EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     We consent to the  inclusion  in this  registration  statement  on Form S-1
     (File No. 333-45023) of our report, which includes an explanatory paragraph
     concerning substantial doubt regarding the Company's ability to continue as
     a going  concern,  dated  April  15,1998,  on our  audits of the  financial
     statement  schedule  of Saba  Petroleum  Company.  We also  consent  to the
     reference to our firm under the caption "Experts".

Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Los Angeles, California
May 8, 1998