
A majority of Ethereum validators have expressed support for increasing the network’s gas limit, with over 50% signaling approval to boost the maximum gas used in a single block. This move aims to reduce transaction fees and enhance the network’s capacity without requiring a hard fork, as validators can adjust their configurations to indicate support.
Currently, the gas limit sits at approximately 30 million, a figure that has remained steady since a previous increase from 15 million in 2021. Recent data from Blockscout points to a rising trend, with gas limits now observed at over 33 million.
Evan Van Ness, a former blockchain operator at Consensys, noted this is the first proposed gas limit increase since the network’s transition to proof-of-stake following the Merge upgrade in September 2022. Van Ness emphasized that the decentralized nature of proof-of-stake introduced challenges in coordination. Alongside this development, Ethereum Co-founder Vitalik Buterin announced the upcoming Pectra fork set for March. This fork will not only increase the blob target but also allow stakers to vote using the same mechanism as that for the gas limit.
However, the decision has sparked debate within the Ethereum community. Proponents argue that raising the gas limit to 36 million would spur innovation and boost the network’s Layer 1 capacity. Meanwhile, Ethereum researcher Justin Drake stated plans to support a limit of 36 million through his validator, citing safety considerations.
Despite these forward-looking plans, concerns persist regarding the implications of too large an increase. Critics warn that a significant boost could threaten network stability and security, potentially leading to issues such as propagation failures and missed validator slots. The Ethereum Foundation’s Toni Wahrstätter cautioned that excessively high limits could overwhelm solo node operators.
The initiative, backed by projects like Pump The Gas, champions gradual increases to prevent destabilization while continuing to enhance the network’s efficiency and reduce fees. This ongoing discussion underscores the continuous balancing act of innovation and stability in Ethereum’s evolution.