High-density drilling mud systems—often barite- or hematite-weighted and formulated with specialized polymers—enable well control in deep, HPHT and highly deviated wells. Production volumes are linked to rig activity, the complexity of wells being drilled, and regulatory expectations for well control. Over the last decade, global drilling fluid demand has fluctuated with oil price cycles, but the share of higher-density, higher-performance systems has steadily increased as drilling environments become more challenging. Price trends reflect both commodity and technology elements. Weighting agents like barite saw significant price volatility in the 2011–2014 and 2021–2022 periods due to mine disruptions and freight costs, directly impacting high-density mud costs. Service companies passed much of this through to day-rates and per-barrel charges. Chemical additives, many derived from petrochemical feedstocks, also experienced inflation, particularly during the COVID-related logistics disruptions.