Torrefaction is a mild thermochemical treatment of biomass between 473-573 K in inert atmosphere. The poor economic feasibility of torrefaction due to continuous supply of inert gas hinders the commercialization of this technology. The present study investigates torrefaction of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) in a vertical tubular reactor under the presence of gas from charcoal combustion. The combustion gas consisted of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen at percentages of 75.5, 16.4, 4.0, 3.5 and 0.3 vol, respectively. In the present study, the thermal energy generated through charcoal combustion was directly utilized for torrefaction of EFB. Torrefaction experiment was carried out at 461 - 494 K for 30 min. The mass and energy yields and properties of torrefied biomass were investigated. Torrefaction in the presence of combustion gas resulted in an increase in the energy density and carbon content of torrefied EFB. The SEM cross-sectional observation of EFB torrefied in combustion gas showed presence of hollow porous structure like honeycomb. The result of torrefaction in combustion gas was compared with torrefaction carried out at 493 K for 30 min in a mixture of CO2 (12.0 vol), O2 (9.0 vol) and N2 (balance) from gas cylinder. © 2016 The Authors.