In this study, a kinetic model for extra-heavy oil gasification has been developed. It is a zero dimensional, steady state model based on global reaction kinetics and is capable of predicting performance parameters of the process. Effects of parameters, including fuel water content and equivalence ratio on tar yield, gasification temperature and performance parameters such as syngas higher heating value (HHV), carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), cold gas efficiency (CGE) have been discussed. The results indicate that the higher equivalence ratio is more favorable for carbon conversion and tar cracking; however, it lowered gas caloric value and cold gas efficiency. It is also found that the higher carbon conversion and lower tar yield are possible at higher fuel water content. The model is validated by experimental and thermodynamic data and found relatively to be in good agreement. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.