Problems of evaluation of direct distillability of residual fuels, i.e., presence in them of residues of oil refining destructive processes, are discussed. The shortcomings of the current methods of evaluation of direct distillability are shown. A new method of evaluation of direct distillability, which is based on separation of residues from residual fuels and determination of asphaltene content in the residues, is proposed. This method provides reliable information about the presence of residues of destructive origin in the fuels.