What it is
Simple alcohol made mostly from natural gas. Used for formaldehyde, acetic acid, solvents, biodiesel and pharma. Poisonous to drink.
Grade AA (99.85%)Commercial grade
Where India produces it
Where imports come from
Over 90% imported: production 244.3 thousand tonnes against consumption of 3,177.8 thousand tonnes in 2024-25 (DCPC).
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Iran
Rules before you buy or sell
- The Methanol QCO (IS 517:2020) was withdrawn by S.O. 3379(E) on 23 Jul 2025.
- Methyl alcohol is listed in Schedule 1 of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989. Above the threshold quantities, a unit must notify authorities, keep safety data sheets and an on-site emergency plan.
- Flammable solvents are petroleum under the Petroleum Act; storing more than the exempt quantity needs a PESO licence under the Petroleum Rules, 2002.
- Many states regulate methanol storage and sale under excise or poison rules to stop misuse in liquor; check your state.
Storage and handling
Highly flammable and toxic. Store in closed MS tanks or drums, earthed, in a ventilated licensed store away from flames.
Businesses that use it
Paint Thinner Making →Ball Pen Ink Manufacturing →Printing Ink →
Sources (4)
- Chemical and Petrochemical Statistics at a Glance 2025, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (Tables 3, 5, 8, 10, 16, 17, 20, 28)
- Directory of Chemical & Petrochemical Units 2022-23 (large and medium units), Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals · 2023
- BIS — Products under compulsory certification, Scheme-I (QCO list with amendment and rescind orders; page updated 24 Sep 2026) · 2026
- Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 (as amended up to 2000), Schedule 1 — copy hosted by Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers, Goa · 1989