Original author: gauthamzzz, co-founder of polynomialfi
Original translation: zhouzhou, BlockBeats

Editor's note: This article discusses the issue of insufficient Blob space facing Ethereum L2. As L2 chains grow, multiple L2s compete for limited Blob storage, leading to skyrocketing fees and increased user costs. Even with the Pectra upgrade increasing the number of Blobs to 6, the problem can only be temporarily alleviated, not fundamentally resolved. Solutions include short-term Pectra upgrades, medium-term PeerDAS implementations, and long-term DA expansions, but it remains uncertain whether these solutions can be implemented in time.

The following is the original content (for readability, the original content has been restructured):

Ethereum L2 is about to face a bottleneck. Currently, 55% of all Blob space has already been consumed by just two chains. At the current growth rate, we are just a few months away from total collapse.

Here’s what’s happening

First, let’s understand what is about to collapse: Blobs = Special storage for L2 Current limit = 3 Blobs per block Reality = Dozens of L2s competing for these 3 spots. It’s like a highway with only 3 lanes, while 50 rapidly growing cities are vying for those lanes.

Daily data clearly illustrates one problem, Blob fee peaks:

• During transaction times

• During the airdrop period

• When new L2s launch operations

Each peak = Higher user costs

Even the Pectra upgrade (increasing the number of Blobs to 6) cannot save us. At the current growth rate, we will reach maximum capacity by May 2025. This is still assuming growth remains constant. (Narrator: Growth will not remain constant - it is accelerating)

The real challenge

Content: L2s are competing for limited Blob space

Method: Increased demand → Rising base fees

Reason: Each transaction requires Blob space

No L2 optimization can solve this fundamental bottleneck.

Core developers know this is a critical issue. Vitalik Buterin said that increasing the number of Blobs from 3 to 6 is more important than all other Pectra upgrades combined. But doubling the capacity will only extend our timeline by a few months, not years.

Solutions being researched

Short-term: Double Blob space (Pectra)

Medium-term: PeerDAS Implementation

Long-term: Advanced DA Expansion

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

• The transaction costs of DEX are rising

• Perpetual protocols face soaring base fees

• Users are paying more in base transaction fees

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

A glimmer of hope?

This crisis has arisen because people are truly starting to use Ethereum L2. But if we don't resolve it quickly, users may turn to other options.

Summary

• Blob space is about to reach its limit

• The next crisis will arrive within 6 months

• There is an urgent need for scaling solutions

• Every L2 user is affected

If you want Ethereum to scale, this is the battle to watch.

「Original link」