Original author: gauthamzzz , co-founder of polynomialfi
Original translation: zhouzhou, BlockBeats
Editors note: This article discusses the problem of insufficient Blob space faced by Ethereum L2. As the L2 chain grows, multiple L2s compete for limited Blob storage, causing fees to soar and user costs to increase. Even if the number of blobs is increased to 6 through the Pectra upgrade, the problem can only be temporarily alleviated and cannot be fundamentally solved. Solutions include short-term Pectra upgrades, mid-term PeerDAS implementations, and long-term DA expansions, but it is still uncertain whether these solutions can be put in place in a timely manner.
The following is the original content (for easier reading and understanding, the original content has been reorganized):
Ethereum L2 is about to hit a bottleneck. Currently, 55% of all Blob space has been consumed by just two chains. At the current rate of growth, we are only a few months away from everything collapsing.
Heres what happens
First, lets understand whats breaking: Blobs = Special storage for L2 Current limit = 3 blobs per block Reality = Dozens of L2s fighting for those 3 spots. Its like a highway with only 3 lanes and 50 growing cities fighting for those lanes.
The daily data clearly illustrates one problem, the Blob fee spike:
During trading hours
Airdrop Period
When the new L2 starts operating
Each peak = higher cost to the user
Even the Pectra upgrade (increasing the number of blobs to 6) wont save us. At the current rate of growth, we will reach capacity in May 2025. And thats assuming growth remains constant. (Aside: Growth doesnt remain constant - its accelerating)
The real challenge
Content: L2 is competing for limited blob space
Method: Demand increases → Base costs rise
Reason: Each transaction requires Blob space
No amount of L2 optimization can resolve this fundamental bottleneck.
Core developers know this is a critical issue. Vitalik Buterin said increasing the number of blobs from 3 to 6 is more important than all other Pectra upgrades combined. But doubling the capacity will only buy us a few months, not years.
Solutions under investigation
Short term: Double the Blob space (Pectra)
Mid-term: PeerDAS implementation
Long term: Advanced DA expansion
But will they arrive before we hit a wall? This question is affecting everyone:
Rising transaction costs on DEXs
Perpetual Protocol faces surge in base fees
Users pay more in basic transaction fees
At PolynomialFi, our base fees have increased by 300% in recent months.
A ray of hope?
This crisis is happening because people are actually starting to use Ethereum L2. But if we don’t solve it soon, users may turn to other places.
Summarize
Blob space is reaching its limit
The next crisis is coming in 6 months
Urgent need for scaling solutions
Every L2 user is affected
If you want Ethereum to scale, this is the battle to watch.
