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.  Non-Employee  Directors'
Stock  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