


                                                               Exhibit 23.01






                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Equitable Resources, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan of
our report dated February 28, 1997, with respect to the financial  statements of
the Equitable  Resources,  Inc.  Employee  Stock  Purchase Plan included in this
Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.






                                       By         /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                         --------------------------------------
                                                      Ernst & Young LLP



Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 24, 1997


