A fuel composition is prepared from a friable solid fuel, e.g. coal, and a lower alcohol, e.g. methanol. The solid fuel is ground in the alcohol until the mean particle size of the solid fuel particles is reduced to a value in the range 1 to 10 micron and the composition contains 15 to 65% by weight of the solid fuel. Air is excluded during the grinding operation. The composition is suitable for use as a liquid fuel for industrial burners.