Exhibit 23(a)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 3 to Registration Statement No. 33-53127 of South Jersey Industries, Inc. on
Form S-3 of our reports dated February 12, 1999, appearing in and incorporated
by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of South Jersey Industries, Inc.
for the year ended December 31, 1998 and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration
Statement.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
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DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
                                 May 28, 1999