Ethereum Gas Fees Explained: Why They Rise and How to Reduce Them

Every action on Ethereum costs a fee. That fee is called gas, and it is paid in ETH. In April 2026, a simple ETH transfer on the main network cost about $0.01, according to Dwellir. In 2020, average gas prices reached 480 gwei during a rush of trading activity. The gap between those two points is large, and the reasons are worth understanding. This article uses data from seven sources to explain how gas fees are built, why they rise, and what has pushed them down. It ends with practical steps to pay less.