Theoretical evaluation of algal biodiesel shows extravagance and economical impedance. Lipid productivity has been a prominent strategy to attain economic viability. The present study investigates the effect of starvation and supplementation of Ca, Mg and P on growth and lipid accumulation in microalga Scenedesmus obliquus. Calcium and phosphate starvation induced lipid accumulation by 52.9% and 47.6% of DCW (dry cell weight) respectively; supplementation with 300 mgL(-1) of magnesium induced lipid accumulation by 54.6% DCW. Interestingly growth was not affected at 300 mg/L of magnesium and conditions like calcium and phosphate starvation affected the growth but not completely retarded. The statistical studies with Box-Behnken model revealed that the macronutrients exerted their significant impact on growth and lipid accumulation individually than interactively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.