1
                                                                      Exhibit 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration
statements on Form S-3 and related prospectuses and in the following
registration statements on Form S-8 of The Williams Companies, Inc. of our
report dated February 10, 1994, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of The Williams Companies, Inc. included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1993.

     Form S-3:     Registration No. 33-47061; Registration No. 33-53662;
                   Registration Statement No. 33-49835

     Form S-8:     Registration No. 2-68810; Registration No. 33-2442;
                   Registration No. 33-24322; Registration No. 33-36770;
                   Registration No. 33-44381; Registration No. 33-40979;
                   Registration No. 33-45550; Registration No. 33-43999;
                   Registration No. 33-51539; Registration No. 33-51543;
                   Registration No. 33-51551; Registration No. 33-51549;
                   Registration No. 33-51547; Registration No. 33-51545




                                                  ERNST & YOUNG


Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 29, 1994