The dynamics of oil recovery as a fraction of initial recoverable reserves is considered. The maximum rate of oil withdrawal from 98 oil fields of Russia and CIS countries are given. It is shown that with increasing the time of achieving the project level the maximum rate of recovery decreases, while the time of its achievement depends on the rate of wells putting into operation and it is controlled indicator. It is noted that the early achievement of the maximum rate of withdrawal reduces the main period of field development.