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                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549



                                   Form 8-K
                                CURRENT REPORT


     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 2, 1996


                          SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


               California                 1-7850           88-0085720
     (State or other jurisdiction of    (Commission     (I.R.S. Employer 
     incorporation or organization)     File Number)   Identification No.)

             5241 Spring Mountain Road
               Post Office Box 98510
                 Las Vegas, Nevada                        89193-8510
     (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)


      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (702) 876-7237






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ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS

On May 2, 1996, Southwest Gas Corporation (the Company) released summary
financial information to the general public, including the investment community,
regarding the Company's operating performance and financial position for the
period ended March 31, 1996.  The financial information released is included
herein.  This information is summary in nature, and should not be considered 
complete financial statements.


ITEM 7.  EXHIBITS

99       Financial Analyst Report - First Quarter 1996

                                  

                                  SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.




                                              SOUTHWEST GAS CORPORATION


   
Date:  May 2, 1996                               /s/  Edward A. Janov 
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                                                    Edward A. Janov
                                       Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

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                                EXHIBIT TABLE

99       Financial Analyst Report - First Quarter 1996

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