The purpose of the article is to analyze hydrocarbons on a global scale and the assigned place in it for the Russian oil industry.. "Black gold" is considered one of the most expensive domestic natural resources. Oil is the most valuable raw material for various industries, and Russia occupies a leading position on the planet in the production of hydrocarbons. The article describes the problems of development of the oil production and refining industry in Russia. The question of what niche the Russian oil industry occupies on a global scale is considered; the geography of the main raw material bases of the country is studied. Methods used in the work: collection, study of information; comparison, synthesis and analysis of statistical data of materials.