Exhibit 23



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT






        We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement
Nos. 33-27132 and 33-58349 on Forms S-8 and Registration Statement No.
33-53127, as amended, on Form S-3 of South Jersey Industries, Inc. of our
reports dated February 14, 2001, appearing in and incorporated by reference in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K of South Jersey Industries, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 2000.





DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 21, 2001