Exhibit 23.1






                          Consent of Ernst & Young LLP


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-38429) pertaining to the Stock Option Plan of Magellan Petroleum
Corporation of our report dated September 18, 2002 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Magellan Petroleum Corporation included in
this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2002.



                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP





Stamford, Connecticut
September 23, 2002