The catalytic activity of metal cation doped Ru/CeO2/Al2O3 as pre-reforming catalysts for steam reforming of desulfurized kerosene was investigated at a moderate temperature. The oxygen storage capacity (OSC) was significantly improved by Tb and Zr doping. The improved OSC by doping metal cations was found to increase the conversion of desulfurized kerosene to C-1 products. Tb doping into CeO2, in particular, could achieve the highest OSC and catalytic activity. The initial conversion of desulfurized kerosene was approximately 80% and deactivation was observed over Ru/CeO2/Al2O3 with S/C = 3 at 873 K. In contrast, Ru/Ce0.8Tb0.2O2/Al2O3 exhibited the complete conversion of desulfurized kerosene to C-1 products and stable catalytic performance at the same reaction condition. The Tb doping could inhibit the deactivation and increase the catalytic activity for degradation of long chain hydrocarbons and aromatics. Copyright (C) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.