EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
     We  consent to the  use in this Registration  Statement of National Propane
Partners, L.P. on Form S-1 of our report dated March 13, 1996, appearing in  the
Prospectus,  which is part of such  Registration Statement, and to the reference
to us  under  the  headings  'Selected Historical  and  Pro  Forma  Consolidated
Financial and Operating Data' and 'Experts' in such Prospectus.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
January 10, 1997