Exhibit 23



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


            As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
            incorporation by reference of our report dated June 26,
            1997, included in this Form 11-K, into the Company's
            previously filed Registration Statements File No. 33-56509
            relating to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 Registration
            Statement, File No. 33-51459 relating to NUI Direct, File
            No. 33-57183 relating to the Savings and Investment Plan,
            and File No. 33-24169 relating to the 1988 Stock Plan, File
            No. 333-02425 relating to the 1996 Stock Option Plan and
            Stock Award Plan, File N. 333-02423 relating to the 1996
            Director Stock Purchase Plan.



                                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

            New York, New York
            June 26, 1997