Blob Space Exhausted, Is Ethereum L2 Also on the Brink of Collapse?
Original Article Author: gauthamzzz, Co-Founder of PolynomialFI
Original Article Translation: zhouzhou, BlockBeats
Editor's Note: This article discusses the Blob space scarcity issue faced by Ethereum Layer 2 (L2). As the L2 chain grows, multiple L2s compete for limited Blob storage, leading to skyrocketing fees and increased user costs. Even with the Pectra upgrade increasing the Blob count to 6, the problem can only be temporarily alleviated but not fundamentally resolved. Solutions include short-term Pectra upgrades, mid-term PeerDAS implementation, and long-term DA scaling. However, it is still uncertain whether these solutions can be implemented in a timely manner.
Below is the original article content (reorganized for better readability):
Ethereum L2 is about to face a bottleneck. Currently, 55% of all Blob space has been consumed by just two chains, and at the current growth rate, we are only a few months away from a complete collapse.
The following is what is happening

First, let's understand what is collapsing: Blobs = L2's special storage Current limit = 3 Blobs per block Reality = dozens of L2s vying for these 3 spots. It's like a highway with only 3 lanes, and 50 evolving cities are fighting for these lanes.

Day-to-day data clearly shows a problem, Blob fee spikes:
• During transaction times
• During airdrops
• When new L2 launches operations
Each spike = higher user cost

Even the Pectra upgrade (increasing Blob count to 6) cannot save us. At the current growth rate, we will reach maximum capacity in May 2025. And that's assuming no change in growth. (Sidenote: Growth won't stay the same—it's accelerating).

The Real Challenge
Issue: L2 Competing for Limited Blob Space
Approach: Increased Demand → Base Fee Rise
Reason: Each Transaction Requires Blob Space
Any L2 optimization cannot solve this fundamental bottleneck.

Core developers know this is a key issue. Vitalik Buterin said increasing the Blob count from 3 to 6 is more important than all other Pectra upgrades combined. But doubling the capacity will only give us a few more months, not years.

Solutions Under Research
Short Term: Double Blob Space (Pectra)
Mid Term: PeerDAS Implementation
Long Term: Advanced DA Expansion
But will they arrive before we hit the bottleneck? This issue is affecting everyone:
• DEX transaction costs are rising
• Perpetual protocols face skyrocketing base fees
• Users are paying more for basic transaction fees
At PolynomialFi, our base fees have increased by 300% in recent months.

A Glimmer of Hope?
This crisis has emerged because people are truly starting to use Ethereum L2. But if we don't address it soon, users may look elsewhere.
Summary
• Blob space is nearing its limit
• Next crisis expected within 6 months
• Urgent need for scaling solutions
• Every L2 user is impacted
If you want Ethereum to scale, this is the battle to watch.

You may also like

a16z-Backed Crypto Custody Startup to Close, Returning Investor Capital
Key Takeaways Entropy, a decentralized crypto custody startup, is closing its doors after four years due to strategic…
![[LIVE] Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for Jan. 23, 2026 – BTC Slides Below $90K as Crypto Market Extends Broad Sell-Off](https://weex-prod-cms.s3.ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/medium_21_2c30f7df62.png)
[LIVE] Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for Jan. 23, 2026 – BTC Slides Below $90K as Crypto Market Extends Broad Sell-Off
Key Takeaways The crypto market is in a downward trend, with GameFi, AI, and RWA sectors showing some…

Solana Price Prediction: 200+ U.S. Stocks Just Landed on SOL – Is This the Most Bullish News of the Year?
Key Takeaways: Solana has integrated over 200 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, enhancing its status as the preferred…

XRP Price Prediction: $1.88 Triple-Bottom Support Amid ETF Money Pull Back – Analyzing Future Directions
Key Takeaways XRP currently stabilizes around $1.88 with triple-bottom support after recent price slips below $2.00. Institutional ETF…

CZ Declares He Won’t Return to Binance After Trump Pardon – What’s Going On?
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has confirmed he will not return to Binance following his presidential pardon from Donald Trump.…

Crypto Price Prediction Today 22 January – XRP, Solana, Sui
Key Takeaways XRP Price Outlook: XRP remains in a fragile state within a descending channel, with the $1.80…

Cryptocurrency Price Prediction Today 23 January – XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum
Key Takeaways Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are in distinct phases of consolidation or resistance, with potential for significant…

Ethereum Launches $2M Quantum Defense Team as Threat Timeline Accelerates
Key Takeaways Ethereum has prioritized quantum resistance by establishing a dedicated Post Quantum (PQ) team, allocating $2 million…

Bitcoin & Ethereum ETFs Shed Over $1Billion, Solana and XRP Attract Inflows
Key Takeaways Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs experienced substantial outflows exceeding $1 billion in just one day, reflecting a…

Ethereum Price Prediction: $3,000 Rejected, But On-Chain Data Reveals a Different Outlook
Key Takeaways Despite the recent price dip, Ethereum’s network fundamentals remain robust and are a strong indicator of…

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: SHIB Team Asserts ‘We’re Not Done Yet’ – Is a Parabolic Move Imminent?
Key Takeaways: Shiba Inu core members suggest the current market cycle may not be complete, hinting at potential…

Solana Price Prediction: Why $126 Could Be the Calm Before SOL’s Next Surge
Key Takeaways Solana’s price hovers around $126, showing signs of stability despite a recent pullback, as traders remain…

XRP Price Prediction: When Traders Get This Quiet, XRP Has a History of Going Wild – Is It About to Happen Again?
Key Takeaways XRP’s Market Quietness as Bullish Signal: Historically, a decrease in trading interest has often been a…

Ethereum Price Prediction: Wall Street Giant BlackRock Embraces Ethereum as Financial Infrastructure – Could ETH Embody the Internet of Money?
Key Takeaways BlackRock sees Ethereum as a cornerstone of future financial systems, positioning it as a leading digital…

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Kiyosaki Shrugs Off Price Crash – Here’s Why He’s More Optimistic Than Ever
Key Takeaways Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” remains bullish on Bitcoin despite recent price fluctuations.…

XRP Price Prediction: XRP Approaches Accumulation Breakout with $1.85 Support as Bullish Targets Eye $4
Key Takeaways XRP’s long-term price indicators suggest a major accumulation phase, maintaining critical support around $1.85. The restoration…

XRP Price Outlook: Steady Gains Amid ETF Revival – Are Whales Ahead of the Curve?
Key Takeaways XRP-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have resumed accumulation after a brief market dip. The resurgence of ETF…

US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Experience Significant Declines with $1.33 Billion Outflows
Key Takeaways: US Spot Bitcoin ETFs faced their most significant weekly losses in almost a year with $1.33…
a16z-Backed Crypto Custody Startup to Close, Returning Investor Capital
Key Takeaways Entropy, a decentralized crypto custody startup, is closing its doors after four years due to strategic…
[LIVE] Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for Jan. 23, 2026 – BTC Slides Below $90K as Crypto Market Extends Broad Sell-Off
Key Takeaways The crypto market is in a downward trend, with GameFi, AI, and RWA sectors showing some…
Solana Price Prediction: 200+ U.S. Stocks Just Landed on SOL – Is This the Most Bullish News of the Year?
Key Takeaways: Solana has integrated over 200 tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, enhancing its status as the preferred…
XRP Price Prediction: $1.88 Triple-Bottom Support Amid ETF Money Pull Back – Analyzing Future Directions
Key Takeaways XRP currently stabilizes around $1.88 with triple-bottom support after recent price slips below $2.00. Institutional ETF…
CZ Declares He Won’t Return to Binance After Trump Pardon – What’s Going On?
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has confirmed he will not return to Binance following his presidential pardon from Donald Trump.…
Crypto Price Prediction Today 22 January – XRP, Solana, Sui
Key Takeaways XRP Price Outlook: XRP remains in a fragile state within a descending channel, with the $1.80…