Blob space is insufficient, Ethereum L2 is also on the verge of collapse?

Original author:gauthamzzz , co-founder of polynomialfi

Original compilation: zhouzhou, BlockBeats

Editor 's note: This article discusses the Blob space shortage problem 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 Pectra upgrade, the problem can only be temporarily alleviated but cannot be completely solved. Solutions include short-term Pectra upgrades, mid-term PeerDAS implementation, and long-term DA extensions, but it is still uncertain whether these solutions will be in place in time.

The following is the original content (the original content has been edited for ease of reading and understanding):

Ethereum L2 is about to hit a bottleneck. Currently, 55% of all blob space has been consumed by just two chains. At the current growth rate, we are only a few months away from everything collapsing.

Here's what happens

First, let's understand what's breaking down: Blobs = L2's special storage Current limit = 3 blobs per block Reality = Dozens of L2's competing for those 3 spots. It's like a highway with only 3 lanes and 50 growing cities competing for those lanes.

The daily data clearly illustrates the problem with spikes in Blob charges:

• During trading hours

• During the airdrop

• When new L2 starts operation

Each spike = higher cost to user

Even Pectra's upgrade (increasing the number of blobs to 6) couldn't save us. At the current growth rate, we will reach maximum capacity in May 2025. And that's assuming growth remains constant. (Aside: Growth isn’t staying the same—it’s accelerating)

real challenge

Content: L2 is competing for limited blob space

Method: Increase in demand → Increase in basic costs

Reason: Each transaction requires Blob space

No L2 optimization can solve this fundamental bottleneck.

Core developers know this is a critical issue. Vitalik Buterin says increasing the number of blobs from 3 to 6 is more significant than all other Pectra upgrades combined. But doubling capacity would only give us months, not years.

Solutions under research

Short term: Double Blob Space (Pectra)

Mid-term: PeerDAS implementation

Long term: Advanced DA extension

But can they arrive before we hit a bottleneck? This problem is affecting everyone:

• DEX transaction costs rise

• Perpetual agreements face soaring base fees

• Users pay more basic transaction fees

At polynomialFi, our base fees have increased 300% in recent months.

A glimmer of hope?

This crisis occurred because people really started using Ethereum L2. But if we don't resolve it soon, users may look elsewhere.

Summarize

• Blob space is reaching its limit

• Next crisis 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.