1
                                                                   Exhibit 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Benton Oil and Gas
Company on Form S-4 of our reports dated March 31, 1995 relating to the
financial statements of Benton Oil and Gas Company, Benton Oil & Gas
Combination Partnership 1989 - 1, L.P., Benton Oil & Gas Combination
Partnership 1990 - 1, L.P. and Benton Oil & Gas Combination Partnership 1991 -
1, L.P., appearing in the Prospectus, which is a part of such Registration
Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Prospectus.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Los Angeles, California
September 28, 1995