EXHIBIT 23.A

             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We  hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in  the
Registration  Statement on Form S-8 (No.  333-31060)  of  El
Paso Corporation of our report dated March 25, 2003 relating
to  the financial statements and schedules of Coastal  Aruba
Refining  Company N.V. Thrift Plan, which  appears  in  this
Form 11-K.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas
March 28, 2003