Abstract: [Problem] To provide a catalyst for catalytic partial oxidation having a high activity and a long-term durability; and to provide a method capable of attaining long-term stable catalytic partial oxidation. [Means for Solution] The catalyst for catalytic partial oxidation comprises a carrier obtained by adding nickel and at least one of barium and lanthanum to alumina or an alumina precursor followed by firing it, and a platinum group element such as rhodium held by the carrier. The carrier is obtained, for example, by firing at a temperature not lower than 600° C., and in the firing step, nickel aluminate is formed. The catalyst is filled into a heat-insulating reactor; and oxygen and steam and hydrogen are added to a starting hydrocarbon (when the starting hydrocarbon contains hydrogen, adding hydrogen thereto is unnecessary), and this is fed into the reactor.