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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333-30917 of Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. on Form S-3 and Registration
Statement No. 333-52795 of Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. on Form S-8 of our
report dated December 12, 2000 appearing on page 70 in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. for the year ended September 30,
2000.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
December 12, 2000