
                                                            Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the  reference  to our firm under the caption  "Experts"
and to the use of our  reports  dated  November 2, 1994, in Post-Effective 
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-57767) and
related  Prospectus of Ashland Inc. (name change from Ashland Oil, Inc.).



                                            Ernst & Young LLP


February 27, 1995




