A novel alkaline lipase from Burkholderia cepacia RGP-10 was produced in mustard oil (1% v/v) at 50 degreesC, pH 7 and 250 rpm. Lipase production was mostly influenced by glucose and divalent cations. Mg2+ (0.6 mM) in the presence of Ca2+ (0.4 mM) along with 1% w/v glucose enhanced lipase production up to three-fold (60 U/ml). Nitrogen additives did not affect lipase production significantly. The enzyme was compatible with various ionic and non-ionic surfactants as well as commercial detergents. The present lipase retained 100% activity in the presence of strong oxidants (1% v/v or w/v) viz. H2O2, sodium perborate and sodium hypochlorite after I h of treatment at room temperature. The enzyme was also resistant to various commercial alkaline proteases. retaining its complete activity even after I h protease treatment at 50 degreesC. Overall, the present lipase exhibited better stability towards commercial detergents and oxidizing agents than Lipolase circle *. Strong resistance towards oxidants besides good detergent compatibility makes it a novel lipase and a potential additive for detergent formulation