Oxidative decomposition of low concentrations (50-1000 ppm) of diluted benzene in air was carried out in a nonthermal plasma (NTP) dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with the inner electrode made up of stainless steel fibres (SMF) modified with transition metal oxides in such a way to integrate the catalyst in discharge zone. Typical results indicate the better performance of MnOx and TiO2/MnOx modified systems, which may be attributed to the in situ decomposition of ozone on the surface of MnOx that may lead to the formation of atomic oxygen; whereas ultraviolet light induced photocatalytic oxidation may be taking place with TiO2 modified systems. Water vapour improved the selectivity to total oxidation. © Indian Academy of Sciences.