1 EXHIBIT 23.1 BENTON OIL AND GAS COMPANY INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT ----------------------------- We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 33-37124 on Form S-8, 33-70146 on Form S-3, 33-77946 on Form S-3 and 333-135 on Form S-3 of Benton Oil and Gas Company of our report dated March 20, 1996 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Benton Oil and Gas Company for the year ended December 31, 1995. Los Angeles, California March 29, 1996