To provide an adsorbent for sulfur compounds, such as thiophenes and benzothiophenes, contained in a hydrocarbon oil used as a base material for gasoline; and a method for removing sulfur compounds, such as thiophenes and benzothiophenes, contained in a hydrocarbon oil used as a base material of gasoline under mild conditions close to normal temperature and normal pressure without causing unnecessary reactions such as hydrogenation of olefins.

This adsorbent for sulfur compounds in a hydrocarbon oil is carried by alumina, contains 2-20 mass% at least either copper or palladium and 2-20 mass% chlorine, and has a specific surface area of 200 m2/g or higher.