Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Mainnet Costs Fall Below L2s as Gas Dips to 0.031 Gwei

Ethereum mainnet activity has cooled in recent days, with average transaction fees dropping to $0.0017 as of December 5, 2025 according to Lookonchain data. This marks a sharp decline from previous levels and brings the mainnet's cost per transaction below that of several Layer 2 (L2) networks as reported by Lookonchain. Top L2s like Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism are now charging between $0.0055 and $0.0079 per transaction, three to five times higher than the mainnet according to Lookonchain analysis.

The shift has been attributed to a general slowdown in on-chain activity, as users and developers increasingly migrate to cheaper and more scalable alternatives. Ethereum's gas fees have also dropped to 0.031 gwei, a level not seen since the early stages of post-merge optimization according to Lookonchain. The move reflects broader trends in the crypto ecosystem, where cost efficiency is becoming a key consideration for both retail and enterprise users.

Layer 2 networks continue to see significant adoption, but the narrowing cost gap between L2 and L1 is drawing new attention to Ethereum's base layer. Developers and merchants are now reassessing their transaction routing strategies, particularly as Layer 2 integrations expand. This includes new partnerships like CoinsPaid's integration of Arbitrum and Base, which aim to enhance payment scalability and affordability according to Crypto News.

Why the Cost Shift Matters for Ethereum

The decline in mainnet fees has been driven by a combination of reduced demand and increased capacity.

Ethereum's recent upgrades, including the Fusaka update that went live on December 3, 2025, have expanded the network's gas limits and optimized data availability according to Cryptoslate. This has made the mainnet more competitive in handling routine transactions without forcing users into L2 solutions.

The move is also being seen as a precursor to future upgrades, including the Blob Parameter Only (BPO) forks scheduled for December 9 and January 7, which will further scale Ethereum's throughput as reported by Cryptoslate. These changes are expected to stabilize the gas market and reduce the volatility that often accompanies high-traffic periods.

For users and developers, the reduced fees mean more flexibility in transaction routing. Applications that previously relied on L2 networks for cost reasons can now consider using the mainnet without incurring significant price premiums according to Lookonchain data. This could lead to a more balanced usage pattern between L1 and L2, depending on the specific needs of the application.

Implications for the DeFi and Crypto Payment Ecosystem

The cooling of mainnet activity and the drop in fees have direct implications for decentralized finance (DeFi) and payment platforms. DeFi protocols that rely on high-frequency on-chain interactions now face a more cost-effective environment, which could lead to increased user participation and liquidity as reported by Global NewsWire. This is particularly relevant for lending and borrowing platforms like Mutuum Finance, which are already integrating L2s to manage transaction costs as reported by Global NewsWire.

In the crypto payment space, the trend is also creating new opportunities. Merchants and platforms that previously offloaded transactions entirely to L2s may now see a viable middle ground. CoinsPaid, for example, has recently added support for Arbitrum and Base, emphasizing the benefits of instant transactions and lower costs for global merchants as reported by Crypto News. This hybrid approach could become more common as Ethereum's mainnet and L2s coexist with complementary roles.

The drop in fees also has broader implications for Ethereum's role in global finance. With Argentina's state-owned energy giant YPF reportedly considering crypto payments for fuel, including options to pay with digital assets, the scalability and cost efficiency of the Ethereum network are becoming increasingly relevant according to CoinTelegraph. The country is already seeing a growing adoption of crypto services, and a more cost-competitive Ethereum mainnet could support broader real-world usage.

Looking Ahead: What Analysts Are Watching

Market observers are closely watching how the fee dynamics evolve in the coming months. While the current trend is positive for Ethereum, the long-term sustainability of the lower fees will depend on network adoption and usage patterns. If activity rebounds, there is a risk that gas prices could rise again, especially if demand outpaces supply.

Analysts are also paying attention to how the Fusaka upgrade and subsequent BPO forks perform in practice. The success of these upgrades in scaling the network could influence investor sentiment and the broader perception of Ethereum's long-term viability according to Cryptoslate. This is particularly important as new entrants like Sony Group explore Ethereum-based solutions for their digital ecosystems as reported by Decrypt.

For investors, the current trend underscores the importance of monitoring both on-chain metrics and network upgrades. The Ethereum mainnet's ability to remain competitive in a post-merge environment will be a key factor in determining its future trajectory. Meanwhile, companies like Bit Digital, which are heavily invested in Ethereum staking and treasury strategies, continue to generate strong returns amid the changing fee landscape according to PR Newswire.