A method for producing monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of 6 to 8 carbon number, the method comprising bringing a feedstock oil containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and having a 10 volume % distillation temperature of at least 140° C. and an end point temperature of not more than 400° C., or a feedstock oil containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and having a 10 volume % distillation temperature of at least 140° C. and a 90 volume % distillation temperature of not more than 360° C., into contact with a catalyst comprising a medium pore size zeolite, gallium and/or zinc, and phosphorus,
- wherein the amount of phosphorus supported on the medium pore size zeolite is within a range from 0.1 to 1.9% by mass based on the mass of the medium pore size zeolite.