The analysis of the factors influencing the potential and the level of human development leads to the conclusion that energy resources have a significant impact on the development of civilization. Among liquid fuels crude oil is crucial for the world’s economy as a raw material for the chemical industry, and above all as one of the most important energy resources. It should be noted the petroleum liquid is a strategic material of limited availability, whose resources do not permit the full satisfaction of all reported needs. On the one hand this is due to open and constantly increasing fuel needs of man; on the other hand, is the result of a limited quantity of material, which can be delivered in a given place and time. In recent years, it should be emphasized that the current global balance of supply and demand for oil ismaintaining equilibriumAlso, imperfect competition in the oil sectormakes that only a threat of disruptions in the supply of this material is the impetus for the growth of prices on commodity exchanges. The purpose of this article is to identify the phenomena which take place in the socio-economic environment in the world. The actions taken will make it possible to determine their influence on the level and dynamics of petroleum price changes in 2012. Analysis of the studied phenomena will be carried out on the basis of available national and international statistical reports.