The bifunctional Ni-0/La2O3 catalyst was studied in the partial oxidation of methane (POM). The indirect model of POM was established based on catalytic runs of total oxidation of methane (TOM), dry reforming (DRM) and steam reforming (SRM). It was proved that TOM occurs over La2O3 (as well in flowing POM feed), whereas DRM and SRM take place over Ni-0. The sequences of elementary steps of each reaction are described based on previously published data from other authors. The reaction of total oxidation of methane supplies H2O and CO2 to SRM and DRM respectively. Therefore, SRM and DRM catalytic cycles are assisted by TOM whereas DRM and SRM are kinetically coupled on reduced metal active sites (Ni-0). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.