1994; filed as Exhibit 10.02 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31,
              1993 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05c*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings
              Plan, dated July 29, 1994; filed as Exhibit 10.05c to
              the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05d*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              effective August 1, 1994 adopted by the Board of
              Directors on August 25, 1994; filed as Exhibit 10.05d
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05e*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              dated September 27, 1994; filed as Exhibit 10.05e to the
              Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
              1994 (File No. 1-1822).

   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

                                 59 
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

10.05f*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings
              Plan dated February 21, 1995; filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
              the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
              March 31, 1995 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05g*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings
              Plan dated March 7, 1995; filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
              1995 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05h*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              dated June 26, 1995; filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1995
              (File No. 1-1822).
10.05i*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings
              Plan dated August 3, 1995; filed as Exhibit 10.05 to the
              Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
              1995 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05k*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              adopted October 5, 1998; filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company's
              10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December31, 1998 (File No,
              1-1822).
10.05j*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              adopted April 21, 1997; filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30,
              1997 (File No. 1-1822).
10.05k*   -   Amendments to the Company's Salary Deferral Savings Plan
              adopted October 5, 1998; filed as Exhibit 10 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31,
              1998 (File No. 1-1822).
10.06*    -   Laclede Gas Company Deferred Compensation Plan for
              Non-Employee Directors dated March 26, 1981; filed as
              Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year
              ended September 30, 1989 (File No. 1-1822).
10.06a*   -   First Amendment to the Company's Deferred Compensation
              Plan for Non-Employee Directors, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on July 26, 1990; filed as Exhibit 10.09a to
              the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.06b*   -   Amendment to the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan
              for Non-Employee Directors, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on August 27, 1992; filed as Exhibit 10.09b
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1992 (File No. 1-1822).






   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.





                                 60
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------


10.07*    -   Transportation Service Agreement dated October 13, 1993
              between Mississippi River Transmission Corporation and
              the Company; filed as exhibit 10.07d to the Company's 10-K
              for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.07a*   -   Storage Service Agreement dated October 13, 1993 between
              Mississippi River Transmission Corporation and the
              Company; filed as exhibit 10.07e to the Company's 10-K
              for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.08*    -   The Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors of
              Laclede Gas Company dated January 24, 1985; filed as
              Exhibit 10.01 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal
              quarter ended March 31, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.08a*   -   First Amendment to Retirement Plan for the Company's
              Non-Employee Directors, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on July 26, 1990; filed as Exhibit 10.11a to
              the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.08b*   -   Amendments to the Retirement Plan for Non-Employee
              Directors, adopted by the Board of Directors on
              January 23, 1992; filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the
              Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
              1992 (File No. 1-1822).
10.09*    -   Salient Features of the Laclede Gas Company Deferred
              Income Plan for Directors and Selected Executives,
              including amendments adopted by the Board of Directors
              on July 26, 1990; filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the
              Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
              1991 (File No. 1-1822).
10.09a*   -   Amendment to the Company's Deferred Income Plan for
              Directors and Selected Executives, adopted by the Board
              of Directors on August 27, 1992; filed as Exhibit 10.12a
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1992 (File No. 1-1822).
10.10*    -   Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company
              and its Directors and Officers; filed as Exhibit 10.13
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.11*    -   Laclede Gas Company Management Continuity Protection
              Plan, as amended, effective at the close of business on
              January 27, 1994, by the Board of Directors; filed as
              Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal
              quarter ended March 31, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).




   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.




                                 61
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------
   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

10.12*    -   Laclede Gas Company Restricted Stock Plan for
              Non-Employee Directors, effective as of January 25,
              1990; filed as Exhibit 10.03 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1990 (File No.
              1-1822).
10.12a*   -   Extension and amendment of the Company's Restricted
              Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors adopted by the
              Board of Directors on November 17, 1994; filed as
              Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended
              December 31, 1994 (File No. 1-1822).
10.12b*   -   Amendment to the Laclede Gas Company Restricted Stock
              Plan for Non-Employee Directors adopted August 14, 1998;
              filed as Exhibit 10.12b to the Company's 10-K for the year
              ended September 30, 1998 (File No. 1-1822).
10.13*    -   Laclede Gas Company Trust Agreement with Boatmen's Trust
              Company, dated December 7, 1989; filed as Exhibit 10.16
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.13a*   -   First Amendment to the Company's Trust Agreement,
              adopted by the Board of Directors on July 26, 1990;
              filed as Exhibit 10.16a to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1990 (File No. 1-1822).
10.13b*   -   Second Amendment to the Company's Trust Agreement
              dated as of December 7, 1989, adopted by the Board of
              Directors on September 23, 1993; filed as Exhibit 10.16b
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended
              September 30, 1993 (File No. 1-1822).
10.13c*   -   Third Amendment to Laclede Gas Company Trust Agreement
              dated as of December 7, 1989 adopted by the Board of
              Directors on August 28, 1997; filed as exhibit 10.13c
              to the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
              30, 1997 (File No. 1-1822).
10.13d*   -   Amendment (effective as of January 15, 1998) to Laclede
              Gas Company Trust Agreement (dated as of December 7,
              1989); filed as Exhibit 10.02 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1998 (File No. 1-1822).
10.14*    -   Salient Features of the Laclede Gas Company Deferred
              Income Plan II for Directors and Selected Executives
              adopted by the Board of Directors on September 23, 1993;
              filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's 10-K for the
              fiscal year ended September 30, 1993 (File No. 1-1822).
10.15*    -   January 22, 1999 line of credit agreement with
              Mercantile Bank National Association; filed as Exhibit
              10.1 to the Company's 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
              March 31, 1999 (File No. 1-1822).
10.16*    -   January 31, 1999 line of credit agreement with Nations
              Bank, N.A.; filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's 10-Q for
              the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1999 (File No. 1-1822).
10.17*    -   January 15, 1999 line of credit agreement with Commerce
              Bank, N.A.; filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's 10-Q
              for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1999 (File No.
              1-1822).

   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

                                    62                
<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                           INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                           -----------------

   Exhibit
     No.
   -------

10.18     -   September 13, 1999 bank credit agreement with Mercantile
              Bank National Association.
10.19     -   September 11, 1999 bank credit agreement with UMB Bank,
              N.A.
10.20     -   Supplemental line of credit agreement dated October 22,
              1999 among Mercantile Bank National Association, Bank of
              America, N.A. and Credit Suisse First Boston.
12        -   Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
21        -   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23        -   Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
27        -   Financial Data Schedule UT




   * Incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

































                                    63