EXHIBIT NO. 23




                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


            As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
            incorporation by reference of our report dated November 9,
            1999, included in the Form 10-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,
            File No. 33-24169 relating to the 1988 Stock Plan, File No.
            333-02425 relating to the 1996 Stock Option and Stock Award
            Plan, File No. 333-02421 relating to the Employee Stock
            Purchase Plan, File No. 333-02423 relating to the 1996
            Director Stock Purchase Plan, and File No. 333-92817
            relating to Form S-3 Registration Statement.

                                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

            New York, New York
            December 20, 1999