**Ethereum Gas Fees: Low in 2024, But Spikes During Market Volatility**

Ethereum's gas fees have been notably low in 2024, thanks to rollups, except during the market crash on August 4-5, when fees spiked. This fluctuation is expected in a market where secure block space is auctioned to the highest bidder, often whales or layer-2 providers.

Critics argue high fees are problematic, but proponents say it's a natural outcome of blockchain's modular scaling philosophy. Unlike monolithic chains aiming for equal service, modular chains prioritize security and predictability, making tiered pricing essential.

During the August crash, even rollup fees surged, highlighting the immaturity of the rollup fee market. However, competition is expected to stabilize these fees over time. The future likely holds more abstracted gas fees for end-users, enhancing the user experience.