The invention provides a method of converting glycerol to oxygenates (i.e. one or more oxygen-containing hydrocarbons) of lower boiling point than glycerol itself The method involves reaction of glycerol with an alcohol under reduced pressure at a reaction temperature in a range of 150 to 300.degree. C. in the presence of an oxygenation (solid acid) catalyst. The reaction product contains volatile oxygenates that may be used as fuels or fuel additives.