Exhibit 23.3




We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-54762) and the related Prospectus
of Ashland Inc. (Ashland) for the registration of 149,300 shares of its
common stock, of (i) our report dated January 24, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Arch Coal, Inc. and (ii) our opinion
dated March 28, 2001 with respect to the financial statement schedule of
Arch Coal, Inc., included in Ashland's Annual Report on Form 10-K (as
amended by Form 10-K/A) for the year ended September 30, 2000, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.





/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


St. Louis, Missouri
May 4, 2001







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