Pi Coin Tumbles 44% After Hitting $3—What’s Dragging Pi Network Down?

Pi Network’s native token, PI, has experienced a sudden drop in price, plummeting 44% over the past four days.

After peaking close to $3 on February 27, the token has fallen to around $1.67, briefly hitting a daily low of $1.52. This sharp decline has left investors questioning what caused the sudden downturn.

Several key factors appear to be influencing PI’s price movement, including delays in a potential Binance listing, suspected whale manipulation, and the token’s limited real-world use.

Binance Listing Delay Dampens Enthusiasm

A major point of optimism for PI investors was the possibility of the token being listed on Binance. The world’s largest crypto exchange conducted a community vote in February, with an overwhelming 86% of participants supporting a PI listing. However, Binance has yet to take action, leaving investors in limbo.

Binance is still reviewing Pi Network’s listing despite strong community support, raising questions about its listing priorities. Source: Pushpendra Singh via X

Without a Binance listing, PI lacks the liquidity and visibility that could drive significant demand. Some analysts believe this uncertainty has led to lower buying interest, contributing to the price decline. If Binance continues to remain silent, further sell-offs could occur as investors lose confidence.

Whale Activity Fuels Volatility

Aside from the delayed listing on Binance, market analysts believe whales are behind the volatility of PI. Some claim that whales are playing pump-and-dump—pumping the price artificially so they can sell in bulk and cause a sudden drop.

Pi Coin may have future potential, but whales can still manipulate its price, making cautious investment essential. CryptoXD via X

PI’s market structure makes it vulnerable to such manipulation. With few decentralized applications (dApps) built around the token, its price is primarily driven by speculation rather than actual use cases. Without real-world adoption, PI remains a target for short-term speculative trading, increasing its susceptibility to sharp price swings.

Lack of Utility Limits Growth

Another challenge for Pi Network is the token’s struggle to establish itself as a practical cryptocurrency. While a few businesses, such as Florida-based real estate company Zito Realty, have started accepting PI as payment, adoption remains minimal.

For PI to maintain a stable price and gain long-term investor confidence, it must transition from a speculative asset to a functional currency. Expanding its utility within digital payments, online marketplaces, and DeFi applications could help strengthen its position in the crypto market.

Optimism Amid Uncertainty

Despite the recent downturn, some analysts believe PI could recover. Crypto enthusiast GEM HUNTER suggested that if PI breaks above $1.85, it could trigger a rally past $4. Others have speculated on more ambitious price targets tied to the mathematical constant π (3.14159), though such predictions would require an unrealistic market cap exceeding $2 trillion.

Pi Network (PI) could still stage a bullish breakout above the $2 resistance and surge to a new all-time high. Source: Exloseur on TradingView

Adding to the speculation is the potential inclusion of Pi Network in Donald Trump’s proposed US Crypto Reserve. While the initiative is still in its early stages, some Pi supporters argue that the project’s US origins and backing by Stanford PhDs could make it a candidate for inclusion. However, prominent Pi community figures have cautioned that the network needs to prove its long-term value before being considered for such a reserve.

What’s Next for Pi Network?

Pi Network faces a crucial period ahead. If Binance moves forward with a listing, PI could see renewed interest and an upward price movement. However, continued delays, whale activity, and a lack of adoption could keep the token under pressure.

Pi Network (PI) was trading at around 1.67 at press time. Source: TradingView

For Pi Network to thrive, it must focus on expanding real-world use cases, building a stronger ecosystem, and improving investor confidence. Until then, PI’s price movements may remain largely driven by speculation, leaving it vulnerable to further volatility.