A series of Ni/Mg(x)Al catalysts with different Mg/Al molar ratios were prepared by impregnating Mg-Al mixed oxides with nickel nitrate aqueous solution and used for the pre-reforming of LPG in the temperature range of 400-500 degrees C. XRD and H(2)-TPR results showed that the Ni/Mg(x)Al catalysts calcined at 800 degrees C mainly consisted of gamma-Al(2)O(3), Mg(Ni) Al(2)O(4) and Mg(Ni)O phases varying with Mg/Al molar ratio without free NiO species observed. The effects of Mg/Al molar ratio, S/C molar ratio and reaction temperature on the catalytic behavior of the Ni/Mg(x)Al catalysts were investigated in detail. The results revealed that the catalyst with Mg/Al molar ratio of 1.25 had the highest catalytic activity and stability. The increase in S/C molar ratio promoted both the steam reforming of LPG and the methanation of carbon oxides and hydrogen. The stability tests of 15%Ni/Mg(1.25)Al catalyst showed that the catalyst was stable for the pre-reforming of LPG, and the stability decreased with elevating the reaction temperature due to more coke deposition. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.