Exhibit 23(a)


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

                    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent
          to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement
          of our reports dated January 24, 1996 and March 27, 1996 
          incorporated by reference in MDU Resources Group Inc.'s Form 10-K
          for the year ended December 31, 1995 and included in the Annual 
          Report on Form 11-K of the MDU Resources Group, Inc. Tax Deferred 
          Compensation Savings Plan For Collective Bargaining Unit Employees
          for the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively, and to all 
          references to our Firm included in this registration statement.

                                                  /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                                                  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



          Minneapolis, Minnesota
            June 14, 1996