Abstract: The demercaptanization of petroleum distillates may be carried out by means of the oxidation of the mercaptans contained therein using the oxygen in the air, at a temperature of about 80.degree. to about 220.degree. C., in the presence of about 0.01 to about 10.0 mass % of a water-soluble salt of copper, iron, nickel, or cobalt, on a fibrous carbonaceous material in the form of a woven fabric, felt, rope, or twisted strand, used as a heterogeneous catalyst. The fibrous carbonaceous material used in the process contains oxides of calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, and aluminum in an amount of up to about 0.03 mass %.