The properties and the applications of the main monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and the three xylene isomers) and the industrial processes for their manufacture from fossil raw materials are summarized. Potential ways for their production from renewable sources with thermo-catalytic processes are described and discussed in detail. The perspectives of the future industrial organic chemistry in relation to the production of high-octane bio-gasolines and monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as renewable chemical intermediates are discussed.