# Blocknative (Ethereum Mempool API) MCP

> Blocknative (Ethereum Mempool API) gives you real-time gas price suggestions directly from live Ethereum mempool data. Connect this MCP to any AI client to check network congestion, predict optimal transaction costs, and ensure your crypto actions get included in the next block without overpaying.

## Overview
- **Category:** developer-tools
- **Price:** Free
- **Tags:** ethereum, gas-prices, mempool, web3, crypto-transactions

## Description

When dealing with Ethereum transactions, timing is everything. You need to know if a gas spike is coming before you commit to a swap or deployment. This MCP connects directly to Blocknative's platform, giving your agent real-time data on the network's current state. It tracks the mempool—the waiting room for all pending transactions—to give you confidence levels (like 99% or 70%) regarding gas prices. Instead of guessing or checking multiple dashboards, ask your AI client to assess the optimal cost/speed balance right when you need it. Integrating this tool via Vinkius lets developers and traders pull these critical insights directly into their workflow, making sure they only pay what's necessary for their specific transaction priority.

## Tools

### get_gas_prices
Fetches real-time suggestions for Ethereum gas prices based on current mempool activity.

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
What are the current Ethereum gas prices according to Blocknative?
```

**Response:** 
```
I've fetched the latest gas prices. For a 99% confidence of inclusion in the next block, the suggested base fee is 15 Gwei with a priority fee of 1.5 Gwei. Lower confidence tiers (70%) are around 12 Gwei.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Give me gas price suggestions for a high-priority transaction.
```

**Response:** 
```
For high priority, you should use the 99% confidence tier. Blocknative suggests a Max Fee of 18.5 Gwei and a Priority Fee of 2.0 Gwei based on current mempool congestion.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Is the Ethereum network congested right now? Check the gas prices.
```

**Response:** 
```
Checking the mempool... Gas prices are currently elevated, with the 99% confidence tier at 45 Gwei. This suggests significant activity or a spike in demand on the network.
```

## Capabilities

### Estimate Gas Costs
Retrieves suggested gas prices based on current network conditions.

### Assess Network Congestion
Provides insights into the live mempool data to gauge overall Ethereum activity levels.

### Balance Cost vs. Speed
Compares different gas price confidence tiers so you can choose between lower cost or guaranteed inclusion speed.

## Use Cases

### A DeFi trader needs to execute a large swap across multiple protocols.
The agent uses `get_gas_prices` and determines the network is highly congested. Instead of losing funds due to failed transactions, the user waits for a dip in the 95% confidence tier suggested by the MCP.

### A developer needs to test transaction logic before deployment.
The dev asks their agent about gas prices. The agent uses `get_gas_prices` and reports that the current cost is high, prompting the developer to adjust the contract's timing or priority settings.

### A crypto enthusiast wants to know if a sudden price movement requires immediate action.
The user asks: 'Is Ethereum congested right now?' The agent checks the mempool and reports an elevated 99% confidence fee, advising the user of significant network activity.

## Benefits

- Stop guessing on gas fees. Use this MCP to get current gas price suggestions, letting your agent tell you exactly what you need to pay for inclusion in the next block.
- Time your transactions better. By monitoring mempool insights, you ensure your swaps and liquidations are priced correctly relative to network demand.
- Avoid overpaying or getting stuck. Comparing different gas price tiers lets you balance cost against guaranteed speed for any Ethereum operation.
- Instant assessment. Simply ask your AI client about the current state of the network; it checks the mempool and tells you if things are spiking.
- Works with every agent. Connect this MCP once through Vinkius to give all your compatible clients access to live, high-confidence gas price estimates.

## How It Works

The bottom line is that you get immediate, actionable fee estimates without needing to consult external websites.

1. Subscribe to this MCP and enter your unique Blocknative API key.
2. Prompt your AI client with a question about current gas prices or network congestion.
3. Receive structured, real-time data suggesting optimal fees for the transaction.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is gas price for Blocknative (Ethereum Mempool API) MCP?**
Gas price refers to the cost required to execute a transaction on Ethereum. This MCP provides real-time estimates so you know exactly how much crypto to spend before hitting send.

**Does Blocknative (Ethereum Mempool API) MCP work for all blockchains?**
No, this MCP is specific to the Ethereum network and its mempool data. It provides insights only for transactions on that chain.

**How does get_gas_prices help with transaction failure?**
By checking live mempool conditions through `get_gas_prices`, you can adjust your fee to avoid sending a transaction that is too cheap or gets stuck due to high network demand.

**Can I use Blocknative (Ethereum Mempool API) MCP for historical analysis?**
This MCP focuses on real-time data. For deep dives into historical trends, you would need an MCP designed for indexed and archived time-series market data.

**Is this MCP compatible with all AI clients?**
Yes, connecting via Vinkius gives your agent access to the tool across any MCP-compatible client application, letting you use it wherever you work.