Abstract: A method for recovering petroleum from a subterranean, petroleum-containing formation. It includes injecting into said formation a formulation comprising an oligomeric surfactant wherein said oligomeric surfactant has the following formula:R--X--(CH.sub.2 --CR.sub.1 Y).sub.a --(CH.sub.2 --CR.sub.2 Z).sub.b --Hwherein R is a linear or branched alkyl or alkylaryl radical having from 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl; R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, and a hydrocarbon having the formula CH.sub.2 COOH; X is selected from the group consisting of sulfides, sulfones, and sulfoxides; Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having the formulas CN, CONH.sub.2, CH.sub.2 CONH.sub.2, CONHCH.sub.3, CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.5, COOCH.sub.3, COOC.sub.2 H.sub.5, COOC.sub.2 H.sub.4 OH, COOC.sub.3 H.sub.6 OH, CONHCH.sub.2 OH; Z is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having the formulas COOH, CH.sub.