A process for upgrading an ethane-containing C5− paraffin stream comprises contacting the paraffin stream with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of a selective oxidation catalyst under conditions to selectively oxidize at least part of the ethane in the paraffin stream and produce a first product stream comprising ethylene. At least part of the first product stream may then be contacted with an isoparaffin-containing feed in the presence of a solid alkylation catalyst and under conditions to alkylate at least part of the isoparaffin with at least part of the ethylene and produce a second product stream comprising C6+ alkylate. Alternatively, at least part of the ethylene in the first product stream may be dimerized before the alkylation step.