SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                          Washington, D.C. 20549

                                 FORM 10-Q


/X/    Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period 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 Ended______________________

                         Commission File Number 2-784441


                      STERLING GAS DRILLING FUND 1982
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


                                  New York
      (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

                                13-3147901
                   (IRS employer identification number)


              One Landmark Square, Stamford Connecticut 06901
           (Address and Zip Code of principal executive offices)


                               (203) 358-5700
           (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                              NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
                                  report)

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
<PAGE> 1

PART I

Item 1.       Financial Statements
The following Financial Statements are filed herewith:

Balance Sheets - September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998.

Statements of Operations for the Nine and the Three Months Ended September 30,
1999 and 1998.

Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity for the Nine and the Three Months
Ended September 30, 1999 and September 30, 1998.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended  September 30, 1999  and
1998.

Note to Financial Statements

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

1. Liquidity -

The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive in all its phases.  There
is  also  competition among this industry and other industries in supplying
energy and fuel requirements of industrial and individual consumers.  It is
not  possible for the Registrant to calculate its position in the  industry
as  Registrant  competes  with  many other companies  having  substantially
greater financial and other resources.  In accordance with the terms of the
Prospectus,  the  General  Partners  of  the  Registrant  will  make   cash
distributions of as much of the Partnership cash, credited to  the  capital
accounts  of the Partners, as the General Partners have determined  is  not
necessary or desirable for the payment of any contingent debts, liabilities
or  expenses or for the conduct of the Partnership's business.  As of  June
30,  1999,  the  General partners have distributed to the Limited  partners
$1,402,512  or 9.76% of the total Limited Partner capital contributions  to
the Limited partners.

The  Year  2000 (Y2K) issue is the definition and resolution  of  potential
problems  resulting  from computer application programs  or  imbedded  chip
instruction sets utilizing two-digits, as opposed to four digits, to define
a  specific  year.  Such date sensitive systems may be unable  to  properly
interpret  dates,  which  could cause a system failure  or  other  computer
errors, leading to disruptions in operations. The Partnership relies on the
Managing  General Partner for all management and administrative  functions.
Consequently, the Partnership's exposure to the Y2K problems is  determined
by  what  Year  2000 efforts have been undertaken by the  Managing  General
Partner.


In  1997, the Managing General Partner developed a three-phase program  for
the  Y2K  information  systems compliance. Phase I  is  to  identify  those
systems with which the Partnership has exposure to Y2K issues. Phase II is

<PAGE> 2

final  testing  of  each major area of exposure to ensure  compliance.  The
Managing General Partner has identified four major areas determined  to  be
critical  for  successful Y2K compliance: (1) financial  and  informational
system  applications,  (2) communications applications,  (3)  oil  and  gas
producing operations, and (4) third-party relationships.

The  Managing  General Partner, in accordance with Phase I of the  program,
conducted  an  internal  review of all systems and contacted  all  software
suppliers to determine major areas of exposure to Y2K issues. The  Managing
General  Partner has completed the modifications to its core financial  and
reporting systems and is continuing to test compliance in this area.  These
modifications  were made in conjunction with an upgrade  of  the  financial
reporting applications provided by the Managing General Partner's  software
vendor. Conversion to the new system was completed during 1998. Due to  the
technology advances in the communications area the Managing General Partner
has  upgraded  such  equipment regularly over the  past  three  years.  Y2K
compliance   was   a   specification  requirement  of  each   installation.
Consequently, the Managing General Partner expects exposure in this area to
be limited to third party readiness. The Managing General Partner is in the
process  of identifying areas of exposure resulting from equipment used  in
its  oil and gas producing operations. The Managing General Partner intends
to continue identification, remediation and testing throughout 1999. In the
third-party area, the Managing General Partner has received assurance  from
its  significant service suppliers that they intend to be Y2K compliant  by
2000.  The  Managing General Partner has implemented a program  to  request
Year  2000 certification or other assurance from other third parties during
1999.

The  Partnership  recognizes that, notwithstanding  the  efforts  described
above,  the  Partnership could experience disruptions to its operations  or
administrative  functions,  including those  resulting  from  non-compliant
systems  utilized  by  unrelated  third  party  governmental  and  business
entities.  The Managing General Partner is in the process of  developing  a
contingency  plan  in  order to mitigate potential disruption  to  business
operations.  The  Managing General Partner expects  to  complete   and   to
refine this plan throughout 1999.

The  Managing  General  Partner  has handled identifying,  remediating  and
testing  systems  for  Year 2000 compliance within  the  scope  of  routine
upgrades  and systems evaluations. The Managing General Partner expects  to
complete the review of oil and gas operations exposure in the same  manner,
without   incurring  substantial  additional  costs.  However,  information
resulting  from  the  oil and gas operations review may  indicate  required
expenditures not currently contemplated by the Partnership.

The net proved oil and gas reserves of the Partnership are considered to be
a  primary  indicator  of  financial strength and  future  liquidity.   The
present  value  of unescalated future net revenue (S.E.C. case)  associated
with  such  reserves,  discounted  at 10%  as  of  December  31,  1998  was
approximately  $768,500,  as  compared  to  December  31,  1997,  of  about
$904,800.   Overall  reservoir  engineering  is  a  subjective  process  of
estimating underground accumulations of gas and oil that can not be measure
in an exact manner. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of

<PAGE> 3

the  quality  of  available  data  and of the  engineering  and  geological
interpretation and judgment. Accordingly, reserve estimates  are  generally
different  from the quantities of gas and oil that are ultimately recovered
and  such  differences  may  have a material impact  on  the  Partnership's
financial results and future liquidity.


2. Capital Resources -

The  Registrant was formed for the sole intention of drilling oil  and  gas
wells.  The Registrant entered into a drilling contract with an independent
contractor in December 1982 for $11,400,000.  Pursuant to the terms of this
contract,  fifty-one wells have been drilled resulting in  fifty  producing
wells  and one dry-hole.  The Registrant has had a reserve report  prepared
which  details reserve value information, and such information is available
to  the  Limited  Partners  pursuant  to  the  buy-out  provisions  of  the
Prospectus as previously filed.


3.   Results of Operations -

Operating  revenues decreased from  $ 235,721 in 1998 to $161,978  in  1999
The Partnership experienced lower gas production and  stable oil production
,  72,645 MCF and 801 BBLS in 1998 to 63,478 MCF and 874 BBLS in 1999.  The
average prices changed from $3.12 per MCF and $ 11.74 per barrel in 1998 to
$2.38  per MCF and $12.54 per barrel in 1999. The Partnership's oil revenue
declined substantially due to lower average price. The combination  of  low
average price per MCF and reduced gas production were the main reasons  for
lower overall revenue. The drop in gas production can be attributed to shut-
ins  of  the  purchaser's transport line for annual repairs  or  compressor
down times. Production expenses decreased from $110,700 in 1998  to $87,715
in  1999.  The  production expenses were lower as a result of a combination
of  items, including variable costs associated with volume changes, repairs
and  labor  costs  associated with the wells and well sites.  The  expenses
associated with  both 1998  and 1999 production included normal,  recurring
maintenance and repairs at the well locations.


General  and  administrative  expenses  are  segregated  on  the  financial
statements  to  show  expenses paid to PrimeEnergy  Management  Corporation
(PEMC), a General Partner.  The expenses charged are in accordance with the
guidelines  set  forth in the Registrant's Management Agreement.   PEMC  is
reimbursed  expenses  attributable to the affairs  and  operations  of  the
Partnership.  These costs shall not exceed an annual amount equal to 5%  of
Limited  Partner capital contributions. Amounts related to  both  1999  and
1998  are  substantially less than the amounts allocable to the  Registrant
under   the  Partnership  Agreement.    PEMC  continues  to  perform  these
functions as cost effectively as possible either through efficient  use  of
in-house resources or using third parties when applicable.

The Partnership records additional depreciation, depletion and amortization
to the extent that net capitalized costs exceed the undiscounted future net
cash flow attributable to the Partnership properties. No additional

<PAGE> 4

three-quarters of 1999. The expense recorded is consistent with the current
basis of the Partnership's properties.


PART II

Items 1 through 5 have been omitted in that each item is either
inapplicable or the answer is negative.

Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
The Partnership was not required to file any reports on Form 8-K and
no such form was filed during the period covered by this report.

Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule is attached to the electronic
filing of this report.

<PAGE> 5

                            S I G N A T U R E S





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities and

Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed

on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.







                                            STERLING GAS DRILLING FUND 1982
                                                      (Registrant)



                                           BY: /S/ Charles E. Drimal Jr.
                                               -------------------------

                                                     Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
                                                            General Partner





November 12, 1999
(Date)











<PAGE> 6
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                              Balance Sheets

                                          September 30,     December 31,
                                              1999              1998
                                           (unaudited)       (audited)
Assets
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents            $             22 $              20
                                            -----------     -------------
      Total current assets                           22                20
                                          -------------     -------------
Oil and Gas properties -
successful efforts method:
  Leasehold costs                               466,804           466,804
  Well and related facilities                11,970,091        11,970,091
   less accumulated depreciation,
    depletion and amortization              (11,773,553)      (11,747,491)
                                            -----------     -------------
                                                663,342           689,404
                                            -----------     -------------
       Total assets                    $        663,364 $         689,424
                                            ===========     =============

Liabilities and Partners' Equity
  Current liabilities:
   Due to affiliates                   $        262,454 $         262,068
                                           ------------     -------------
        Total current liabilities               262,454           262,068
                                            -----------     -------------

  Partners' Equity
   Limited partners                             673,523           699,647
   General partners                            (272,613)         (272,291)
                                            -----------     -------------
         Total partners' equity                 400,910           427,356
                                            -----------     -------------

         Total liabilities and
          Partners' equity             $        663,364 $         689,424
                                            ===========     =============


See accompanying note to the financial statements



<PAGE> 7
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)

                                   Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1999

                                    Limited      General
                                   Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:
Operating revenue              $      136,304 $    25,674  $    161,978
Other Revenue                           3,594         677         4,271
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Revenue                       139,898      26,351       166,249
                                     --------    --------      --------

Costs and Expenses:
Production expense                     73,812      13,903        87,715
General and administrative
 to a related party                    53,646      10,105        63,751
General and administrative             12,763       2,404        15,167
Depreciation, depletion
 and amortization                      25,801         261        26,062
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Costs and Expenses            166,022      26,673       192,695
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Net Income/(Loss)            $      (26,124)       (322)  $   (26,446)
                                     ========    ========      ========
Net (Loss) per equity unit     $        (1.82)
                                       ======

See accompanying note to the financial statements.



<PAGE> 8
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)

                                   Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1998

                                    Limited      General
                                   Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:
Operating revenue              $      198,359 $    37,362  $    235,721
Gain on sale of equipment                   0           0             0
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Revenue                       198,359      37,362       235,721
                                     --------    --------      --------

Costs and Expenses:
Production expense                     93,154      17,546       110,700
General and administrative
 to a related party                    53,646      10,105        63,751
General and administrative             14,683       2,766        17,449
Depreciation, depletion
 and amortization                      27,439         277        27,716
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Costs and Expenses            188,922      30,694       219,616
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Net Income                   $        9,437       6,668  $     16,106
                                     ========    ========      ========
Net Income per equity unit     $          .66
                                       ======

See accompanying note to the financial statements.


<PAGE> 9
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)

                                   Three Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1999

                                  Limited      General
                                  Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:
Operating revenue              $      61,910       11,661   $    73,571
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Revenue                       61,910       11,661        73,571
                                    --------     --------     ---------

Costs and Expenses:
Production expense                    28,583        5,384        33,967
General and administrative
 to a related party                   17,881        3,368        21,249
General and administrative             3,836          722         4,558
Depreciation, depletion
 and amortization                      8,601           87         8,688
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Costs and Expenses            58,901        9,561        68,462
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Net Income(loss)             $       3,009        2,100   $     5,109
                                    ========     ========     =========
Net Income(loss)
    per equity unit            $         .20
                                    ========


See accompanying note to the financial statements.


<PAGE>  10
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)

                                   Three Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1998

                                  Limited      General
                                  Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:
Operating revenue              $      66,714       12,566   $    79,280
Gain on sale of equipment                   0           0             0
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Revenue                       66,714       12,566        79,280
                                    --------     --------     ---------

Costs and Expenses:
Production expense                    33,515        6,313        39,828
General and administrative
 to a related party                   17,881        3,368        21,249
General and administrative             5,708        1,076         6,784
Depreciation, depletion
 and amortization                      9,146           92         9,238
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Costs and Expenses            66,250       10,849        77,099
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Net Income(loss)             $         464        1,717   $     2,181
                                    ========     ========     =========
Net Income(loss)
    per equity unit            $         .04
                                    ========



See accompanying note to the financial statements.

<PAGE> 11

                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                 Statement of Changes in Partners' Equity
                                (unaudited)

                                   Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1999


                                  Limited       General
                                  Partners      Partners        Total

Balance at beginning of
period                         $      699,647      (272,291)  $    427,356
   Net Income/(Loss)                  (26,124)         (322)       (26,446)
                                     --------     ---------      ---------
Balance at end of period       $      673,523      (272,613)   $   400,910
                                     ========     =========      =========


                                     Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30, 1998

                                  Limited       General
                                  Partners      Partners       Total

Balance at beginning of
period                         $      685,336     (281,449)  $    403,887
  Net Income                            9,437        6,668         16,105
                                     --------    ---------      ---------
Balance at end of period       $      694,773     (274,781)  $    419,992
                                     ========    =========      =========



See accompanying note to the financial statements.



<PAGE> 12
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                 Statement of Changes in Partners' Equity
                                (unaudited)

                                   Three Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1999


                                  Limited       General
                                  Partners      Partners      Total

Balance at beginning of
period                         $      670,514     (274,713)  $  395,801
  Net Income(Loss)                      3,009        2,100        5,109
                                     --------    ---------    ---------
Balance at end of period       $      673,523     (272,613)  $  400,910
                                     ========    =========    =========


                                    Three Months Ended
                                    September 30, 1998

                                  Limited       General
                                  Partners      Partners      Total

Balance at beginning of
period                         $      694,309     (276,498)  $  417,811
  Net Income(Loss)                        464        1,717        2,181
                                     --------    ---------     --------
Balance at end of period       $      694,773     (274,781)  $  419,992
                                     ========    =========     ========




See accompanying note to the financial statements.

<PAGE> 13
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Cash Flows
                                (unaudited)

                                          Nine           Nine
                                         months         months
                                         ended          ended
                                       September      September
                                        30, 1999       30, 1998

Net cash provided (used )by
operating activities                 $          2  $         (1)
                                       ----------     ----------

Cash flows from investing
activities:
  Proceeds from sale of equipment               0              0
  Investment in well and related
  facilities                                    0              0
                                        ---------      ---------
Net Cash (used in) investing
activities                                      0              0
                                        ---------      ---------

Net increase(decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents                              2             (1)
Cash and cash equivalents at
  Beginning of period                          20              7
                                       ----------     ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period                               $         22  $           6
                                       ==========     ==========





See accompanying note to the financial statements.



<PAGE> 14
                 STERLING GAS DRILLING FUND 1982
                (a New York limited partnership)

                  Note to Financial Statements

                       September 30, 1999



1. The accompanying statements for the period ending September
30, 1999 are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments necessary to
present fairly the results of operations.