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 20, 2001 appearing on page 102 in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Sterling Chemicals Holdings, Inc. for the year ended September 30,
2001.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Houston, Texas
December 20, 2001