EXHIBIT 23.1






                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1999 Equitable  Resources,  Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan
of our  report  dated  February  25,  1999,  with  respect  to the  consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Equitable Resources,  Inc. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the Year ended  December 31, 1998,  filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                           /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                                              Ernst & Young LLP



Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 25, 1999