SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D. C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


        Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 26, 2004


                                  ASHLAND INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                    Kentucky
                 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

            1-2918                                           61-0122250
    (Commission File Number)                             (I.R.S. Employer
                                                        Identification No.)


   50 E. RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, Kentucky           41012-0391
       (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)


        P.O. Box 391, Covington, Kentucky                     41012-0391
                   (Mailing Address)                          (Zip Code)



        Registrant's telephone number, including area code (859) 815-3333





Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits
------   ---------------------------------

(c)      Exhibits

99.1     Press Release dated April 26, 2004

Item 12.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition
-------   ---------------------------------------------

     On April 26, 2004,  Ashland Inc.  reported its second  quarter  fiscal
2004  results,  which are  discussed  in more  detail in the press  release
attached  hereto  as  Exhibit  99.1.  This   information  is  furnished  in
accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Release No. 33-8216.


                                 SIGNATURES
                                 ----------

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  registrant  has duly  caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                                   ASHLAND INC.
                                         ----------------------------------
                                                  (Registrant)



    Date:  April 26, 2004                     /s/ J. Marvin Quin
                                         ----------------------------------
                                         Name:   J. Marvin Quin
                                         Title:  Senior Vice President and
                                                 Chief Financial Officer








                   EXHIBIT INDEX
                   -------------

99.1     Press Release dated April 26, 2004