I'm pretty much convinced that Big Oil has retarded progress and the economy in general despite the official claims that they are the crucial element of a good economy. Electric and alternative means of travel will put them out of business because... guess what? Supply and demand. People want efficient cars and ICE propulsion isn't one of them.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-16/big-oil-is-about-to-lose-control-of-the-auto-industry