a process for the production of an olefin from a hydrocarbon , which process comprises : partially combusting the hydrocarbon and an oxygen - containing gas in the presence of a catalyst , characterised in that the catalyst comprises platinum and at least one further metal , said further metal being a group iiia , group iva , va or a transition metal ; wherein said catalyst is : a ) not a platinum catalyst consisting essentially of platinum modified with sn , cu or mixtures thereof , and b ) not a platinum catalyst consisting essentially of platinum modified with sb or a mixture of sb and sn .