Vanadia/alumina and molybdenum/alumina catalysts are active for nitric oxide reduction with methanol and dimethyl ether in the presence of excess oxygen in the temperature range 250-500 degrees C. The distinctive feature of vanadia/alumina catalysts is the ability to promote oxidation of NO to NO2, hence these catalysts are active even at low temperature. Both methanol and dimethyl ether were effective as reducing agents for selective reduction of NO.