A process for the production of olefins from a hydrocarbon comprising the
steps of: a) providing a first feed stream comprising a gaseous fuel and
an oxygen-containing gas; b) contacting the first feed stream with a first
catalyst under conditions so as to produce a product stream and unreacted
oxygen; c) providing a second feed stream of hydrocarbon feedstock; and d)
contacting the second feed stream, the product stream of step b) and the
unreacted oxygen step b) with a second catalyst which is capable of
supporting oxidation, thereby consuming at least a part of the unreacted
oxygen to produce an olefin product.