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, 1997

                                    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>
PART I
Item 1.       Financial Statements
The following Financial Statements are filed herewith:

Balance Sheets - September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996.

Statements of Operations for the Nine and the Three Months Ended September 30,
1997 and 1996.

Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity for the Nine and the Three Months
Ended September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended  September 30, 1997  and
1996.

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
September 30, 1997,  the General Partners have distributed to the Limited
Partners $1,402,512  or 9.76% of total limited partner capital
contributions to the Limited Partners.


      The net proved oil and gas reserves of the Partnership are considered
to be an 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,  1996  was  approximately
$975,800  as  compared  to  the December 31, 1995  value  of  approximately
$664,000.  The increase  in total estimated discounted future  net  revenue
was  due  in  part  to higher year end gas prices as of December  31,  1996
compared  the  gas  price   in effect as of December  31,  1995.    Overall
reservoir  engineering  is a subjective process of  estimating  underground
accumulations  of gas and oil that can not be measured in an exact  manner.
The  accuracy  of  any reserve estimate is a function  of  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.

<PAGE>

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 increased from $201,169 in 1996 to $268,797 in 1997. The
Partnership experienced very little change in its overall gas and oil
production , from 76,407 MCF and 1,414 BBLS in 1996 to 76,311 MCF and 1,601
BBLS in 1997. The consistent production combined with the increased average
price per MCF and barrel directly impacted operating revenue. The average
prices increased were from $2.43 per MCF and $17.36 per barrel in 1996 to
$3.06 per MCF and $18.33 per barrel in 1997. Production expenses increased
from $91,633 in 1996 to $145,804 in 1997. The increase in these expenses
can be partially attributed to weather conditions which may necessitate
additional maintenance, location, access road work and other repairs. Also
other periodic upkeep expenses may increase in order for the production
levels to be maintained.

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 1997 and
1996 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. There was very
little change in overall general and administrative costs from 1996 to
1997.

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
depreciation, depletion or amortization was needed in  1996 or in the three
quarters  of 1997. Although the 1997 expense is slightly lower  than  1996,
the   expense  recorded  is  consistent  with  the  current  basis  of  the
Partnership's properties.


<PAGE>

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>

                            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, 1997
(Date)











<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                              Balance Sheets
                                (unaudited)
                                          September 30,     December 31,
                                              1997              1996
Assets                                                                   
Current Assets:                                                          
  Cash and cash equivalents            $             11 $              34
                                            -----------     -------------
      Total current assets                           11                34
                                                                         
Oil and Gas properties -                                                 
successful efforts method:                                               
  Leasehold costs                               466,804           466,804
  Well and related facilities                11,970,090        11,959,534
   less accumulated depreciation,                                         
    depletion and amortization              (11,701,148)      (11,671,934)
                                            -----------     -------------
                                                735,746           754,404
                                            -----------     -------------
       Total assets                    $        735,757 $         754,438
                                            ===========     =============
                                                                  
Liabilities and Partners' Equity                                  
  Current liabilities:                                            
   Due to affiliates                   $        332,445 $         373,007
                                           ------------     -------------
        Total current liabilities               332,445           373,007
                                            -----------     -------------
                                                                         
  Partners' Equity                                                       
   Limited partners                             686,489           672,221
   General partners                            (283,177)         (290,790)
                                            -----------     -------------
         Total partners' equity                 403,312           381,431
                                            -----------     -------------
                                                                         
         Total liabilities and                                           
          partners' equity             $        735,757 $         754,438
                                            ===========     =============
                                                                         
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements
                                     
                                     
                                     
<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                   Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1997

                                    Limited      General          
                                   Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:                                                     
Operating revenue              $      226,193 $    42,604  $    268,797
Gain on sale of equipment               1,287          13         1,300
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Revenue                       227,480      42,617       270,097
                                     --------    --------      --------
                                                                       
Costs and Expenses:                                                    
Production expense                    122,694      23,110       145,804
General and administrative                                             
 to a related party                    47,334       8,916        56,250
General and administrative             14,262       2,686        16,948
Depreciation, depletion                                                
 and amortization                      28,922         292        29,214
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Costs and Expenses            213,212      35,004       248,216
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Net Income                   $       14,268       7,613  $     21,881
                                     ========    ========      ========
Net Income per equity unit     $         0.99                          
                                       ======                          
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements.
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                   Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1996

                                    Limited      General          
                                   Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:                                                     
Operating revenue              $      169,284 $    31,885  $    201,169
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Revenue                       169,284      31,885       201,169
                                     --------    --------      --------
                                                                       
Costs and Expenses:                                                    
Production expense                     77,109      14,524        91,633
General and administrative                                             
 to a related party                    47,334       8,916        56,250
General and administrative             14,064       2,649        16,713
Depreciation, depletion                                                
 and amortization                      30,617         309        30,926
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Total Costs and Expenses            169,124      26,398       195,522
                                     --------    --------      --------
  Net Income                   $          160       5,487  $      5,647
                                     ========    ========      ========
Net Income per equity unit     $          .01                          
                                       ======                          
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements.
                                     
<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                   Three Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1997

                                  Limited      General        
                                  Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:                                                      
Operating revenue              $      71,603       13,486   $    85,089
Gain on sale of equipment               1,287          13         1,300
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Revenue                       72,890       13,499        86,389
                                    --------     --------     ---------
                                                                       
Costs and Expenses:                                                    
Production expense                    46,304        8,722        55,026
General and administrative                                             
 to a related party                   15,778        2,972        18,750
General and administrative             3,131          589         3,720
Depreciation, depletion                                                
 and amortization                      9,697           98         9,795
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Costs and Expenses            74,910       12,381        87,291
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Net Income(loss)              $     (2,020)       1,118  $       (902)
                                    ========     ========     =========
Net Income(loss)                                                       
    per equity unit            $       (0.14)
                                    ========                           
                                     
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements.
                                     
                                     
<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Operations
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                   Three Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1996

                                  Limited      General        
                                  Partners     Partners       Total
Revenue:                                                      
Operating revenue              $      59,087       11,129   $    70,216
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Revenue                       59,087       11,129        70,216
                                    --------     --------     ---------
                                                                       
Costs and Expenses:                                                    
Production expense                    30,848        5,811        36,659
General and administrative                                             
 to a related party                   15,778        2,972        18,750
General and administrative             3,958          746         4,704
Depreciation, depletion                                                
 and amortization                     10,423          105        10,528
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Total Costs and Expenses            61,007        9,634        70,641
                                    --------     --------     ---------
  Net Income(loss)             $      (1,920)       1,495   $      (425)
                                    ========     ========     =========
Net Income(loss)                                                       
    per equity unit            $        (.13)
                                    ========                           
                                     
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements.

<PAGE>

                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                 Statement of Changes in Partners' Equity
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                   Nine Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1997


                                  Limited       General         
                                  Partners      Partners        Total
                                                                
Balance at beginning of                                                     
period                         $      672,221      (290,790) $       381,431
  Net Income                           14,268         7,613           21,881
                                     --------     ---------        ---------
Balance at end of period       $      686,489      (283,177) $       403,312
                                     ========     =========        =========
                                             
                                             
                                     Nine Months Ended
                                    September 30, 1996

                                  Limited       General          
                                  Partners      Partners         Total
                                                                 
Balance at beginning of                                                     
period                         $      656,941    (300,837)    $      356,104
  Net Income                              160       5,487              5,647
                                     --------     --------        ----------
Balance at end of period       $      657,101    (295,350)    $      361,751
                                     ========     ========        ==========
                                                                 
                                                                 
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements.
                                     
                                     
                                     
<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                 Statement of Changes in Partners' Equity
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                   Three Months Ended
                                   September 30, 1997


                                  Limited       General        
                                  Partners      Partners       Total
                                                               
Balance at beginning of                                                   
period                         $      688,509     (284,295)   $   404,214
  Net Income(Loss)                     (2,020)       1,118           (902)
                                     --------    ---------      ----------
Balance at end of period       $      686,489     (283,177)   $   403,312
                                     ========    =========      ==========
                                             
                                             
                                    Three Months Ended
                                    September 30, 1996

                                  Limited       General         
                                  Partners      Partners        Total
                                                                
Balance at beginning of                                                    
period                         $      659,021     (296,845)   $    362,176
  Net Income(Loss)                     (1,920)       1,495            (425)
                                     --------    ---------       ----------
Balance at end of period       $      657,101     (295,350)   $    361,751
                                     ========    =========       ==========
                                                                
                                                                
                                     
                                     
See accompanying note to the financial statements.
                                     
<PAGE>
                        STERLING DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York Limited Partnership)
                          Statement of Cash Flows
                                (unaudited)
                                     
                                          Nine           Nine
                                         months         months
                                         ended          ended
                                       September      September
                                        30, 1997       30, 1996
                                                      
Net cash provided by operating                                  
activities                           $      9,233  $       9,133
                                       ----------     ----------
                                                                
Cash flows from investing                                       
activities:
   Proceeds from sale of equipment          1,300              0
  Investment in well and related                                
  facilities                              (10,556)        (9,143)
                                        ---------      ---------
Net Cash used in investing                                      
activities                                 (9,256)        (9,143)
                                        ---------      ---------
                                                                
Net increase(decrease) in cash and                              
  cash equivalents                            (23)           (10)
Cash and cash equivalents at                                    
  beginning of period                          34             24
                                       ----------     ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of                             
period                               $         11  $          14
                                       ==========     ==========
                                                                
                                                                
                                                                
                                                      
                                                                
                                                      
                                                      

See accompanying note to the financial statements.
<PAGE>
                      STERLING GAS DRILLING FUND 1982
                     (a New York limited partnership)
                                     
                       Note to Financial Statements
                                     
                            September 30, 1997
                                     
                                     
                                     
1. The accompanying statements for the period ending September 30, 1997 are
unaudited, but reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the
results of operations.