does ethereum run on gas 
the ethereum gas fee exists to pay network validators for their work securing the blockchain and network 1 without the fees there would be few reasons to stake eth and become a validator the network would be at risk without validators and the work they do so it essentially runs on gas the bottom linegas fees are used on the ethereum blockchain and network to incentivize users to stake their eth staking works to secure the blockchain because it discourages dishonest behavior for staking their eth owners are given small payments as a reward for helping to secure the blockchain and help it function fees are determined by the amount of network traffic the supply of validators and the demand for transaction verification the higher the demand and traffic the higher the fees when traffic and demand are lower fees become lower the comments opinions and analyses expressed on investopedia are for informational purposes online read our warranty and liability disclaimer for more info 