Methanol (methyl alcohol, CH₃OH) is a wood alcohol used in gas and oil production as an inhibitor of hydrate formation, most often at gas condensate fields.

Injection of methanol into the well downhole zone of gas hydrate fields causes not only decomposition of gas hydrates at the downhole of the well but also improves downhole zone filtration characteristics. Methanol is also admixed to water solutions of surfactants in order to prevent them from freezing during injection into gas wells (in order to remove water from downholes). High absorbing capacity of methanol is used for water removal after hydrostatic tests of gas pipelines, as well as in low temperature processes of natural and synthesis gases purification of CO₂, H₂S and other sulfur-containing organic compounds. Methanol is used for production of formaldehyde, methylamine, acetic acid, as solvent and fuel.