
<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

Ernst & Young LLP

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

    We  consent to  the reference  to our  firm under  the caption  "Experts" in
Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  1  to  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3,  No.
33-57011)  and related Prospectus  of Ashland Inc., and  to the incorporation by
reference therein of  our reports dated  November 2, 1994,  with respect to  the
consolidated  financial statements  and schedules  of Ashland  Inc. (name change
from Ashland Oil, Inc.)  and subsidiaries, included in  its Annual Report  (Form
10-K)  for  the year  ended September  30,  1994 filed  with the  Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                          Ernst & Young LLP

Louisville, Kentucky
April 7, 1995
