Introduction. In the modern realities of improving competitiveness is one of the primary tasks of the state. Further development of our economy involves the use and improving the efficiency of the leading industries. Primarily, this includes fuel-energy complex (FEC), which was and remains the foundation of the national economy. Theoretical analysis. Analysis of the research is based on the theoretical framework developed by Russian and foreign scientists, to show the necessity of development of fuel and energy and its effect on increasing the competitiveness of the Russian economy. Results of the study. Was shown to influence the dynamics of the complex on the economy, a significant share in exports and tax revenues, as well as a share of GDP showed an increasing dependence of the development of the country and its competitiveness from the complex. Conclusions. There are many ways to increase the country’s competitiveness, but at the moment exploitation FEC sectors is one of the most efficient and effective. Undoubtedly, the depletion can lead to rapid displacement of the industry in the economic hierarchy, but it speaks only of the fact that the need to increase investment and the creation of innovative enterprises in the complex. In general, should not be a direct relationship to the development of the competitiveness of the country’s one industry.