Exhibit 23.1
                                  ------------






                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  33-38429)  pertaining  to the Stock  Option Plan of Magellan  Petroleum
Corporation  of  our  report  dated  September  19,  2003  with  respect  to the
consolidated  financial statements of Magellan Petroleum Corporation included in
Amendment  No. 1 to its Annual  Report on Form-10-K  for the year ended June 30,
2003.


                                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP





Stamford, Connecticut
February 13, 2004