Production of oxidized asphalts with improved quality characteristics an be increased by modifying the initial feedstock, for example, with cationic surfactants (CSF). The use of a quaternary ammonium compound with a C-17-C-19 hydrocarbon radical in the optimum concentration of 0.06 wt. % increases the proportion of heavier components in the asphalt, that is, causes a greater degree of oxidation of the feedstock. A decrease in consumption rates in production of asphalt is possible as a result. The quality of the asphalt obtained either with a 30% decrease in air consumption or a 10 - 15 degreesC decrease in the temperature or with a 30% reduction in the oxidation time is as good as the "baseline" sample.